Marcal Manufacturing LLC, which makes 100% recycled tissue products, is offering free lesson plans to help teach students about recycling.

The lesson plans are available at www.marcalsmallsteps.com/recycling-lesson-plans.html.

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We wouldn't be doing our jobs if we didn't share some handy tips for reducing, reusing and recycling over the holiday season. Here are some of our favorites:

• When you are looking for gifts, look for recycled content items and/or items with minimal packaging. Consider buying re-useable grocery bags as gifts & "wrapping" them in one of the bags!
• If you don't have enough dinnerware to feed everyone in your expected crowd, go to Goodwill and purchase inexpensive dinnerware instead of using paper & plastic. Mix & match is in!
• Gifts don't always have to come in boxes! You can purchase gift memberships for friends and family or make donations to worthy charities (like the IRC!) on their behalves.
• Make composting one of your New Year's resolutions. VERY few Hoosiers compost even though it's easy, great for gardens and will help you save on trash bags, not to mention reduce your carbon footprint. For more information on composting, click here.

Recycle whatever you can!

The recyclable items at a typical holiday dinner would save enough electricity to run the television for all of the holiday's football games!

Happy Holidays!

http://www.indianarecycling.org/

Still haven’t found the perfect present for those hard-to-shop-for recipients? We have compiled 10 must-have gifts for every person on your list.

From recycled materials to fair trade practices, you can be sure that your gifts will bring smiles without compromising your earth-friendly aspirations for a green holiday season.

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The average, unweatherized U.S. home leaks air at a rate equivalent to a 4-square-foot hole in the wall, according to the " Solar Living Sourcebook" by John Schaeffer. And with the residential sector consuming 35 percent of available energy to consumers, reducing our use of this costly resource can result in big savings.

So what should you do to prevent wasting your hard-earned cash on leaks? Check out our handy guide to weatherizing your home.

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The holiday season is officially in full-swing, and Thanksgiving marks the beginning of big family dinners, extensive gift shopping and elaborate decorations.

But the season isn’t all turkey, stuffing and pie. According to RecycleWorks, from Thanksgiving to New Years Day, household waste increases by more than 25 percent.

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We’re Green
Many see printers as bad guys who produce paper-based documents as an energy hogging, landfill-clogging, waste-producing industry that needs to be replaced by cleaner, more efficient electronic media.

But are we?

Despite all the hype about electronic media being "greener" than print, the opposite may be true. Electronic media are huge consumers of energy. When you consider that the paper industry is one of the largest consumers of clean energy like wind power, the tables may actually be turned.

In a recent publication, "Pixels or Paper?", International Paper wrote: The printing industry is one of the biggest users of renewable, low-carbon energy in the world. Sixty percent of the energy used to make paper in the U.S. comes from carbon-neutral renewable resources and is produced on site at mills. In addition, these facilities use combined heat and power (CHP) generation systems, which are 80-90% efficient. Fossil fuel use and purchased energy in this industry is steadily decreasing.

Taking only the servers that power the Internet as a comparison, the electronics industry uses more than 90% fossil fuels purchased off the grid, which are greenhouse gas emitting. The conventional power-generation systems used are only 45-60% efficient. And the consumption rate for data centers in the U.S. alone doubled from 2000-2006 and is set to double again in 2010.

The printing industry is increasingly "green." Our presses are highly efficient. We use recycled paper. We use vegetable-based inks. Even many of today’s plastics and coatings are recyclable. Today’s digital presses and consumables containers are made from recyclable components. E-media may not produce a tangible product, but this doesn’t make it green.

www.printingcreations.com
765.759.8585

As November kicks off, football season is in full swing as NFL stadiums average nearly 100,000 fans at each game. While that's a lot of hot dog buns and foam fingers, it also adds up to a lot of waste. And although more stadiums offer recycling, most of us don't bring our party waste into the game for disposal.

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I Got Worms! Composting & You
As Lloyd Christmas so profoundly shouted "I got worms!" in the comedy classic Dumb and Dumber, having worms isn't as bad as it may sound. Though he was referring to the name of his worm store, we are referring to vermicomposting.

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Now that Halloween is over and you're ready to move onto the next holiday, consider yourself prepared to answer the question: What will you do with your costume, decor and more anyway?

Well, finding out what to do with your pumpkin after Halloween is the easy part.

And reusing your decorations year to year is a no-brainer. In fact, Americans buy nearly $1.58 billion worth of Halloween decorations each year.

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Halloween, All Hallow's Eve, Samhain - whatever you may call the 31st day of October, the traditions of both tricks (and treats) enchant imaginations around the world on this haunted evening.

To add to the array of creepy costumes, ominous decor and an unearthly consumption of sweet treats, we think it only fitting to provide some spine-chilling facts and tips about the wicked fun of going green on All Hallow's Eve... and beyond.

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The solution used to be easy: Just drag out the rake, make a giant leaf pile, and either burn the waste or dump it at the curbside for the garbage collectors.

But now, in most places, such methods are illegal. That's because landfill space is shrinking, and burning leaves can be dangerous to our health.

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Do you find yourself checking the green labels on products before purchasing them?

They validate social and environmental concerns for both businesses and consumers, promising everything from healthier food to better stewardship of the land. With nearly 400 certifications worldwide, it can be difficult to understand what each one means and distinguish between legitimate seals of approval and marketing schemes.

BBMG, a branding and integrated marketing agency, recently released a Conscious Consumer Report. They tested 13 of the seals to see how 2,000 adults responded, in terms of recognition and alliance. Here are the 10 most recognizable labels, according to that study:.

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Luckily, whether you call a small space home or work in an office that could double as a closet, there are many ways to make the most out of your tight quarters. And, no matter the size of the space you're working with, there are always plenty of opportunities to add some green to your décor.

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As a result, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has recently been cracking down on how they're transported. This includes collection points, battery recyclers and anyone involved in sending used batteries from Point A to Point B.

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8 Ways Gadgets Have Gone Green
Flash back to 1989: Did we ever imagine a world in which we carried in our pockets palm-sized devices that connected us to everything from our friends to the Internet super-highway?

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Ever Wonder Why There are no string or tags?
 
Our unique pillow-style tea bag is the result of our commitment to doing what’s best for the environment.  Because these natural fiber tea bags don’t need strings, tags, staples or individual wrappers; we’re able to save more than 3.5 million pounds of waste from entering landfills every year!

http://www.bigelowtea.com/

Whether it’s a bottle of baby aspirin in a cabinet above your kitchen sink or a shelf of prescriptions on the bathroom shelf,  medication is a common household item.

In fact, a Maine Department of Environmental Protection study says the use of over-the-counter medications has risen 60 percent since the 1990s.

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As many people know, reuse is a step up from recycling. In fact, reuse is the middle-man between reduce and recycle, and some would be surprised at how many opportunities for reuse there really are – once you start looking for them.

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Going back to school is an exciting time because everything's new — teachers, fellow students, supplies. However, it's not very green to buy a whole new package of markers when last year's set works just fine. In addition to reusing old supplies, we've got a great list of ways to be as green as can be in the new school year.

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Don’t be fooled: Even if Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out” has been playing nonstop lately, the beginning of another school year is quickly approaching.

Back to school is the perfect time not only for digging out that alarm clock, but also for adopting some greener habits you and your whole family can practice all year long. Below are eight tips worthy of a gold—or green—star.

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Want to save about 3,000 gallons of water per year? It's as easy as turning off the tap when you brush your teeth or shave. Once you've got that down, look for creative ways to use less water, such as washing fruits and vegetables in a bowl instead of running the tap. You might be surprised by how many water-saving opportunities you'll find!

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The CAR Allowance Rebate System (CARS) is a $1 billion government program that helps consumers buy or lease a more environmentally-friendly vehicle from a participating dealer when they trade in a less fuel-efficient car or truck. The program is designed to energize the economy; boost auto sales and put safer, cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles on the nation's roadways.

http://www.cars.gov/

8 Ways to Make the Case

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Cool Off
Temperatures are heating up. Here are a few tips for how to stay cool this summer without racking up energy bills and a guilty conscience.

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With the American Clean Energy and Security Act making its way to the Senate after a narrow victory in the House, the fate of our relationship with carbon dioxide may soon be decided.

Of the various ways the bill looks to change the nature of how to deal with carbon emissions, cap-and-trade will form the basic structure if the landmark legislation is passed. In essence, the cap-and-trade system will distribute permits to pollute—at no cost initially—to any company that emits carbon dioxide (the cap).

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Life doesn’t stop and neither do we. There’s always work, school, traveling, errands, sports practices etc. that keep us on the go. You might think there’s little time to be green, but that’s not the case. There are plenty of ways to fit eco-conscious acts into our busy schedules. Here are some tips for being green while on the go.

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It’s that time of the year again, when most people are feeling the rising temperatures as summer comes crashing in. It’s fun in the sun, but it’s not always a party when you receive your electric bill. So, what is the best way to beat the heat?

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You may have seen a public service announcement on your TV featuring a wistful dealer of street drugs telling how the easy availability to drugs in family medicine cabinets is hurting his business. His is a complaint not guaranteed to generate sympathy for the plight of your local Fagan, but one that opens the door to a corollary situation…how to handle the thousands of tons of unwanted, out-of-date, or leftover prescription drugs loosed on the environment each year.

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In cities across the country, people are converting small plots of land into 1/4 acres or more of urban plenty. Perhaps it is concerns about a tighter budget, an interest in eating locally, or maybe it’s just an enhanced appreciation for both the intricate and simple joys to be found in growing one’s own food. Nevertheless, urban garden plots are springing up everywhere.

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You’ve got a sweet tooth you need to satisfy, but did you know that most of our favorite candies are wrapped in what has somehow become the unwanted stepchildren of waste management? Tossed in the trash or in a recycle bin, all candy wrappers make their way to the landfill. But why is this small, colorful package so seemingly difficult to recycle?

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Want the freshest, most affordable, organic vegetables possible with absolutely no food miles? Make like the Obamas and grow your own. “I think everyone should try to grow a little bit of their own food. It’s one of the best ways to really understand the seasons and become more conscious of where you’re food comes from,” says Scott Meyer, editor of Organic Gardening.

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Sometimes the nut really does fall far from the tree. So while you may have spent the last decade or so composting the scraps from your organic produce, riding your bike to work and debating whether to install solar panels or a green roof, mom might still need a little coaxing to go green. Of course she doesn’t want to be lectured. But Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show mom how truly easy and enjoyable it is to honor Mother Earth. Here are eight ways to celebrate that are sure to win her over.

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Meditation and relaxation encourage a balanced life and allow you to center yourself amidst everyday chaos. It's hard, however, to find an oasis of calm when mind and body products intended to soothe could potentially harm you, your surroundings and the environment as a whole. While hormone-disrupting phthalates and dioxin-producing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) seem to find their way into everything from yoga mats to massage oils, they're not in these products.

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Individuals and families living on tight budgets may not have the option of reaching for that Fair Trade coffee bean package or the pure organic produce. Although being a green consumer requires money, being a green citizen does not.

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Which flat-screen TV is greener?
With the changeover from analog to digital TV signals soon, many of us are looking at TV upgrades to match. Given the choice between an LCD or a plasma, however, it's hard to know which to pick.

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“Lemon juice is the strongest food acid in our kitchens, strong enough to make life unbearable for most bacteria,” says Robert Wolke, professor emeritus of chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh and the author of What Einstein Told His Cook 2: The Sequel, Further Adventures in Kitchen Science (W. W. Norton, $26).

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there are many ways to save money and reduce your impact on the planet. Once you are done with the usual suspects like changing your incandescent light bulbs to low-energy CFLs and shopping with reusable bags, check out these equally easy ways to simplify your high-wattage life:

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Only if you're an awkward, slobbery teenager. Instead, get lucky for a full hour tomorrow starting at 8:30 pm. Join millions of people around the planet supporting a cause even greater than a teen's first kiss: stopping global warming.

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Instructions:

With an adult's help, remove the lid of the egg carton and cut the bottom in half. Trim away excess. Paint the egg carton green and let it dry completely. Glue small yellow pom-poms to the top of each of the six egg cups. Cut two 2-inch strips from the pipe cleaner. Glue the pipe cleaner pieces to the top of the first egg cup to create the antennae. Glue the 2 small pom-poms on the front of the egg cup for the eyes. Finally, glue the eyeballs to the green pom-poms.

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Here's help in judging "green" claims on cleaning product packages.

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The Scoop on Bioplastics
The bioplastics industry has seen tremendous growth in the last few years, especially with the surge in oil prices. From plastic bottles to mobile phones, bioplastics are being used to create products typically made from petroleum-based plastics.

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Earth Day 2009, April 22, will mark the beginning of the Green Generation Campaign! This two-year initiative will culminate with the 40th anniversary of Earth Day in 2010. With negotiations for a new global climate agreement coming up in December, Earth Day 2009 must be a day of action and civic participation, to defend the Green Generation’s core principles.

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Are you gunning for the forest every time you use an ATM?
Maybe, since the number of trees that go to making receipts is just plain criminal. Hold up on requesting a receipt at the ATM, gas pump, checkout stand, and anywhere else where you have the choice, ski mask or not.

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Wanna schedule in some coloring time?
Have your people call the eco-crayon people. Crayons and colored pencils made with nontoxic, recycled, and sustainable materials won't overbook Earth's resources and your wee Picassos'll get some fun face (sketching) time.

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More than half of U.S. adults have made changes in their lives they believe will help sustain the environment. Taking this commitment to the kitchen, Whirlpool brand introduces the Eco Kitchen, helping consumers integrate environmentally-friendly changes in one of the biggest energy-consuming living spaces of the home. The Eco Kitchen, which includes the Resource Saver™ refrigerator, Resource Saver™ dishwasher, Velos® SpeedCook oven and Energy Save range, is the brand’s most energy-efficient kitchen ever.

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Think back to what you learned in seventh grade biology about the discovery process. The first step in the scientific method (trash is, after all, a very technical thing) is to ask questions about something you observe in your environment.

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Between the cold, condensation and lack of daylight, February, the shortest of winter months, can sometimes feel like it will never end. And it may seem funny to talk global warming while it’s snowing, but mid-winter, when we are busy trying to keep warm and travel through difficult weather conditions is the perfect time to think about reducing our carbon footprint. With all of the technology and resources at your disposal, you won’t need those extra days to make a positive environmental impact.

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Plastic recycling affects a range of products, from drink containers to shopping bags to pipes. Plastic is almost always the product of petroleum, a non-renewable resource. This makes recycling plastic even more important. Curbside programs often make recycling plastic containers easier than other plastic products. You'll likely be unable to recycle plastic bags, packaging and Styrofoam at the curb.

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Resolving to save money? And the planet? Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs promise a win-win: according to the industry and U.S. government's Energy Star program, which promotes CFL bulbs and other substitutes for energy-hogging incandescents, a CFL uses 75 percent less energy than its incandescent counterpart, lasts up to 10 times longer and prevents more than 450 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere.

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Once a pen has finished its serviceable life, or lost - which is most often the case, it doesn't simply disappear into thin air, although it may seem that way the rate they seem to vanish when you need one.

These disposable pens ultimately wind up in landfills and in waterways. Being made of plastic, they don't break down quickly and plastics are also usually made from crude oil.

A good refillable pen can last a lifetime. However, they do use cartridges which need to be disposed of. The cartridges are metallic, so they can be recycled.

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Recycling saves trees and conserves energy, but how do you know if you're doing your part? Manufacturers have created various symbols to let consumers know if a product is made from recycled materials or can be recycled after use. So which symbols mean what? The following recycling symbols are the most commonly used in the U.S. today and will give you a good idea if you're buying an eco-friendly product.

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According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling accounts for 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home. With rising fuel costs and increasing concerns about our planet's health, maybe this is the perfect year to asess your home's energy efficiency. And, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, you can save up to 3% on your heating bill for every degree you lower your thermostat.

Commit to setting your thermostat 1 degree lower this month than you usually do.

Learn More at TheSmartLivingProject.org

Food is such a large portion of what we consume every day. Do you ever think about how the food choices you make can influence the world and your health?

Learn more at SmartLivingProject.org 

For many people, a computer is the central tool at work. Optimizing the energy settings for computers and other devices can be more than a modest energy saver.

More Tips >>  

Plug-In To eCycling with US EPA is a partnership between EPA and consumer electronics manufacturers, retailers, and service providers that offers you more opportunities to donate or recycle - to "eCycle" - your used electronics.

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Finding ways to step lighter on the planet can open up new vistas—not to mention save you money. Try any of our suggestions and you might even be able to take one or two more trips this year.

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Your home should be comfortable, nurturing and aesthetically pleasing.

But most importantly, it should meet all of your needs by providing the right kind of spaces for a broad and evolving range of activities, including adequately housing all family members by accommodating their physical needs (such as bathing, sleeping, exercising and eating) and personal possessions, and supplying the necessary space for daily activities, be it working, relaxing or entertaining.

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The best way to increase your home's value is to add features that will enhance its appearance and function, without breaking your bank. This may sound like a tall order, but porches, patios, decks, terraces, gardens, lawns and manicured foliage around a home fulfill these goals in a number of ways.

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