In the early 80s, while in graduate school and on a very tight budget, I read a book about living more simply. One of the things it suggested was to use cloth napkins instead of paper.
I tried it, I liked it, and I have been using cloth napkins ever since. Over the years, when I’ve had friends for dinner, I’ve often heard, “You don’t have to break out the cloth napkins for me.” … implying that it’s a bit too fancy, too … elegant for anything other than a four star restaurant.
How does one decorate “green” while celebrating the holidays? The easiest thing to think of is: whatever you are using should be used in more than one way — everything needs more than one purpose.
Today, Oct. 23, is National Canning Day.
Creating home preserves is not only an affordable and efficient method of making food last longer, but it also reclaims a piece of our food tradition almost lost amid our mass-produced food culture.
Fortunately, food preservation is making a huge comeback. Not only because of our current economic situation, but also because many people are realizing that preserving food eliminates waste, teaches proper and safe food preparation, and places a high value on seasonal, fresh goods.
There’s a dirty little secret hanging out with your clean clothes. Do you know what it is in many dryer sheets that makes your clothes soft? Beef fat (aka tallow) … like from a dead cow. Yuck. When I learned this, I thought there has to be a better way to get my clothes soft … and there is:
Today’s Green Living tip comes from Pamela Sterling, owner of Laguna Green Southern California’s first exclusively green kitchen and bath showroom, located in Laguna Beach.
There are a few things that are just a little more challenging to recycle than others, and Styrofoam peanuts is one of them. Styrofoam is actually the brand name for the material called polystyrene. Polystyrene is manufactured from petroleum and benzene, a carcinogen, is used in its production.
Going green can be a matter of taking small steps while saving you money, rather than become a major expense, according to this Wall Street Journal story carried in the Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 edition of the Orange County Register.
The story gives specific ideas on how little efforts, from regulating thermostats to receiving bills electronically, can help homeowners green up their lifestyles.
From your favorite restaurants and shops to the best day spa in town, here are your choices for the number one places to eat, shop and play in O.C.
