How to Celebrate Earth Day?

This Thursday marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, a day marked to celebrate and embrace the planet we live on as a living and breathing entity. Here in the United States, the day falls on April 22 each year and has been an important teaching day to talk about the environment sine it was first proposed in 1969.

Even people who are not traditionally known as “Green” tend to do something better for the planet on Earth day but that leads me to the question in my post title…how should we celebrate?

Since I am a proudly self-proclaimed Greenie I already do a whole bunch of the things that are suggested as ways to show some eco love -- work from home most of the time, eat far less meat (almost none in fact!), use CFLs, wash in cold water, reduce/reuse/recycle, buy second hand or from local shops as often as is practical, unplug items not in use, do as much shopping on one day as possible to avoid multiple gas emission days, walk whenever possible, etc -- so what should an eco-attuned gal such as myself do to celebrate this momentous day?

Some of you may be having a similar problem right now considering my readers over here are certainly savvy environmental lovers who don’t just hug trees, they plant them too! But this leaves all of us with the difficult task of trying to determine the best way to do even more in honor of the planet; and it is just 3 days away, yikes!

I am stumped! If anyone has suggestions I am all ears! PLEASE give me some recommendations for ways to celebrate on Thursday and I will be forever grateful!

CVS Joins the Growing Trend with Earth Essentials Sugarcane Dishware

These CVS Earth Essentials plates and bowls are not the first I have seen created from sugarcane and because it is such a lowered impact on the planet to use this type of disposable dishware, as opposed to paper or plastic, I hope they are not the last.

With cookouts and parties, as I have said before, comes the disposable dishware option. Most people use these due to the sheer convenience of knowing they do not have to wash dishes at the end of the party. The good news about these disposables is that they are created from the rapidly renewing resources of sugarcane.

At only about $2.50 per pack (15 nine inch plates or 20 seven inch bowls) the cost is reasonable and right in line with other brands that may or may not be eco-conscious. They are sturdy too, with a fairly deep well on the plate and a nice wide double ridge rim on the bowls these plates will stand up to just about anything put on them.

I did not see these items available for purchase online, only in store, so their availability may vary from area to area. They are water and oil resistant but can not be washed and reused as the underside is not coated. As I have said before, the items are still disposable so it is not the best choice for day to day use, but if a commercial composting facility is available in your area they will break down quickly and with less of an overall impact. Otherwise they must be tossed in the trash like a standard paper plate.

Overall even though the availability of types and sizes is a bit limited I am happy to know that when shopping for this type of convenience item there is a more beneficial option out there so I am granting the CVS Earth Essentials dishware line a Three Leaf Rating!

Day two of being impressed by this exclusive line CVS! ♥love♥

Coming up tomorrow, the final installment: CVS Earth Essentials line bathroom tissue and paper towels

CVS Earth Essentials Paper Products from Recycled Content

CVS Earth Essentials paper towels and bathroom tissue (4 pack available online) are the final products I had the pleasure of testing out in this new and exclusive line. What I discovered is that I am really pretty impressed with CVS as a brand now!

I will start with the paper towels because this item is one that we had previously deemed extraneous in our household. Over the course of the last year or more we completely eliminated our use of paper towels and napkins in lieu of cloth versions. I was curious to test out the Earth Essentials towels however as I know there are many families who do still use them, so if this was a better choice I wanted to know about it.

At only about $0.80 per roll (online) the paper towels are a solid bargain considering they are two ply. The new trend in paper towels with the choose your own size means there will be less waste as a smaller piece can be used to take care of the same job. Best of all they are created from 100%, non-bleached recycled content (a minimum 60% of which is post consumer). In a final flourish, the quilting on the towels is in the shape of a heart; as if to say love the Earth.

The exact same post consumer recycled content and overall percentages holds true in the bathroom tissue as well. This truly impressed me but I was nervous to try it as it was only one ply and not puffy and quilted like my standard brand. What I discovered is that although it is not the softest brand I have ever used, it was absorbent and not completely reminiscent of sandpaper. Very important as a girl!

I am not sure if the packaging these items come in is recycled as well (paper towels are plastic wrapped, tissue is a tissue paper) and I wish there was a little more information available online as to the environmentally friendly manufacturing process.

Overall this product impressed me and if paper products have to be used at least they are created from a lengthened lifecycle of something else. With that said I am granting these paper products a Three and a Half Leaf Rating!

Overall I am very excited to know that my local CVS Pharmacy is concerned with doing something positive for our planet in creating this exclusive line of Earth Essentials. I hope to see the line expanded in the future with an even greater focus on the benefits of being eco-friendly! ♥love♥

CVS Hits the Jackpot with Earth Essentials Room Mist

When I find a product that has a low impact on the planet and functions in a surprisingly better manner than I had originally thought it would, you can be sure it is one I will stick with. I may have just been won over with the exclusive line of products, CVS Earth Essentials. Over the next few days I will be showcasing a few of these items and today I had to start with my very favorite -- the aromatic room mist.

In our current apartment we have been asked not to use candles so we have been looking for alternate ways to liven up the space through yummy aromas without having to bake all the time.

The moment I sprayed the Apple and Cinnamon in my living room I smiled and said “mmm, fall”. The smell really lasted too. A couple hours after originally spraying, I left the room and still smelled it when I came back in.

I used Lavender and Citrus in the bathroom and although it is a lighter scent that does not mean it faded quickly. Also, the smell stayed put, the two did not permeate the house to intermingle. (Also available is Sweet Rain)

Through use of essential oils and a double concentrated formula one spray across the room was enough. They do not test on animals and there is no propellant or aerosol used in this spray. The first ingredient is purified water and the tag line indicates it is “Eco Friendly and People Friendly”. At a suggested $2.39 the price is very competitive.

My main concern is how to dispose of the canister once it is empty as it does not appear to be recyclable. Luckily it is metal which is better than plastic, but it still ends up in a landfill after only one use. The cap is a hard PET plastic which may be recyclable in some communities although it does not include a symbol so be sure to check first.

All things considered I am enjoying the product and granting a Four Leaf Rating to the Earth Essentials aromatic room mist!

CVS I am thoroughly enjoying this exclusive line of products that provide less impact environmentally speaking, keep it up! ♥love♥

Up tomorrow: CVS Earth Essentials sugarcane dishes

VioClean is the Responsible Way to Clean Carpets

Recently a family member happened to notice a VioClean van in their neighborhood and sent me the name so I could do a little research; apparently the vehicle indicated they were an environmentally responsible carpet cleaning company. I was intrigued.

Turns out that VioClean is not only a carpet cleaner but they also provide rug, upholstery, tile and grout cleaning and they do it all in a manner that is safe for children, adults and pets right here in the Boston area**.

The process used is called hot water extraction and they perform it in ten steps which include a pre and post cleaning inspection, a thorough vacuuming of the area with a hepa filter machine and a spot cleaning of stubborn areas. Not to mention that moving small furniture is included and they will groom and speed dry the carpet upon completing the cleaning process to ensure a faster dry time.

All of the products used in the cleaning process are purported to be non-toxic and natural; they indicate no soaps, detergents, petrochemicals or solvents are used. In fact the cleaning products are also odor free, do not emit any VOC, they are organic, colorless and non-allergenic (tend to reduce allergens in the air!) and they do not leave a residue on the carpet fibers.

These folks are an ideal solution for busy landlords as not only will they get down to the heart of the grime in a carpet and remove it but they will also (for a varying fee) remove and recycle appliances, furniture items, electronic equipment and other assorted items that may have to go (pianos, exercise equipment, etc.). Cool!

On top of all these environmentally responsible efforts, the website indicates this is a family run business and that they support such charitable causes as Know Breast Cancer (provides education on the disease and its prevention).

Overall I am not only impressed with the services they offer but that they do it all with an eye on being Earth friendly. With all this in mind I am granting VioClean a Three and a Half Leaf Rating!

With an eco-edge on other cleaners in this area VioClean I encourage you to branch out and start offering your services nationwide! ♥love♥

**If VioClean is not available in your area I strongly encourage everyone considering this type of service to look into the most environmentally responsible company in geographic proximity.

Natural Plasters from American Clay are Beautiful and Earth Friendly

Before I begin discussing the product I am about to review, it might be helpful if everyone gets a little back story on me and why this product is one I am most excited to talk about. For the past few years I have enjoyed a part time career as a decorative wall artist. I have been exposed to a healthy number of different plasters and plaster type materials and am extremely proficient at applying Venetian type. American Clay is very different from anything I have used before but quite a welcome alternative!

The company offers three finish options -- Loma (a suede like feel), Porcelina (super smooth like Venetian) and Marittimo (visually deep due to addition of crushed shells but smooth to the touch) and 43 standard color selections that are created from Earth friendly, natural pigments. On top of that they say they can custom match just about any color and with 43 base colors to start with I can definitely believe it!

What is really cool about this type of plaster is its benefit not only toward beautifying a home but in its inherent environmentally friendly properties. For example there is no VOC (no off gassing like many paints or plaster alternatives), it is 100% natural, resists mold and controls moisture, it is non-toxic and there is never a drop of waste. Even if the plaster is dried out it can be rehydrated to do touch ups and repairs.

The plaster can be applied either with a trowel or through a sprayer designed for drywall compound (generally these are used to spray on things like popcorn ceilings, they have a larger hopper and spray nozzle hole to prevent clogging).

I can not express how much I love the feel of this plaster, it is soft and smooth no matter which option although it can be applied in a rough style if that is the desired effect.

The one slightly daunting thing is that the mixing and measuring might seem a bit overwhelming to a novice or the average homeowner and this might keep them from attempting to apply it as many plasters do come in pre-mixed form these days. In fact the company offers a list of trusted professionals who have worked with their product and they strongly recommend hiring one for the installation.

The environmental benefit as well as the availability of the product throughout the United States (5 locations in Massachusetts alone!) but the definite need for a professional installer have me granting American Clay a Three Leaf Rating!

As a professional finisher with a love for plaster American Clay is a product I will be excited to become a pro at installing, and the Earth will thank me for it! ♥love♥

Eco Friendly Musical Instruments Green Drums

For many thousands of years, percussion instruments, known as drums, have been used for various forms of communication, ritual and music and are a prominent piece to the rhythm of many songs. Modern, standard drum kits generally include approximately seven pieces including drums and cymbals of various names. In thousands of colors with varied accessories from many manufacturers, this instrument can be personalized into just about anything a drummer desires.

Most drums on the market today that are sold in kits containing snare, tom-tom (2 pieces), floor tom and a bass drum but additional accessories (ie. sticks, cowbell, cymbal, pedal, high-hat, etc.) are also sold to compliment the sound that the drum produces. Since sound is the number one most important factor in any instrument, a drum is no different and because this instrument makes up a good portion of the rhythm / beat of a song, it is imperative the quality of that sound is in line with the style of music. The shell holds everything together; the most crucial aspect is that at the point where the shell meets the head forms a perfect circle.

Although many kits are created from formed metal or plastics, a large percentage of shells are beautifully crafted wood. Just like the guitar, the most popular woods are standard tonewoods such as maple, birch or mahogany. But there are growing concerns regarding the availability of wood species and one of the top manufacturers of drums, DW Drums, has begun an innovative journey into the sustainable market by utilizing a hybrid of bamboo and birch for their shells.

They are called the ECO-X series for the company’s use of cross lamination with their hybrid material. They are further environmentally friendly because of the water based top coat used on the shells, soy based inks on the hang tags and their donation made to American Forests Association to further sustain our wood resources. There are two options of color, one is shown in the photo above.

In the market to pick up some drums and want to give the planet a break while pounding away? Amazon carries this kit from DW Drums but be warned, unlike a guitar which is less expensive when created from bamboo, creating these shells is a lengthier process and cost can be upwards of three times that of a similar sized kit created from a different wood source (such as birch & basswood) from a different manufacturer such as Pearl.

Do you know of other drum manufacturers who are Earth friendly and proving it through their use of materials? Let us know!

Up next -- Eco-Fashion Friday features awesome accessories for musicians or music lovers!