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Since the early 1980s, major supermarkets have vending machines and an onsite area designated for recycling aluminum soda cans.  This was a win-win situation for soda companies and individual consumers.  Now major chain stores such as Target and Walmart have set aside recycling plastic bags bins in front of their stores.  I am asking you to join me to get these stores to do more.  


The following are simple items that should have corresponding recycling bins located in such major chain stores:
- yogurt containers
- clothes
- plastic laundry bottles/containers
- food packaging


Since most consumers make weekly trips to their supermarkets, these supermarkets should partner with waste management and eco-friendly companies to establish aggressive recycling programs.  For those naysayers out there, the above recycling initiative enables these major chain stores to work more efficiently with their vendors.  Also, such cross functional initiatives will attract more eco-friendly consumers (major market research studies have shown that eco-friendly consumers are quality conscious and tend to spend more on quality goods as opposed to bargain purchases).


How can we make a difference?
Write or speak to your local store manager today and mention the above proposal.  This is exactly how these stores started offering plastic bag recycling bins/stations at their stores...  All driven by consumer demand and consumer expectation.


Hoping my prediction comes to fruition.  It is just a matter of time.

Being a faithful recycler (one who recycles), I often wonder what happens to those items left in the recycling bins.  Turns out, there is a growing number of eco-friendly companies that actively recycles items and repurpose them into functional household items.  Preserve is an eco-friendly company that makes stylish eco-friendly products using 100% recycled plastic and 100% post consumer paper.  I have received a complimentary 8 oz preserve snack container and toothbrush.  These two items are just simple examples of the many wonderful products producted by Preserve.  The snack container is BPA free.  The toothbrush grip and style rivals major traditional manufacturing companies.

For more information about their products , please visit www.preserveproducts.com.


I have partnered with Preserve Products to host a product giveaway!!! The product giveaway winner will receive a Preserve toothbrush and 8 oz snack container.  This giveaway will be randomly selected among registered email program members by September 30th.  In order to have a chance to win this prize package, please visit Join Free Email Program and register for the free email program.  As always, your information is never shared with any third party.

A simple eco-friendly rule that I embrace is to do what is best for the season.  This applies to the type of exercise you engage in, the foods you eat, the activities you do, etc.  For example, in the fall, we love making pumpkin based recipes with hearty fall vegetables (think squash and sweet potatoes).  In terms of exercise, it's the best time to go bicycle riding and running outdoors before the cold weather sets in.


I have been trying to alternate between running and biking during the week. Am hoping to compete in another race before the end of the year.  


Just another purchasing tip, if you are in the market for buying a new bike, look out for end of the year close out models in the fall or spring season.  Also, make sure you sign up for the free email alerts from your local bike shop so you get an opportunity to browse and purchase the goods (usually in a pre-season sale) before the general public.



 
 

I bought a new bike and am so excited about riding it!  My old bike was a comfort/hybrid mountain bike and now I have an official road bike.  It was a bit intimidating at first, just riding it.  Now I can't want to ride my bike.  I feel like a kid! My friends have been trying to get me to join a bike race or to sign up for a sprint triathalon.  I haven't thought so far ahead yet.  Am just getting used to riding a bike for more than 10 miles at a time.  I do find alternating between sports activities, more challenging and fun than focusing on a single sport or activity.  

You might routinely recycle and already bring your own tote bag when you shop for clothes and food.  What more can you do?  Well, there is a chance for you and your organization to recycle in a whole new way.  Terracycle makes eco-friendly products from a wide range of waste packaging that traditionally has not been recycled.  When you collect these specific packages and ship them or drop them off at one of hundreds of Terracycle recycling centers, you get cash back for your recycled donations.  Terracycle transforms these waste products to cool new products such as tote bags, pencil cases, clipboards and many other items.


Please visit the following website for more information, www.terracycle.net/brigades


By partnering with your local library, school or other not for profit organizations, we can work together to raise cash by recycling these product packaging.  


Great concept and company that strives to be one of many eco-friendly solutions to our growing waste problem.

With nationwide emphasis on healthier eating, especially for schoolchildren, many food manufacturing companies are beginning to offer healthier snack options.  Peeled Snacks is ahead of the curve.  This company started in 2004 offers simple 100% natural dried fruit snacks.  Simple is the key description.  When you purchase dried fruit from other companies, you might find sulfites and similar preservatives.  Look at the ingredient on the back of a Peeled Snack package and it simply states the dried fruit.  Nothing else.  The taste of naturally dried fruit, whether you try the mango, cherry or apricot is delicious.

These great fruit snacks are now available at Starbucks in the US and Canada.  A simple concept that is well executed.

For more product information, please visit www.peeledsnacks.com or visit www.starbucks.com

I have partnered with Peeled Snacks to host a product giveaway!!! The product giveaway winner will receive a Organic Fruit Variety Pack.  This giveaway will be randomly selected among registered email program members by September 30th.  In order to have a chance to win this prize package, please visit Join Free Email Program and register for the free email program.  As always, your information is never shared with any third party.