Environmentally Friendly Cell Phone Service

Making a difference may be as easy as dialing the phone.  If you are in the market for a new cell phone service provider you might want to consider Credo.  They are even willing to pay your early cancellation fee to get you to switch.

Credo's website reports "In 2008 CREDO members helped raise $3,345,331 for nonprofit groups working to change the world — just by using our services."  The list of organizations which have benefitted from Credo donations may be found on their website.

Check out their website by clicking the link below.

http://www.credomobile.com/

Gift Wrap

Having lived through the Great Depression, my paternal grandmother set a wonderful example of Green Living.  In addition to living sensibly frugal and using natural products, she re-purposed anything that retained an element of functionality.  

 

I have vivid memories of the family gathering for her birthday.  We would gather around the rectangular dining room table at my grandparents' house after dinner.  The room was filled with laughter and lively conversation and while enjoying desert, we would take turns giving Nanny her gifts.  She would, with great determination, painstakingly unwrap each gift in a way that did not damage the gift-wrap.

 

Once the paper was completely removed, she would smooth and fold it before proceeding to open the gift.  This would create a torturous anticipation in the hearts of all the children in the room.  Of course, you can imagine the horror and frustration she would feel watching us ravenously tearing the wrapping paper from our holiday gifts.

 

Certainly, the meticulous removal and storing of gift-wrap is one way to reduce waste.  If the excitement of the moment prevents one from such an approach, there is another alternative.  Rather than throwing the gift-wrap into the recycle bin, run it through a paper shredder and use the shredded paper as stuffing for gift bags and packing material for shipping.

Mascara Remover

I saw this in Hints from Heloise - Olive or Mineral oil can be used to remove Mascara.

I couldn't tell you how well this works, and I don't intend on testing it out personally. 

I hope you don't mind.

:)

National Geographic Green Guide

I have not had a chance to investigate this site.  It is National Geographic so it must be good.  :)

http://www.thegreenguide.com/?source=email_gg_20081022&email=gg

Get Rid of Junk Mail

Visit the link below to find ways to reduce the amount of junk mail you receive.

http://green.yahoo.com/blog/huddlergreenhome/23/junk-your-junk-mail.html 

Hair Gel

My quest to eliminate unhealthy personal products from my home continues.  I found a healthy alternative to my hair gel.  In addition to being environmentally friendly, it is cheap and easy to make.

Hair Gel recipe:

Unflavored (Vegan) Gelatin

Water

I only used half the dry gelatin (and stored the other half for later use).

Half the water called for according to the package would have been 1 cup but I used one and a half cups to keep the gelatin from solidifying too much.

I keep some in a plastic container in the bathroom.  The excess is in additional containers in my refrigerator.

After showering, I take a small amount of gelatin in my hand and let it liquify.

I work it into my hair and style as normal.  

It provides a firm hold and works great.

I did not add a scent though I am sure that would be possible.

Food Additives Site

After looking up the ingredients for the non-dairy creamer, I found The Center for Science in the Public Interest's website.  It has information on food additives in an easy to read format.

Their site may be accessed by clicking the link below:

http://www.cspinet.org/reports/chemcuisine.htm