This GREEN Life, bringing you a fun, simple view on living green and clean.  Visit http://this-greenlife.com/ regularly for green tips, from a pet lover’s perspective.

 Yesterday I wrote about New York’s campaign against disposable single-serving water bottles that encourages New Yorkers to drink more tap water.  I thought it would be fun to cover some of the alternative reusable water bottles on the market today. Many of them are quite trendy, as well as GREEN. 

 I’m not a plastic girl. Lately there’s been a lot of concern over Lexan plastic water bottles (Polycarbonate #7) leaching harmful chemicals into the container’s contents. Not to mention, plastic often makes your water taste a little funny. This green chick prefers stainless steel. All you taste is good, clean water, not plastic. Glass is better than plastic, but not always the best for traveling and everyday running around. Many brands are also making aluminum lined bottles.  

One of my favorite brands is SIGG. They have practically a million different designs and you can usually find them at a good price. If you’re looking to make a statement, they have some beautiful designs. MySigg has 144 different SIGG bottles to choose from.  I like the ones with the metal hook, or the screw top design. You can use a carabineer to hook it to your backpack or reusable shopping bag. While your their check out the fun Aluminum Boxes. They have a food-safe coating, and a rubber leak-proof seal.   

Klean Kanteen also makes a stainless steel water bottle. They even have a cool sippy cup adapter for children. Reusablebags.com is currently running a sale on the 27oz. Kanteen. (They also carry SIGG bottles.) When you order from Reusablebags.com you receive a cool sticker that says “plastic bags blow.” How cool is that? 

 If you prefer aluminum try Zefal. Amazon has one for only $7.99. I really don’t know much about the aluminum bottles, or the Zefal brand.    

Need a little more motivation? Chris at LightStep.com lists 5 reasons not to drink single-serving bottled water. 

 My current water bottle crush:

 Fun Tip: Make your own reusable shopping bag with this easy pattern. Feel free to leave your own water bottle tip!

 

This week NPR (the only place for real news in my opinion) covered a new campaign in New York urging the city to drink more tap water and say no to the bottled stuff. 

 According to the City Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden, NY paid top dollar for the city’s water system. The municipal water supply is safe, but many New Yorkers come from places where it may be unsafe to drink the water. Many American’s generally are just not as used to getting water from the tap anymore.  

 “New Yorkers have paid for a great water system. It only makes sense that they use it.” 

Some controversy does surround the campaign. Many are skeptical about the campaigns real motives as it closely follows a rise in water rates.  

Despite whatever the true motivation for the campaign may be, raising awareness about the harmful affects of wasteful plastics in my mind is a good thing. Consider that American’s consume an average of 200,000,000,000 plastic bottles each year.  San Francisco has already banned the use of City funds to purchase single-serving bottled water (having already banned plastic bags). I would like to see more cities do the same. For now, I will implement the law in my own home!

Newsweek interviewed the San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom last month.  

“The transportation and distribution, developing the plastic for the water bottles, the cost of the water, has a huge environmental and economic impact….the difference between bottled water and Diet Coke is that you can’t get Diet Coke from the tap. It’s not like any other bottled liquids. These people are making huge amounts of money selling God’s natural resources. Sorry, we’re not going to be part of it. Our water in San Francisco comes from the Hetch Hetchy [reservoir] and is some of the most pristine water on the planet. Our water is arguably cleaner than a vast majority of the bottled water sold as “pure.” 

I personally stopped buying bottled water a few years ago when I moved out on my own for monetary reasons. My mother used to stock up on those small bottles of water from Costco and Sam’s Club by the case (I’m happy to say she has since stopped this bad habit).  I no longer buy bottled water for the eco-reasons. Why waste plastic when I can get perfectly good H2O from the filtered water dispenser on the outside of my fridge. At work we have a reverse osmosis contraption that is fitted to the underside of the sink.  

Living in the hot, hot Florida sun, I carry a stainless- steel container water bottle wherever I go. If you need some inspiration to help you say no to plastic head over to EnviroWoman’s blog, Living Plastic Free in 2007.

 

Most consumer goods nowadays are way over packaged, making it difficult for those of us that keep a close eye on our household garbage production.  A good way to curb some of the plastic and paper packaging is to buy in bulk when it makes sense. Select larger quantities in a single bag or box. Packaging waste makes up ½ of all U.S. municipal solid waste by volume. I have not yet found the hard data, but I have read the claim that more of our food bill pays for packaging than actually goes to the food producers (farmers). 

 Saving Money – Organic oats from the bulk bins can cost less than $1 per pound, while a package of organic oatmeal can cost upwards of $8.00.  

If you make your own pet food, buying in bulk could really cut down on your grocery bill. Uncooked chicken and turkey can be stored in the freezer safely for up to 9 months. Organic rice and oats are much cheaper from bulk bins and rice has a shelf life of 2 years.

See this list of food items that tells you generally how long specific foods last. You don’t want to overdue it and end up throwing away food. And if you’re looking to save money make sure to check the unit price, what I call the true price.  

Don’t be fooled: Not all bulk items have less packaging. Some items, like individually sized chip bags are just comprised of smaller packages bundled together with more packaging materials.  Look for items without packaging, or limited packaging. Many brands are beginning to catch on, using recycled packaging materials and cutting down on over-packaging.  

In the produce section say no to plastic bags! Don’t worry, I don’t use those plastic bags on a roll and no cashier has ever given me a hard time. They may look at me a little funny, but I’m used to that. If you’re worried about those apples rolling around then purchase some reusable produce bags.  

Personally Speaking: I realized how many plastic yogurt cups I was throwing into the recycling bin and have since started buying the larger size containers that last me the whole week. I have to put up with one flavor for a while, but I think it’s worth the sacrifice. I buy fresh veggies and fruit by the pound instead of those in Styrofoam and plastic or clamshell containers. I also make a point to buy soup in recyclable cans instead of individual microwaveable single-portion cups.  

What do you buy in bulk? Any good brands to recommend? How do you save cash and slash the grocery bill?

 

When Mother Earth creates havoc it’s important to be prepared. This month’s addition of Pet Product News had some really great information on pet preparedness in case of a natural disaster or other emergency situation. Hurricane Katrina left millions of pets and pet owners in serious trouble when they had to evacuate. The article made some really good points and strongly suggests having a pet survival kit. Hurricane season is coming to a head in certain parts of the country and Texas is experiencing severe flooding.  Other disasters, such as fires and chemical spills should be taken into consideration.  

“When you need to evacuate, that has to be your main focus, not finding a leash or extra dog food. If you have all the supplies you need ready to go, you can focus on the immediate needs of your family, including your pets.” 

Pets that are left behind can be lost, injured or killed. Have the following items ready to go in case you need to evacuate:  

• Portable Pet Carrier for cats, small dogs, birds or other small animals. (Put your pets identification information, your name, address and phone number on the outside of the carrier)
• Leash
• Food & Water bowl
• 1 – 2 weeks supply of food and water in airtight containers. Check occasionally to make sure the food is fresh
• Can opener if you use canned pet food
• 1 – 2 weeks supply of your pets medication, clearly label and include instructions
• First Aid Kit (ask your veterinarian what your pet may need)
• ID tags
• Dry towels of blankets to line the carrier and use if necessary
• Litter and litter boxes for cats (disposable aluminum pans work great for disposable litter boxes)
• Health records and vaccination records in case of evacuation or need to stay in boarding kennel
• Recent color photographs of all your pets in case they get lost
• Get your pet accustomed to riding in a car to alleviate some of the stress during an emergency
• Pack a few of your pets favorite toys and treats to help keep them calm
• Check out boarding kennels and keep the name and number handy.
• Get the Numbers of pet-friendly hotels and motels.

 If you have been through an emergency situation with your pets, or just have some good advice,  please leave your comments for other readers.

 

NY Times ran an article this morning, Styrofoam, Food and Public Schools.  

They have a fantastic short video about the story on the NY Times site. The reporter interviewed children as well as parents. It includes a fantastic shot of grade-school age children on the steps of City Hall with posters, flyers and stacks of old Styrofoam food trays exercising their right to free speech. The protest was organized by Councilman Bill de Blasio, a Brooklyn Democrat. The real credit should go to the concerned parents that spoke up and decided to shed light on the issue. One parent was so concerned about the waste she, along with other parents, began collecting and washing trays to use for demonstrational purposes. The amount of trays she had collected in just one day was staggering, filling an entire large trash can. A whopping 4 million Styrofoam trays go from the New York City public school lunchrooms to the landfill each month.  

Polystyrene Foam, or Styrofoam (its trade name), is a petroleum based product that has already been banned from nearly 100 American cities. It takes hundreds of years to decompose and is a large component of marine debris (a nice way of saying a large part of the garbage we pull out of the ocean is Styrofoam). It has also been linked to starvation in marine wildlife and birds.

I’m so glad to see the next generation is being taught to one, take care of the environment and two, be civically engaged.  The children of the New York City School System are getting a great education in social responsibility.   

Public school parents in Brooklyn have started a movement to remove Styrofoam tableware in 1,400 city schools. These trays are bad for the environment and waste school budget money.   

I am inspired and I hope you have been too. Does your local takeout or restaurant use Styrofoam to-go containers? Take your own small container next time, split your meal with a friend so you’ll be less likely to have leftovers, go somewhere else, or eat-in more often (gasp) by having rotating dinner parties with friends. Take your own travel mug to your local coffee house. Some places will even give you a small discount. Who knows, you might find these compostable food containers at a take-out joint near you.

All pets aside, a great way to greenify your life is to take the philosophies you live by at home to work with you.  

1. Keep a stack of paper that with all the scraps that would have gone straight into the garbage (or recycle bin) near your desk. Instead of reaching for a post-it note reuse the back of an old sheet of paper. You can even use a paper cutter for quickly making perfect squares for phone messages, notes to co-workers, and short reminders. 

 2. Keep a reusable cup and coffee mug at your desk. No need to waste a plastic or (eeek) Styrofoam cup from the water cooler everyday. 

3. Reduce paper use by nearly 40% just by setting your copier to make double-sided copies. 

4. If you can print on both sides of the paper and only print when you really need to.  

5.   I know not everyone is able to, but if possible car pool, use public transportation or even bike to work .  

6. Cut down on paper towels. If you work in a small office put a cloth towel for hand drying in your restroom. Take it upon yourself to replenish it with a clean one from home every couple days. You may just inspire a co-worker to help out and join in.  

7. Turn off your computer monitor when in meetings or away from your desk during lunch break.  

8. If your office does not recycle already, find an office recycling program in your area. Recycle: paper, cans, boxes, bottles.  

9. Recycle print cartridges. Many companies now offer discounts if you send in your used cartridges.  

10. Donate your offices old computers and other electrics equipment.  

11. Use teleconferencing and video-conferencing to cut down on business travel.   

12. Switch off lights when they are not being used.  

13. Add the footer “Think before you Print” to the bottom of all your emails.  

14. Reuse envelopes.  

For more recycle at work resources go to Recycle at Work.  You’ll find cold hard facts that may help you convince co-workers and your boss that recycling at work is good for the environment and their bottom line. RecycleNow is another great resource.  

Eco-Pet Tip:(Compliments of Lauren, good friend and frequent commenter)

For anyone with pets at home the phone number to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Hotline  should be posted on your fridge with the rest of your emergency contact numbers. The hotline is run by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). It is the leading animal poison control center in North America providing support and advice for poison related emergencies. The hotline is available 24 hour a days, 365 days a year. The number is (888) 426-4435. Note, a $55 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.

“If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, make the call that can make all the difference.” – ASPCA

According to my friend Lauren, the charge to her credit card was well worth the peace of mind it gave her one Sunday night after her pup (and a pup she was sitting) ingested Ant Trap Killer.

The Pet Poison Hotline is another resource that provides a similar service. The number is (800) 213-6680. They charge a one time consultation fee of $35 per incident. This fee covers not only the initial consultation, but also any follow-up consultations made with the pet owner and/or veterinarian.  

 

Natural sunscreen is important for people and pooches. My friend Kelly made me think of this tip. She has a small Dachshund, Bailey, and occasionally rubs some of her sunscreen on him. While she never has him out in the sun for too long, we do live in sunny Florida and the little guy is mostly white with very short hair.  

Many veterinarians  recommend sunscreen for pooches with the same characteristics as Bailey, short hair, light-colored fur, pale skin. Hairless dogs are definitely at a much higher risk. Even if your dog has dark fur, his pink tummy or the tips of his ears could get burnt. I know my mother’s dog, Oscar, loves to lie on his back and nap with his legs straight up in the air.  

Dogs are most likely to get burnt on the abdomen, nose, groin and inside of the legs. Remember, light from the ground can reflect up from the pavement or sand and burn the underside of your dog. You should always provide your dog with shade if you will be out in the sun for any extended length of time.  

Sunscreen: If you opt for sunscreen, make sure to use a non-toxic, non-skin irritating sun screen. Dogs lick themselves and your pet’s skin can be very sensitive to synthetic fragrances and chemical additives just like people. They do make doggie sunscreens, many of which come in a spray bottle for easy application. You can also just use the same, natural sunscreen you use on your own body to protect your dog.

E-The Environmental Magazine wrote a good review of safe sunscreens. They give prices, ingredients to look for, and a rundown of the sunscreen basics.

If your dog is prone to getting a sun induced red nose you could try a nose balm. The Well Adjusted Dog Company makes a vegan nose balm that contains unrefined natural  Shea Nut Butter, which is supposed to provide natural protection from the sun. 

 

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products – Save money while protecting  your family and pets

Crunchy Chicken (If you haven’t yet checked out this eco-chick’s blog I really recommend it) asked her readers for natural cleaning solutions. The comments she received covered everything from windows and bathtubs to natural hair cleaning recipes.  Many of the solutions will also save you money.  

Did you know, you can make your own laundry soap  using a combination of Fels Naptha  , Borax and washing soda. Apparently it is much less expensive that regular laundry detergent.

Check out the blog for yourself and find more tips on my previous post, Are you spending money to make your pets sick? 

Cake for dogs?

Cake for dogs sounds a bit silly, but this is just too darn cute and super fun!  MA Snax sells all-natural, organic pet treats that are nutritionally balanced just for dogs. The mixes would make a great project for pet loving children.  

• Birthday Cakes

• Veggie Patch Treats

• Personalized Dog Bones & Mixes

Mmm Wheat Free Lamb and oatmeal, doesn’t that sound delicious!

New! – Dog Runners, dog walkers are so yesterday

The latest trend in pets is the Dog Runner, according to the New York Times. Dog walking is great, but some people find that it is just not enough for their pooch, especially big dogs with lots of energy. Dog walking services have been around for awhile, but now more people are opting for a Dog Runner. While web surfing I found this dog running company located in NY.  

I don’t personally know anyone who pays to have their dog walked, that’s part of the joy of having a dog in my opinion. But according to the stats many people do choose to outsource the job for whatever reason. 

One of my friend’s occasionally straps weighted harnesses on her two big dogs when she is short on time or her pooches are long on energy. A few miles and they saunter home dog tired and happy as can be.

Yesterday evening I had a lesson in standing up for what you believe in and knowing what to do when you’re called upon to act. Whether it is speaking up for the environment or pets, I refuse to be all-talk.  

Last night my boyfriend and I were having our weekly Sunday dinner at a little hole in the wall sports bar, Hurricanes, just down the street from our home.  We love it because they have great beer, seafood and you can sit right out on the street.  

All of a sudden a black pick-up truck screeches by us, and slams on his breaks. A man in another car is violently honking his horn, drawing attention to the man’s small black lab that is now dangling from his leash out of the back of the man’s truck bed. As the man proceeds to put the pup back in the truck bed I realize there’s not one, but 3 small dogs. Everyone is sitting outside the restaurant staring, clearly appalled, but silent. In an instant I stand up and scramble for a pen to take down the man’s license plate number while everyone else sits by, a few people mumbling grievances under their breath and shaking their heads.  

At this point I can’t believe the audacity of the man in the black truck. With witnesses sitting by watching I raise my voice,

“You’re kidding me, what are you doing? Your just going to put him back their again? Buddy, what are you doing?”

It all happened in a matter of a few brief moments, but at this point my blood is boiling and my face is hot. The man looks up at me and then hurriedly gets back in his truck. As he drives away the small lab’s head is once again poking out over the side of the truck and he looks as though it won’t be long before he is once again dangling over the speeding pavement by his neck. A second later I’m dialing information for the number to Animal Control.  

Once the ordeal is over I look up at my boyfriend who, like the rest of the restaurant patrons, hasn’t said a word or even moved from his seat and is staring at me. I become even more enraged. Finally, my boyfriend speaks, “I, I didn’t know what to do. What did you expect me to do, get up and slug the guy?” 

I can’t really blame him. No other witnesses spoke up either. My boyfriend is generally a quiet guy, but he’s an animal lover, an eco-activist. I guess you never know how you’ll react until your values are put to the test. I think it’s important to think about what’s important to you and what issues/atrocities you’re willing to speak up for.

I now have animal control stored in my cell phone.  The man in the black truck was probably never stopped, and what would happen? Driving around with a dog in your pick-up bed is not illegal in Florida, but I still feel that I did the right thing by speaking up. We were witness to animal abuse.  Maybe it gave the guy a little more perspective on how to treat pets, maybe it made some of the other witnesses think about their idleness and lack of responsibility, either way I know I walked the walk yesterday and I’m proud.   

Florida County Ordinance: TRANSPORTING ANIMALS IN OPEN BED TRUCKS
Persons transporting animals in an open bed truck must insure that the animal is safely and humanely restrained (at a minimum with double tethering for dogs) so that the dog may not break the plane of the truck. County Ordinance 14-49