CVS joins the growing list of retailers offering customers incentives for bringing reusable bags. The company is implementing a green bag card system. For every four shopping trips with a cloth reusable bag, the customer will receive a coupon for $1. There's also word that Target stores are offering a 5-cent credit for every reusable bag used.
Read more about the CVS program here.
Daily News-Miner 9.11.09
Read more here.
The new UN Environment Program (UNEP) report Marine Litter: A Global Challenge is the first attempt to address the growing marine litter problem in seas around the world. It was launched on World Oceans day, and UN Under-Secretary General/UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner describes marine litter as “symptomatic of a wider malaise: namely the wasteful use and persistent poor management of natural resources.”
He asserts that, “Some of the litter, like thin film single use plastic bags which choke marine life, should be banned or phased-out rapidly everywhere – there is simply zero justification for manufacturing them anymore, anywhere."
Plastic is cited as one of the primary pollutants and greatest threats to marine life. According to UNEP “Plastic – especially plastic bags and PET bottles – is the most pervasive type of marine litter around the world, accounting for over 80 percent of all rubbish collected in several of the regional seas assessed. Plastic debris is accumulating in terrestrial and marine environments worldwide, slowly breaking down into tinier and tinier pieces that can be consumed by the smallest marine life at the base of the food web.” A study of fulmar seabirds in the North Sea found that 95 percent of them had plastic in their stomachs.
UNEP/GRID called for higher fines for ocean dumping as well as flexible economic incentives and deterrents to address the problem.
Download Marine Litter: A Global Challenge
Our Take: Once again plastic bags and bottles are singled out for their contribution to this problem. Remember, all the plastic we produce and consume will last forever! Mindless over-consumption of use & toss items is at the root of this problem. - it's up to all of us to wake up and consciously consume far fewer of them.
Wend.com 8.24.09
"Add another city to the list of those that have understood the severe negative effects of single-use plastic bags. Last Wednesday, Mexico City banned businesses from distributing plastic bags that are not biodegradable. The ban affects all stores, production facilities and service providers within the Federal District, which encompasses the city limits. Nearly 9 million people live inside the district, which makes it the second large metropolitan area in the Western Hemisphere to outlaw single-use plastic bags..."
For more, read the entire article.
Wired.com 08.19.09
“Although plastic has long been considered indestructible, some scientists say toxic chemicals from decomposing plastics may be leaching into the sea and harming marine ecosystems.
Contrary to the commonly-held belief that plastic takes 500 to 1,000 years to decomposes, researchers now report that the hard plastic polystyrene begins to break down in the ocean within one year, releasing potentially toxic bisphenol A (BPA) and other chemicals into the water…”
Read Toxic Soup: Plastics Could be Leaching Chemicals Into Ocean
Cashiers out there beware of the hidden risks of BPA in register receipts. The toxic chemical bisphenol A which has recently been circulating in the media in stories about baby bottles and canned goods is apparently all over your receipts and in large amounts. This paper treatment comes off on your hands and can enter the bloodstream through your skin causing silent risk. BPA has been shown to
See the full article here: Don't Touch That Recept! It May Be Toxic
Due to disease and other factors, bee populations are declining, and fewer pollinating insects means trouble for crops and wild plants alike. You can help counteract this trend by building a simple home for orchard mason bees, a wildly productive pollinator found in most areas of the United States. The house offers holes sized perfectly for mason bee nurseries.
Mason bees are gentle, they don't swarm, and they rarely sting, making them a considerate guest in your garden. They lay eggs in the spring, so be sure to get your house out early.
Measure, mark, and saw off section 1 from the board, as shown in the diagram. Use it as a template to mark and saw the five matching pieces.
Stack the six pieces and temporarily wrap them with tape. Place the taped stack vertically on the remaining board and mark the base. Saw along the line. The remaining board is the roof.
Use the hammer and nails to attach the base and roof to each of the six pieces. Make sure the back of the roof is flush with the house's back. Remove the tape.
Mark holes every 1-1/2 inches on the front of the vertical pieces, then drill a hole 3 to 8 inches deep at each mark, avoiding nails. (The bees lay female eggs in the backs of the holes, male eggs closer to the front.) It's easier to drill the shallower holes on the outer boards. Smooth the openings with the sandpaper. Knock the sawdust from the holes.
Using the picture-hanging kit, mount the house facing south or southeast on a wall, fence, pole, or other support. Look for telltale mud walls inside the holes over time. Next spring, full-grown bees should emerge.
There are more than 25,000 species of bees. They live on every continent except Antarctica.
Fun Bee Facts
To make one pound of honey, a honeybee would have to travel more than 55,000 miles and visit about 2 million flowers.
The smallest bee species is Trigona minima, a stingless bee only 1/12-inch long.
Each of us makes choices on a daily basis. Our choices may be simple, they may be significant, they may keep us up at night, and they often affect others. Can you recall the feeling of making a choice, taking action, or getting involved for something so righteous and inspiring that you could barely contain yourself?
In May 2010, Bags Bee Gone decided to become a member with an amazing organization called 1% For The Planet, and our expectations for the outcomes of this one choice have got us all fired up.
Founded in 2002, 1% For the Planet promotes giving from the business community to environmental organizations that are working toward preservation and restoration of our natural environment. Corporate membership with 1% For the Planet means a company pledges to donate 1% of gross annual sales to non-profit organizations with a focus on environmental causes and a successful track record. Over 1,000 businesses world-wide have become members with 1% For The Planet over the past six years, forming a veritable coalition of companies rooted in the fertile common grounds of financial commitment to creating a healthy planet.
We are tremendously excited to join with 1% For The Planet in support of efforts by non-profit organizations to protect and promote the wellness of this one great Earth. Membership with 1% For The Planet is one aspect of Bags Bee Gone's overall commitment to doing the right thing; we work very hard everyday to create the finest processes, products, and services so our customers can enjoy what they deserve: peace of mind. There are no greater gifts we can share with our children than clean air, clean water, richness in plant and animal species worldwide, and the ethic of stewardship for our environment. These are the outcomes we seek to support through our 1% For The Planet partnerships.
Event Name: Oscar's Green Fair
Location: Sesame Place - Langhorne PA
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Address: 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA 19047
Fair entrance included with general park admission or season pass: Pricing
Visit the Sesame Place website for more information www.sesameplace.com
Event includes environmentally friendly vendor fair with partners specializing in eco-friendly goods and services in the park plaza. We're looking forward to helping support this environmntally friendly event while helping to educate and inspire the families that attend about the little things they can do to make a big difference.
For 20 years, Riverkeeper’s Shad Fest has been a celebration of the vast numbers of American shad that returned each year to the Hudson River to spawn. The shad run has been a welcome sign of spring, rebirth and renewal for thousands of years, since the Lenape Indians populated the Hudson’s shores. Sadly, the shad population has declined in recent years to dangerously low levels and the focus of this year’s event is on saving the American Shad and other Hudson River signature fish which are similarly at risk.
This all-day festival takes place on the banks of the Hudson River and provides the perfect opportunity for friends and family to enjoy a day in the country celebrating the resource Riverkeeper works to protect.
All-inclusive Ticket: $75
Green Street Market • Children’s Stage • Whole Foods Market picnic • Local & Regional • Craft Beers & Limited-Production Wines • Falconry & Wildlife Show • Jonathan the Storyteller • Bindlestick Bill • Andante Music • Animal Alley • Tree Climbing • Nature Hikes with Wildman Steve Brill
Musical Performances:
UNCLE WADE • OTHER CORNER JUG BAND • EVAN WATSON
All proceeds go to supporting the vital work of Riverkeeper:
Protecting NYC drinking water & the majestic Hudson River
Additional Ticket Prices:
$25 Youth 6 – 20 (Children 5 and under are free, $40 on event day)
$75 Individual Adult Tickets ($100 on event day)
$100 Premier Ticket (Includes “Friend” level 12 month Riverkeeper membership, tour of Boscobel House & Gardens & premium parking, supply limited)
$175 Family Pack (Includes admission for 2 adults and 2 youth)
$225 Premier Family Pack (Includes Family Pack plus “Friend” level 12 month Riverkeeper membership, tour of Boscobel House & Gardens & premium parking, supply limited)
$1,000 Festival Pack – (includes 10 admission tickets with a ‘Friend’ level 1 12 month Riverkeeper membership, tour of Boscobel House & Gardens & premium parking, supply limited)
For more information or directions please visit the Riverkeeper website
Bee-Eazy Bags is proud to present at the Rhode Island Green Fest
April 17-18
Providence, RI
Big Y - Ways to Green Your Diet
With environmental and economic concerns increasing, people are making energy–saving changes a priority. Some switch to using compact fluorescent lightbulbs, while others drive a more fuel-efficient car. But did you know you have the power to go “green” every day with your eating habits?
Consider your food’s “carbon footprint.” This is the amount of energy and resources it uses in production and transportation.
To lower your carbon footprint, start increasing the amount of locally produced food you buy. This will help reduce the amount of energy used and pollution created during shipping of food. Plus, buying locally supports farms and businesses in your community. To find out the origin of your food, take a moment to check labels and supermarket signs.
Product packaging leads to waste, so consider it when shopping. Look for products with refill packs and minimal packaging. Check for packaging made from recyclable or biodegradable materials. Question if convenience packaging is truly necessary, because individually wrapped products can significantly increase your amount of waste. Instead, buy in bulk and pack snack-size portions in reusable containers.
Time spent planning meals can go a long way in reducing food waste. Take time once or twice a week to plan out daily menus before going grocery shopping. When creating menus, plan on different ways to use leftovers for another meal. For example, cut up baked chicken breast from one night’s dinner and mix it with pasta, feta cheese, spinach, and tomatoes for the next night’s meal.
Some food waste is unavoidable, so consider composting. Composting reduces trash volume by converting certain food waste into rich soil. This soil can be used for gardening, perking up lawns and decorating around trees. Many towns make composting bins available at a reduced cost, while other places are beginning to offer drop-off sites for food scraps. Contact your local Department of Public Works and visit your state’s Department of Environmental Protection Web site for more information.
Make two meals each week vegetarian based. Why? Americans generally eat enough meat-based protein and not enough fruits and vegetables. Increasing the amount of fruits, vegetables and legumes (dried beans) you eat will have positive effects on your health and the environment. Plus, livestock use a considerable amount of resources and produce waste that can lead to water pollution and greenhouse gases.
Choose certified organic options of your favorite foods, when possible. Chemical-based pesticides and fertilizers, as well as farming techniques often used with conventional foods, are typically chosen to increase yield and produce more attractive looking products for consumers. There is growing concern, though, of the environmental impact these compounds and practices have. Therefore, if buying organic is possible, go organic!
Promoting sustainability requires one to alter how they live in the present so future generations benefit from the same resources. “Going green” with your diet doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Simply be aware of your options and make changes where you can. Any effort made to “reduce, reuse and recycle” makes a difference.
An investigator described this excessive marine debris as the "new man-made epidemic," since the tiny pieces are believed to contain toxic chemicals and can absorb banned substances such as DDT. Not only is there a chemical threat, but the growing garbage patch debris poses danger to marine life and birds.
Read the entire article.
Wend.com 8.24.09
"Add another city to the list of those that have understood the severe negative effects of single-use plastic bags. Last Wednesday, Mexico City banned businesses from distributing plastic bags that are not biodegradable. The ban affects all stores, production facilities and service providers within the Federal District, which encompasses the city limits. Nearly 9 million people live inside the district, which makes it the second large metropolitan area in the Western Hemisphere to outlaw single-use plastic bags..."
For more, read the entire article.
Big Y - The Air You Breathe
There’s been a great deal of press about improving the air quality in our cities, much discussion over what we can do to reduce smog, pollution, carbon monoxide and other environmental problems in our outdoor spaces. But what about the air quality in your own space? You spend more time living in— and breathing in — your home than anywhere else. “Greening” your home is a great way to keep yourself healthier (and it’s good for the environment, too).
Go green - literally. Besides adding beauty to your living space, live houseplants have been proven to create cleaner air. Plants add much-needed oxygen and moisture to the atmosphere, while sucking chemicals
and contaminants out of the air. Have at least 15 plants around your home for the maximum benefit. An added bonus: Studies have shown that people who are surrounded by plants have lower blood pressure, are more productive and even recover from illness faster.
Stub out cigarettes. Banning smoking from your home is just about the most important thing you can do for the air there.
Keep moisture under control. Making sure your house isn’t too humid will help prevent mold from taking hold. Use exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom; use a dehumidifier in the basement or crawl space if necessary (just make sure to regularly replace its filter and empty its drip pan). Aim to keep your home’s humidity between 30 and 50 percent.
Keep it clean! Cleaning regularly will keep everyday deposits of dust, dirt and pet hair from becoming airborne and turning into pollutants.
But clean smart. Using a feather duster will just send dust and dirt scattering
into the air, where you’ll breathe them in. Instead, use a magnetic duster cloth or a damp rag, which will trap everything. The same goes for sweeping; use your vacuum instead of a broom for cleaner air.
Consider the chemicals you use. Many household cleansers and other products contain harsh chemicals that can send volatile, unhealthy fumes into the atmosphere. Whenever possible, use milder cleansers, and purchase spray-trigger bottles rather than aerosol.
Let the outside in. Open your windows to let fresh air circulate at least once in a while — it will usher out stale air and indoor pollutants as well. Keep doors between rooms open and consider
running a fan for even better circulation.
Maintain, maintain, maintain. Keep your home’s heater and air conditioner in good shape with regular checkups. Be sure to replace and/or clean their filters as recommended by their manufacturers.
If possible, get High Efficiency Particulate (HEPA) filters, which can trap tiny particles that other filters would let back into your home’s air.
Test the air. Invest in several carbon monoxide detectors and place them around your home next to the smoke detectors. They’ll sound an alarm if the deadly gas reaches dangerous levels in your home. You might also want to consider testing the air for radon, which is a gas that is found naturally in the soil. Radon has been linked to lung cancer, so if it’s detected in your home, you’ll need to seal cracks and install vents under your house.
Big Y - Riding the Wave
When you think about water, your main concern is probably just trying to make sure you drink your eight glasses a day. But beyond those 64 ounces, do you know how much water you use in your home each day? Chances are it’s more than you think. In fact, the average American uses around 110 gallons of water every day! Conserving water is important for the environment — and it’s easier than you might think. Each little drop in the bucket counts toward big
changes over time. Here are some of the simplest ways to help save water in and around your home.
In Your Kitchen
Believe it or not, in most cases, using your dishwasher is usually more water-efficient than handwashing dishes — especially if you run the dishwasher only when it’s fully loaded. When you’re loading the dishwasher, scrape and wipe food scraps off dishes rather than rinsing them first to save even more water.
Instead of dumping “old” water down the drain —glasses with melted ice, water left over from cooking pasta or vegetables, etc. — use it to water houseplants once it’s reached room temperature.
Do you have to run your faucet for a few moments to get hot water? Don’t let that cold-to-lukewarm water run down the drain. Collect it in a pitcher or pot to use for cooking, washing vegetables or watering plants.
Use as little water as you can during cooking, and use the smallest pans you can. The larger the pan, the more water you’ll need to fill it. Keep your pots and pans tightly covered during cooking to ensure that water doesn’t boil away too fast.
Run the washing machine only when you have a full load — and skip the extra rinse cycle.
If you have handwashables, wait until you have several and do them all at once. Use the clean “rinse” water from one batch as the “wash” water for the next batch rather than draining and filling the sink each time.
In Your Bathroom
Got a leaky faucet? Repair that drip and you’ll save hundreds of gallons every year.
Choose showers over baths, and limit your showers to five minutes or less. Better yet, install a new low-flow showerhead, which will significantly reduce how many gallons your shower uses every minute.
When you’re brushing your teeth or shaving, don’t let the water run. Turn it off until it’s time to rinse.
Redoing your bathroom? Update your toilet. New toilets use just 1.6 gallons per flush - that can make a difference of up to 15,000 gallons a year!
In Your Yard
Invest in a rain barrel - which is exactly what it sounds like: a container you keep outside to collect rainwater. Then use that water for your lawn and garden.
Mulch, mulch, mulch. Keeping your beds lightly covered with a bed of mulch will help the soil retain moisture, meaning your landscaping will require less watering.
Weeding your garden will not only keep it looking prettier, but will enable you to use less water by eliminating your plants’ competition.
Water your lawn less often, but when you do, water for a longer time. The deeper into the soil the water goes, the deeper your lawn’s root system will be — and the deeper the root system, the longer the lawn can go without watering. (It will also withstand dry spells better.)
Every year, new research is published demonstrating the toxicity of pesticides to human health and the environment, often at doses previously declared "safe" by the pesticide industry and the government. Find out what you can do to reduce your risk of pesticide exposure while spending your money wisely on organic produce. Items with a very low pesticide load may not be worth purchasing organic.
Saturday, October 3, 2009 10:00am - 7:00pm
Sunday, October 4, 2009 10:00am - 5:00pm
LOCATION:
Portland Expo Center 239 Park Avenue Portland ME
TICKET PRICE: Admission price is $7.00, kids 15 and under are free.
This event will showcase 175 exhibitors offering the latest energy-efficient, eco-friendly products and services.
Enjoy a broad-range of exhibits and dozens of activities for all ages and every shade of green, including:
* 175-200 Exhibits!
* Free seminars
* Planet Kid's Zone
* Speakers
* Much More!
Don't miss the largest "Green Living Showcase" in Maine!
Daily News-Miner 9.11.09
Fairbanks, Alaska's Borough Assembly passed a 5-cent bag fee that automatically applies to a few dozen major retailers. The fee is characterized as a "user fee" to address the city's solid waste issues. Revenue from the fee will go toward emerging recycling programs.
Read more here.
Bee-Eazy bags is proud to be a presenter at GreenFest Philly in Philadelphia, PA. Come on down to see us
SHOW DATES & HOURS:
Sunday, September 13, 2009 11:00am - 6:00pm
LOCATION: 2nd and South Streets
TICKET PRICE: Admission Free
PARKING: GreenFest Philly 09 Parking Map
GreenFest Phillyis a one-day street fair FREE to the public that takes place in Philadelphia every September. Last year, over 200 exhibitorsand 25,000 people attended the area's largest environmental event. Various features included vegetarian food, sneaker recycling, live music & entertainment, kids activities, bicycle valet, yoga, local produce, green contests, composting and recycling, Eco Exchange Fashion Show & Clothing Swap, Food Symposiumand Green Film Festival.
Ever wonder what can or cannot be recycled? Our Friends at Big Y Supermarkets have created a quick quide to help you determine what is acceptable for recycling of what should be tossed out.
• Aerosol cans - As long as you make sure they’re completely empty, they can be tossed in the recycling bin with your other cans.
• Backpacks - When your teen decides it’s time for a new tote, you can donate the used one to the American Birding Association (www.americanbirding.org), which gives used backpacks to its scientists to use in the field.
• Carpeting - Nylon-fiber carpet can be recycled! Instead of dumping your old carpet in a landfill, find
out where to recycle it by visiting the Carpet America Recovery Effort’s Web site: www.carpetrecovery.org. Click on “What can I do with my old carpet?” to find out if there’s a facility near you. You can also contact your carpet’s manufacturer; several, including Milliken, and FLOR, have their own recycling programs.
• Cell Phones - Do you have a drawer full of your old cell phones? If so, you’re not alone. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, below 20 percent of cell phones are recycled every year. Buck the trend and try one of these options: Donate still-useable phones to the Wireless Foundation (www.calltoprotect.org), which will give them to survivors of domestic violence, or visit www.recyclewirelessphones.com to find other charity organizations. You can also check with the store where you purchased your phone; many will accept old phones for recycling.
• Computers - Because of the different materials used in their components, old computers should not just be tossed into a landfill. In many cases, your computer’s manufacturer will accept old computers for recycling - visit www.mygreenelectronics.com to find out. You can also donate computers to Next Step Recycling (www.nextsteprecycling.org), an organization that will repair and refurbish it for use by underfunded and ill-equipped schools, nonprofits or needy families.
• Crayons - Yes, those sad-looking broken crayons can be recycled. There’s an organization that will melt them down and re-mold them into new ones. Leave the labels on, and check in with the National Crayon Recycle Program (www.crazycrayons.com) to find out where to send them.
• Envelopes - Envelopes with clear address windows, paper or cardboard overnight mail envelopes and Jiffy Pak envelopes (the padded ones filled with soft packing material) can all be recycled with your paper. Shipping envelopes made of Tyvek can be returned to their manufacturer, DuPont, which will turn them into plastic lumber (call 866-338-9835 for more information). You’re out of luck if you have envelopes with bubble wrap or goldenrod-colored office envelopes, neither of which can be recycled.
• Formal Wear - Are old bridesmaid and prom dresses taking up valuable real estate in your closet? Donate them to www.operationfairydust.org or www.catherinescloset.org, which will give them
to girls who can’t afford them.
• iPods - Apple will take your used iPod and break it down for parts; just bring it to your closest Apple store. Bonus: You’ll get a 10 percent discount on a new iPod if you buy one the same day.
• Juice Pouches - Don’t toss these in your recycling bin, since most of them are made from a combination of metal and plastic that recycling centers can’t process. An organization called
TerraCycle (www.terracycle.net/brigades), though, will transform them into totes, purses and backpacks sold at major retailers nationwide. They’ll even donate between one and two cents per pouch you send them (depending on the brand) to the charity of your choice.
• Packing Materials - Styrofoam® peanuts can often be returned to a packaging store for reuse. Visit www.loosefillpackaging.com to find locations.
If your town doesn’t recycle those big Styrofoam® packing blocks, check www.epspackaging.org to find a drop-off location or directions to mail them to a recycling center. What about those inflated plastic shipping bags? Pop them to deflate, then mail to Ameri-Pak, Sealed Air Recycle Center, 477 South
Woods Drive, Fountain Inn, SC 29644. They’ll be turned into trash bags and car parts.
• Prescription Medication - If you have unused antivirals, antifungals or TB medicine, contact the Starfish Project (www.thebody.com), which will send them to clinics in Nigeria. They’ll send you a prepaid shipping label to make it even easier.
• Printer Cartridges - Did you know that these tiny plastic tanks could sit in a landfill for up to 450 years? They’re easily reused by manufacturers. If you have HP cartridges, send them back to HP. Bring any brand back to Staples for a $3 discount off your next printer cartridge purchase.
• Shopping Bags - Plastic grocery bags can be recycled! If your town won’t accept them, just bring them back to your local Big Y - we will. Paper bags can be tossed in with your regular paper recycling.
• Sneakers - If they’re too played out to donate for reuse, you can send your old sneakers to Nike (don’t worry, they’ll accept any brand), which will transform them into material that will be used for sports courts for kids around the world. Visit www.letmeplay.com/reuseashoe for details.
• Stereos, TVs and VCRs - Electronic equipment can be broken down and recycled, but usually you can’t just toss them in with your other items. Instead, visit www.earth911.org for a list of stores, manufacturers and drop-off locations that will accept them. When you buy a new TV from Best Buy, they’ll take away and recycle your old one.
• Umbrellas - As long as its spine is metal, just strip off the fabric and handle and drop it in with the rest of your metal recycling.
• Wine Corks - Plastic corks aren’t recyclable, but natural corks can either be composted or sent to a company that will make them into floor and wall tiles. Just send them to Wine Cork Recycling, Yemm & Hart Ltd., 425 North Chamber Drive, Fredericktown, MO 63645.
Link to Original Article: Something Old, Something New Reusing or Recycling Odd Items
Does your house have what it takes to be eco-friendly? Stock up on these cool new finds to help the environment.
Reuseniks, a 100% cotton garment bag made specifically for those who love to dry clean but hate to pollute. Designed with a drawstring at the bottom and zipper down the front, just bundle your dirty clothes in the Clothesnik to the dry cleaners or laundry, and they come back clean and ready to go hanging in the same bag.
We are happy to partner with Reuseniks and will be offering her fabulous product at all of our shows throughout the Northeast this fall.
Sprig love these Eco Trucks made by Sprig Toys. They're made of a composite of recycled wood and reclaimed plastic.
Green Toys - American Made Recycled toys. It just can't get better than that. This company makes some really adorable plastic toys from recycled milk jugs.
Klean Kanteen - Our favorite reusable bottles have been brought to us by Pottery Barn Kids this back to school season. These ultradurable, eco-friendly containers are the perfect size for kids. Made of stainless steel in new exclusive prints and fun colors. They're lightweight, reusable, BPA-free and designed to last a lifetime. Klean Kanteen now also offers a brand new sport top as well as a sippy cup with avent spout.
Wow Green - eco friendly cleaning products
Wowgreen cleaning products offer a convenient all-in-one green home cleaning solution that’s safe, effective and all natural. Not only are these cleaners effective, but they are also completely harmless. www.CleanChemicalFree.com
Stay tuned for future updates!
Bee-Eazy bags is proud to be a presenter at the 2009 Womens Show at the Ct Expo Center in Hartford, CT. Come on down to see us
SHOW DATES & HOURS:
Saturday, September 12, 2009 10:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday, September 13, 2009 10:00am - 5:00pm
LOCATION: Connecticut Expo Center, 265 Reverend Moody Overpass, Hartford, CT
The Expo Center charges $5.00 for parking. .
TICKET PRICE: Admission price is $10.00, kids 12 and under are free. Print your free pass below
Get your free VIP pass courtesy of Bee-Eazy Bags
CT POST - 8.14.09
Fairfield took a step toward joining Westport as the only town in the state to ban most plastic grocery and retail bags. A measure to stop businesses from using the bags was approved unanimously by the Reusable Bag Ordinance Committee in Fairfield 8/14/09. The ban is set for approval at the next Representative Town Meeting session September 28th, 2009. The proposal would allow retailers to use paper bags and plastic bags 28 by 36 inches or larger. Businesses that fail to comply face an initial fine of $150 from the Solid Waste and Recycling Department with a maximum fine of no more than $1,050 every 90 days. The town will use funds from an energy efficiency grant to purchase 3,000 reusable bags from the Chamber of Commerce for distribution at various town events.
MSNBC Online
MSNBC takes a hard look at the impact of disposable paper and plastic bags. Their coverage includes information on emerging legislation that will force change, and it makes the case for environmentally-sensible reusable bags. Hang in through the end for a handy calculator that shows how many paper and plastic bags you and others are helping save (including the number of trees and barrels of oil saved, too).
Yale Environment 360: Environmental Toll of Plastics Yale Environment 360 - 07.02.09
“The amount of plastic that will be produced this decade will nearly equal the total produced in the 20th century, and the substance is increasingly taking a toll on human health and the environment, a new study says...”
A study of more than 60 scientists published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B found the ill effects of this rapid, worldwide accumulation of plastic to include: significant changes to hormones that affect fetal development and other physiological processes, ingestion of millions of tons of plastic debris by marine animals, transport of invasive species by floating plastic debris that remains in oceans for thousands of years and leaching of harmful chemicals into groundwater from the plastic in landfills, among others.
Read the article: Yale Environment 360: Environmental Toll of Plastics (07.02.09)
Washington Business Journal 6.15.09
“The District gave its final unanimous vote in favor of charging a nickel for each paper and plastic bag that residents get from restaurants, pharmacies and grocers in an effort to clean up the Anacostia watershed… Council members pointed to a recent analysis by the D.C. Department of the Environment, which found that plastic bags make up 20 percent of trash in the Anacostia River and 50 percent of trash in its tributaries. According to that same DDOE report, charging for plastic bags could eliminate up to 47 percent of trash in the tributaries and 21 percent from the river’s main stem.”
I came across a great article in USA Weekend on Sunday which lists five simple things you can do at home to save money and help the earth. Some of the suggestions are excellent ideas.
1. Cheaper, Safer and Cleaner. Spending too much money on toxic cleaners? Reduce your investment in those cleaning supplies. It's safer, easier and cheaper to make your own. All you need is water, baking soda, and vinegar. Get recipes for a variety of cleaners at treehugger.com.
2. Don’t Trash Junk. consider gifting items through websites like Freecycle.org. You are helping someone and may even receive an item when you need one someday. Plus think of the huge savings for waste removal services.
3. Take it Easy On the Gas Pedal. Experts suggest trying to change our driving habits to increase our gas dollar. Simply, don’t push the gas pedal all the way down to the floor. Modern vehicles have a couple of extra inches of space at the bottom of the petal that actually do not help your speed. So pretend you have an egg under your petal. If you own a truck you can also search for accessories that cut down on wind resistance.
4. Gather a Brick. Instead of flushing down more water than you need, put a brick in your toilet tank. It will save you about a third of a gallon every time you flush. A full water bottle also works very well.
5. Unplug Your Gadgets. Up to 20% of your monthly energy bill could be powering electronics you’re not using. If you don’t want to constantly plug and unplug items, try picking up an item like the Kilewatz Kill-a-watt-ez electricity usage monitor from Brookstone. This handy tool let's you know which appliances in your home are using power when they're not turned on.
I'm always looking for fresh new ideas and recently came across a new direct sales business focused on eco-friendly products. The Happy Gardener allows consultants to build their business around their passions in the garden, allowing them to start their own gardening business while providing extra income for their family with unlimited earning potential. What a green idea!
The Happy Gardener Website
The New York Times 5.14.09
The City Council on Wednesday unanimously adopted a measure making Chicago the nation’s first city to ban the sale of baby bottles and sippy cups manufactured with a chemical that some studies have linked to disease.
Passage was driven by what officials here call federal regulators’ failure to take action on a grave public health issue.
The chemical, bisphenol-A, or BPA, is commonly employed to harden plastics, among other uses. Over time, it can leach into the contents of a plastic container, particularly one that is used in a microwave oven or cleaned in a dishwasher.
As long as you are looking information for saving the planet is everywhere. I would like to thank Big Y Supermarkets for their April Earth day issue for some great money saving tips.
Most people think making environmentally friendly choices means making sacrafices in comfort, convenience and money. In reality saving the earth can be a variety of easy fixes that can help you save thousands over time. Here are a few suggestions.
CRAFT MATERIALS: | |
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Half gallon milk or juice carton with plastic cap, rinsed |
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Scissors |
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Paper towels |
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Tape |
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Wallet Template |
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Ballpoint pen |
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Ruler |
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Craft knife (optional) |
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Butter knife |
Time needed: Under 1 Hour | |
1. Cut open the carton so it lies flat, as shown; put aside the cap for now. Dry the inside with the paper towels. Tape the template on top of the carton so that the top circle lines up with the spout. Mark the outline of the template with a ballpoint pen. Using firm pressure, trace the lower circle and the dotted lines of the template so that they transfer to the carton. (This will score the lines for easier folding.) A ruler will help you mark the straight lines. Cut out the shape from the carton. 
2. Use scissors to cut out the lower circle as marked. (Tip: To make cutting out the circle easier, first make an X with a craft knife.) Use a ruler and a butter knife to further score the fold lines. 
3. Following the fold lines you marked, create an accordion fold on each side of the wallet. 
4. Tightly squeeze the accordion folds. Fold the top flap down, pushing the spout through the hole. Screw on the cap to keep the flap in place.
3.06.09
The six largest manufacturers of baby bottles will stop selling bottles in the United States made with bisphenol A, a controversial chemical widely used in plastics but increasingly linked to aU range of health effects.
The manufacturers declared their intentions after Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, joined by the attorneys general in Connecticut and New Jersey, wrote to the bottle makers and asked them to voluntarily stop using the chemical.
MSNBC 2.25.09
A bill to ban pastic bags at supermarkets and department stores by 2012 was defeated Tuesday after a handful of Democrats joined with Republicans in voting against it. Critics argued that the ban would inevitably lead to increased use of paper bags, which they argued take more energy to produce and take up more room in landfills than cheaper, lighter plastic bags.
Our Take: It's possible Colorado was wary of being the first to pass this law. Other states such as Lawmakers in several other states — Hawaii, Missouri, New Jersey and New York, are considering similar bans this year.
2.12.09
A new federal law has been passed banning use of phthalates in children's products and toys. This ban is just the beginning in the fight against unsafe children's products. It is still incredibly difficult to determine if phthalates are used or what health effects can be experienced by widely used alternatives.
Bee-Eazy bags is proud to be a presenter at the 2009 Go Green expo in Philadephia, PA. Come on down to see us
Business-to-Business & Business-to-Consumer Expo
Saturday, March 14th • 10am - 6pm
Sunday, March 15th • 10am - 5pm
Where?
The Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19107
www.PAconvention.com
Why?
To learn how green alternatives can positively change the way you impact the environment. Each of our small changes make a big impact.
Tickets can be either purchased at the door for $10 - (Seniors and children under 12 are free) or purchased in advance on the website Tickets
It's becoming more and more disturbing these days to walk down my street only to find endless soggy and unreadable Reminder magazines cluttering up the street. Even more troubling is that the weather proof plastic bags they are tossing these in will take thousands of years to degrade, and will create an environmental issue across the state. Even if you are kind enough to clean up the litter for a neighbor the papers will keep coming. The policy of the paper is to continue delivery unless they are instructed not to deliver the newspaper to a home .
If you don't read the reminder or even if you do please contact the circulation department to cancel toll free at 1-888-456-2211 ext. 4. You can always catch the reminder on-line to save a tree http://www.remindernews.com/
Link: CookieMag.com
Materials: Tyvek envelope, scissors, hole punch, rubber bands, and markers.
Materials: Tyvek envelope, scissors, ribbon, and markers.
Materials: Tyvek envelope (or scraps from one of the other Tyvek projects), markers, scissors, paper fasteners (brads), and hole punch or awl.
MLive.com - The Grand Rapids Press 1.04.09
Just months after an incredible high, recyclers across the country are finding it more difficult to find customers for reclaimed materials. Many companies are resorting to storing materials at great taxpayer expense until prices level out.
Westport’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM) late Tuesday night passed an ordinance banning the use of plastic bags for retail checkout of purchased goods.
A slide presentation by proponents of the plastic bag ban ordinance preceded the three and a half hour debate. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
The vote just before midnight was 26 in favor, 5 opposed, and one abstention. The ordinance, which will become effective in six months, urges residents to use reusable bags and provides for a $150 fine for each store offering plastic bags in violation.
In the spirit of "Going Green" this holiday we would love to share the information for an eco-friendly card company. www.reproduct.net
ReProduct’s new Photo Card option allows you to send traditional photo cards in an environmentally friendly way. They also have beautiful non-photo cards (box sets) as well, if that's more your style. ReProduct's partners reuse 100% of each card, and the process (using the postal system) creates less strain on the environment. On average when you recycle only a portion actually gets reused. Ordering ReProduct's "Zero Waste" Photo Cards is exactly the same process as other personalized photo cards, only ReProduct cards come with an addressed, pre-paid return envelope. When card recipients are finished enjoying them, they simply put the card in the envelope, drop it in the mailbox, and it's sent to Shaw Industries to be turned into carpet backing. The process is entirely waste free and healthy for both people and the environment.
