Read the Fine Print

Of course, printing is my nemesis. I would take information in electronic format over print format every time. However, I realize this is an unrealistic expectation. Sometimes business cards and fliers and posters and brochures are necessary. They reach an audience that might not be reached via Facebook or Google or the like. Sometimes the Internet is just not available or not as convenient. I know, I hate it, but there it is.

So, here are some tips when you just HAVE to print something.

• Be picky when choosing a font. Some are more compact and require less ink. Or try out the EcoFont!
• Try printing "teasers" rather than the whole document. For example, print out business cards with your information, as well as a link to your presentation or website for further reference.
• Use paper with recycled content. It's of a much higher quality and much less expensive than it was even 5 years ago. Or print on scrap paper if you have it.
  
• Print on both sides when possible. (I realize some printers jam when trying to do this, but most home printers aren't sensitive enough to jam.)
• Try expanding your margins for items that don't require specific decorum.
• Use the "Print Preview" option to make sure it's going to print the way you expect, as well as to avoid printing a page with just one or two lines on it. When printing articles from the Internet, always look for the printer icon on the page before printing from the browser. It will usually remove unnecessary advertisements and page elements such as navigation links.
• When given the option, try printing in draft mode.
  
• Try downloading the GreenPrint software which automates a lot of the eco-friendly printer options for you.
• Print only what you need. (I know, duh. But the "just in case" mentality is hard to ignore sometimes!)
• Recycle your printer cartridges once the ink has run dry. Many office supply stores will accept printer cartridges. Search "inkjet cartridges" or "toner cartridges" at Earth911 for drop-off locations near you. Also, the Westerville Library offers a drop-off right inside the main doors.
• Recycle paper when you're finished with it. Or you can shred it and compost it, if you are so inclined.

Now, that's a fine print.

Update: Here's an article about different fonts and how eco-friendly they are based on paper and ink use. Might be worth a read!

Recoil from Fridge Grime

Did you know that all of the dust and dirt (and cat fur) that collects under your refrigerator can cause it to work harder to keep everything inside it cool?

To save energy, you should clean off the coils of your fridge every 6 months to a year. This sounds daunting, but it is extremely easy.

Step 1: Buy a universal coil brush. (I got mine at Home Depot near the refrigerators. They are extremely cheap.)

Step 2: Unplug your refrigerator. (Once you get a firm grip on the fridge, you can scoot it forward fairly easily in order to reach the plug. Really, I have no muscles and I was able to move mine with ease.)

Step 3: Open the fridge door and pop off the grate located near the bottom.

Step 4: Use the coil brush to clean the coils that are hidden under your fridge. (I usually can't see the coils, so I just move the brush around blindly and pull out embarrassing amounts of grossness, as pictured below.)

Step 5: Pop the grate back on. This may take a forceful punch to do, but you should be able to feel it snap back into place. Plug your refrigerator back in. Clean off the brush for next time.

Your fridge is one of the biggest energy hogs in your house, so anything you can do to make it run a little easier will save you money!

Down the Drain, or How to Unclog Just about Anything

I'm piping up with two tips for your pipes:

1. Buy something called Zip-It. (I got mine at Lowes in the plumbing aisle.) Simply push the Zip-It down your clogged drain and pull it back up. Watch the video to see how simple, and disgusting, it can be!



2. If the Zip-It doesn't do the trick, sprinkle about 1/2 cup baking soda over the drain and douse it with about 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar. Let it sizzle for 20 minutes then rinse it down with some hot water. I swear it works, though you may have to try it twice.

These options are significantly cheaper than name brand uncloggers like Drano and you won't have to worry about accidentally poisoning any household pets are small children. A win-win for everyone!

Say Sayonara to Saran Wrap

Sick of saran wrap or aluminum foil? Put a lid on it and try Keepeez food storage lids!

These lids fit containers of all types and sizes, are reusable and keep food fresher for longer, making them both eco-friendly and convenient.

Simply press down and the lid is vacuum-sealed to the container. To remove, just push up to break the seal.

To prove how easy it is, you can watch this cheesy YouTube video:

Paint Cans & Cannots

I just repainted my half bathroom in "spinach white". Having read a lot about the negative effects of household paint on the environment and humans, I went in search of some eco-friendly alternatives.

Though I had to rule out milk paint because it's not recommended for bathrooms and because of its high maintenance upkeep, I'm not sure that I'm especially happy with what I ended up using. Sherman William's Duration brand still gave off quite a few of the unfriendly paint fumes. I'll probably go with a different brand next time.

Here are some eco-friendly tips for handling paint:

• Buy what you need. Don't stock up on paint that you're not sure you'll use. Low-ball your estimate, as you can always go back for more.
  
• Clean sparingly. Wrap your rollers and brushes in plastic bags overnight rather than washing them out. When you're completely done with your project, scrap off as much excess paint as possible before washing out your utensils in the sink.
  
• In order to store leftover paint for later use: 1. Cover the opening of the paint can with plastic wrap before closing the lid. This will help create an additional seal when the can is closed. 2. Use a mallet to close a paint can for a better seal. (Hammers can dent and bend the rim of the paint can; mallets are gentler. Use a small towel over the lid to help absorb impact.) 3. Store paint away from extreme heat and cold to avoid unusable spoiled paint. Avoid fluctuating temperatures, especially storage near furnaces and direct sunlight. Store in a cool, dry area. 4. Write on the lid of each can for future identification: Date opened, Color, Brand, Room it is for
• Reuse leftover paint! If you have leftover, unwanted paint in good condition, consider donating the paint for reuse to a high school drama department or a Habitat for Humanity chapter.
• Dispose of your paint properly. If it can't be reused, don't just dump it down the drain or throw it out with the trash. Be sure to take it to an authorized location, such as a hazardous waste pickup.
  

Want more tips? Check out this article from Planet Green.

Butternut Squash Soup Redux

Last winter I posted a squash soup recipe, but I like this one even better!

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small purple onion, diced
3 small butternut squash, peeled, diced & seeded
1 to 2 cups water
1 bouillon cube
1 cup half & half
4 slices Morningstar Farms Veggie Bacon Strips

Saute onion with olive oil. Add butternut squash, water and bouillon cube to pot, boil and cook until soft. Puree in food processor. Stir in half & half and top with crumbled bacon strips. Yum!

Eating on the Go

I've been trying to eliminate a lot of the disposable items that come with eating out at restaurants like Chipotle and Panera Bread.

So now I keep a spoon/knife/fork and a collapsible cup in my purse for camping or for eating out on the go.

Light My Fire Spork



Flatterware Collapsible Cup




(Yes, the collapsible cup looks a little bit like a large condom when it's unfolded, but it has come in quite handy, I swear! And you can hide it behind your large french fry if you're feeling embarrassed.)

Goldilocks and the Three Lotions

There once was a girl with blond hair who had very dry skin. She bought a lotion to help, but it was so thick she could barely get it out of the bottle and its fragrance was quite potent.

Burt's Bees Milk & Honey Body Lotion, $10 for 8oz bottle

Then she bought another lotion, and though it smelled good and was quite affordable, it left her skin feeling dry and a bit sticky.

365 Everyday Value Body Lotion, approximately $10 for 32 oz

She was about to give up, but then she found a lotion that had no fragrance, was easy to pump out of the bottle and left her skin feeling soft and smooth.

Kiss My Face Olive/Aloe Fragrance Free Moisturizer, $11.95 for 16 oz

She lived happily ever after.

Number 1 or Number 2?

That is the question that the dual flush toilet asks.

Though I've read a lot about these, I finally got to see what its all about at our hotel in Paris, Hotel Marignan. (Their website cracks me up. Seriously, take a peak.)



Even though the instructions were in French, it was pretty easy to figure out. Big water drop means big flush. Little water drop means little flush. Yes, it's that easy!



The water-efficient toilet wasn't the only green fixture in Hotel Marignan, however. Their complimentary laundry services consisted of a front-loading washing machine that was never allowed to run half full. So, my socks and underwear got to mingle with what seemed like a whole lot of hotel towels. Don't worry, they got along very well!

And if you're taking notes for future visits, they also had recycling bins you could use that were stored next to the communal kitchen.

What's Greener Than a Leprechaun?

My next few posts will be inspired by a little intercontinental travel. Dublin was our first stop on the 2009 European tour and, come to find out, it's not just green because of the grass!



This was our only stop where we stayed in a hostel, Avalon House, which definitely had its perks and its drawbacks. Though I try to lead a minimalistic life, I was not super excited about the lack of free towels or the short showers. However, this was the most eco-friendly accommodation I've encountered, especially considering the low cost.



Here are some of the ways that Avalon House is pitching in for the greater good:

• You can take the 16A bus line directly from the airport to the hostel's front door, making public transportation extremely convenient, and saving guests from the temptation to waste gas on a taxi. (For an funny tutorial on how to do just that, check out their YouTube video.)
• They're using solar-powered water heaters.
• They are at least partially powered by wind energy.
  
• They offer full recycling facilities (though they didn't have separate bins in the rooms for recyclables.)
• Their staff did things like use the tubs from the raspberry jam they serve with their continental breakfast as wash basins for the dining room. Score one for reuse!
  
• Water-saving efforts in the communal bathrooms included showers that require you to push a button every 30 seconds or so to keep the water flowing. Definitely an incentive to get in and get out as quickly as possible!
• They offer bicycle storage and bike rentals.
• They have a book swap. Leave a book, take a book!
• They offer a full-service kitchen where guests can cook their own meals. (We didn't take advantage of this perk, however, because Dublin has some amazing food. Check out the reviews of the Lemon Crepe & Coffee Co if you want proof.)

So, if you ever find yourself in Dublin, check out Avalon House. Or ask the hotel you're staying at to skip the fresh linens for a day. Keep Dublin green for a little while longer, heh?

P.S. Images courtesy of my amazing friend, Astrid!