You often do not need a bag to carry your items out of the store as long as you hold onto the receipts. Keep this in mind the next time you are caught at the checkout aisle without your reusable bags.
Recently, I went to a bookstore and made a purchase, forgetting my reusable bag in my car. Instead of running back to the parking lot, I just told the cashier that I don't need a bag, instead I will hold onto the book with the receipt. That is how I walked out of the store.
You often do not need a bag to carry your items out of the store as long as you hold onto the receipts. Keep this in mind the next time you are caught at the checkout aisle without your reusable bags.
1 Comment
With the Fourth of July weekend approaching, stores everywhere are selling theme based decorations. Plates, cups, tableclothes, toys, and anything you can almost dream of can be found with a fourth of July theme on them. Last year, I used to buy theme based items post holiday event so I could benefit from the steep discounts offered. Now I know better. I am avoiding theme based purchases all together. I am sure I will still use my trusty plastic Christmas tree come December, but I vow never to buy any more theme based decorations. Instead, I use generic reusable dinnerware and decorations (if needed).
Just a simple environmental friendly tip. We have been able to attend a number of free eco-friendly activities with our kids. The following are some great activities and places that offer free eco-friendly events for kids this summer.
Local museums and zoos: Most local museums and zoos offer free admissions at least once a week. So call in advance or check out their website to find out when the admission fee is waived. Also, if you have a family/annual membership to a local zoo or museum, you can easily find out if other zoos/museums will offer a free admission or discount (this generous system allows you access to over hundreds of museums/zoos in the U.S.). Just type in the following "reciprocated museum/zoo admission" inand the city/state where you would like to find out information on such programs. Take advantage of membership discounts: AAA members receive at least 10% discounts at over hundreds of zoos, museums, hotels and shops. When in doubt, just show your membership card and you most probably will receive a discount. Free corporate events: If you or your spouse have a business card or office id, you can easily attend a number of free corporate events throughout the summer. Recreational shop demonstrations: We like attending free workshops at recreational shops. They usually offer product demonstrations and a craft activity for kids. Bass Pro, Home Depot and Lowes all offer such free workshops for kids. With the summer heat, I no longer am able to ride my bike outdoors as often as I like so I have ventured into riding a bike indoors (aka spinning). I realized that I can never get to the Y in time to sign up and reserve a bike for the actual spinning class, but I am able to land a stationary bike for a good workout.
It's actually quite challenging to ride a stationary bike for 30 minutes but it's so much easier riding indoors. ![]() Summer is the best season of the year for fresh fruits and vegetables. Sometimes it's just easier to pack dried fruits. When we're on the go (which seems like every day), we love eating organic mango from Kopali. It is available at www.amazon.com. The dried organic mangoes have a naturally sweet flavor. It comes in a convenient package. It does not contain any sulfites or other artificial perservatives. The only ingredient is organic mango. Simple and delicious. For more information about their products, visit www.kopaliorganics.com. ![]() Mornings are so hectic for me. I left the house wearing my pajamas yesterday (luckily my ever observant son asked me whethere I was going to a pajama party which prompted me to change quickly). You can imagine how excited I was to try the Kabana Green Screen tinted organic sunscreen. The name says it all (ability to apple makeup and organic sunscreen at the same time). It provides great UV protection and is non-greasy. For more information about their products, please visit www.kabanasunscreen.com When I first became a parent, I was skeptical of hand me downs for my child. Somehow, I associated it with deprivation and injustice. However, seeing how my kids go through clothes and toys so quickly, I understand why there is a huge market for rentals (everything from sports equipment to musical instruments). In addition to renting different items, I participate in informal exchanges (a group of my friends share toys and clothes with each other). We always rent movies instead of buying them (it is better for the environment and for us since we are less likely to view the same movies over and over again).
This summer before you splurge on a sales item, think of whether you can rent it instead. In addition to camping, hiking at one of our national parks is a great family past time. I started walking with my kids when my youngest was just an infant in a stroller (for some bizarre reason, he wasn't colicky when he was outside) and have continued to explore many trails with them. First, we were just staying local and checking out local parks. Now that they are getting a bit older, we are planning to going hiking at one of many national parks as much as possible.
The following is a great website that lists our national parks: www.nps.gov. Win a Dave Matthews Band concert trip
Stonyfield Farm is giving away two concert trips that'll each include:
Based on feedback from family, friends and students, I've launched an eco-friendly line of greeting cards and notepads depicting my original artwork. These products can be found under the Greeting Cards/Artwork section. I'm very excited with this opportunity!
Thanks again to all readers for your support and input. |
AuthorEco-friendly activist trying to make more healthy eco-friendly choices for my family. Archives
September 2018
|