Ask The Helpful Housewife

Green is becoming a bad word?

I was standing in line at the grocery store the other day when I noticed something out of the ordinary among the celebrity trash rags at the checkout counter:  a copy of "green @ home", a special publication from the Taunton Press' "Fine Homebuilding".  OK, so I'm not looking to build a new home, but the cover articles really appealed to me:

• breathe easier with new paints
• grow your garden greener
• recycle without the hassle
• save money with energy tax credits
• 4 inspiring kitchens and baths
• how to create a healthy, energy-smart home

Of course it caught my eye!  I snatched it right up and put it on the conveyer belt, and was almost too excited to read it to put the groceries away!  It was a treat, filled with all kinds of inspiration for ways to improve my home's enviromental impact on the earth.  Lots of great tips and information between the pages.  I wish it was a regular publication. 

But nestled within was an article titled "Are green homes too expensive?"  Regardless of the content of the article (excellent, I must add), there was a paragraph that really stood out to me.  Here it is:

"Green is becoming a bad word.  The first problem with any discussion of green building is the term itself.  Green is becoming a divisive, political word, like liberal  and  conservative.  Ironically, green is associated with liberal, while the root of conservation is conserve, which means 'to protect from loss or depletion; preserve.'  "

It goes on to further delve into the manipulation of the word for marketing purposes as well.  I was applauding the author, Kevin Ireton, throughout my reading session.  Since when does being concious of our resources become fodder for politics and pandering to advertising space? 

In order for any type of solution to come to fruition in regards to climate changes, energy costs, the whole "Cap-and-Trade" issue, etc...., we need to leave the divisiveness out of the language.  This is this starting point to any path toward common ground and answers to the problems we face.  Stop thinking in terms of Republican/Democrat.  He said/She said.  Green sells, even if it's just a white lie. Get to the truth.  Get to the facts.  Stop using the environment as a weapon.  See it as a gift to be treasured and treated with care.

And no, I'm not getting off my soap box anytime soon!

More Green To Share!

  This is something completely new to me!  I just heard about it yesterday, literally.  I'm ordering a starter set of the cleaners so that I can give you an honest to goodness review, as well as ordering the Zoegetics product as well.  Listen, I try really hard to eat organically, detox once in a while, and am willing to try supplements like this.  It truly does make a difference in living with my MS, believe it or not!  So I am going to try this product as well.  I will happily give this company a shot.  Take a look at their site, and see what you think!  The prices are very reasonable, and the products definitely meet my criteria for environmental friendliness.  Just click on this link:  Zoe Lifestyle and poke around to your hearts content.  I think you'll like what you see as well.  It's always nice to find a company that can create a cleaning product that is natural, safe, and that works.  Can't wait to get mine!!!!!  This company has only been around for about 6 months, so it's a new find for everyone.  Thanks, Jeannie, for sharing it with me!!!!!

Paper from paper, not from trees!

Have you seen the ads on TV for Marcal paper towels?  Recently, they sent me their Small Steps "starter kit" to review, and they were completely right with their prediction:  I loved the products!  And since they have already summed it up so well in their letter to me, I'm going to give you their product descriptions and environmental facts here.  It's better than any review I can give you!  Truly!  This is the brand I will be using from now on when purchasing my paper products.  The paper towels, napkins, tissues, and toilet paper were all above the quality of other brands I've tried, and the enviromental aspects are very appealing!

"Since 1950, we have been making "PAPER FROM PAPER NOT FROM TREES". And in an effort to change the shocking truth that in 2009, 98% of tissue products comes from deforestation (cutting down trees), we are launching Small Steps, a line of paper towels, bath tissue, napkins, and facial tissue made from 100% recycled paper, not more trees."

"We carefully selected the Small Steps name for our new line. Why? Because it represents a small, easy step that you can make that will help make a big difference.  If every household in the US switched to Small Steps this week, together we could help save 1,000,000 trees.  And saving trees is important because it helps defend against global warming.  According to the National Resource Defense Council, one of the nation's largest environmental organizations, they estimate that deforestation causes more global warming than the conbined emission of the world's vehicles, airplanes and ships combined."

"Small Steps products are made from 100% recycled paper, so even  abrand that touts its 40% recycled still cuts down more trees for teh remaining 60%.  Instead, Small Steps is made from reycled paper -- junk mail, magazines and catalogs, printers waste, and office paper -- and whatever is in that blue bin collected at curbside."

"Our company has a long history of being associated with value:  its "green" paper products are affordable and work wonderfully, whether you're wiping a nose, a tushie or a countertop.  Small Steps delivers on the three P's: performance, price, and the planet.  We believe that you shouldn't have to pay a premium to do something good for the environment."

They summed it up perfectly!!!!  I couldn't agree more with them on the three P's statement!  I love everything that this company stands for, how they operate, and the product they deliver.  I have now found my new paper products brand that I will be loyal to from now on!   And I highly recommend that you try it yourself!