Green Options » reusable

The Hidden Cost of $40 “Bling Water”

Simran Sethi and Sarah Smarsh — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:58:00 +0000

Simran Sethi and Sarah Smarsh are writing a series on the impacts of everyday things.They will be posting previews on Green Options before launching the posts on Huffington Post. Here’s the low-down on how we’re quenching our thirst.

We’ve been seduced by the beverage industry into believing only they can quench our thirst with colored, caffeinated, vitaminized, electrolyted water. We have become so parched that we can’t walk down the street without toting a single-use plastic bottle touting the magical effects of its water source.

Apparently, Kabbalah Water will heal us and Bling Water will define us. At the Bling H20 website, Bling Water “creator” Kevin Boyd describes noticing on Hollywood studio lots that “you could tell a lot about a person by the bottled water they carried.” First of all, didn’t god create water? Secondly, the water is bottled in Dandridge, Tennessee - since when is Southern Tennessee a spring of L.A. status? Yes, Dandrige’s water ranks very highly on EPA’s water quality index, but why are we spending so much money ($40 for Bling’s “Go Green” 750ml bottle) on cross-continental water instead of cleaning up our local waterways? Tinseltown’s water is so polluted with run-off and industrial contamination that perhaps water by way of Tennessee does make sense.

Here’s what the less blingy among us do:

The Simplicity Movement – How Green Business Benefits

mcmilker — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:59:09 +0000

It’s back to basics for many consumers. Goodbye excess; batten down the hatches.

While it’s certainly not news that high prices and economic fears are causing consumers to cut back, a new study from Cramer-Krasselt finds that behaviors are shifting in ways few marketers may have expected.

As expected, in this downturn, consumers are pulling back and shopping less. They’re trading down, visiting Wal-Mart rather than Nordstrom’s. They’re substituting lower priced for higher priced items. But, in case you feared the economic situation would derail the green movement, think again.

… the current downturn has consumers building on trends that were already gathering momentum. Take the simplicity movement. While marketers such as Circuit City, Best Buy and Phillips have been tapping into consumers’ desire to streamline their possessions for several years now, the sagging economy is now providing an incentive to go one step further, with more people selling things on such sites as Craigslist and eBay. Ditto the move toward “locavorism,” once favored by environmentalists, and now embraced by anyone who may be looking to save on gas.
Read more of this story »

Can the World Dump the Plastic Bag Epidemic?

Masimba Biriwasha — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:52:52 +0000

At food stalls and in supermarkets in Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second largest city, plastics of all shapes and sizes are dolled out like confetti when you make a purchase of items. The fascination with plastic is so amazing that with a single purchase of several items you can end up with over five plastic bags when less could do.

What is surprising is the plastic bags come at no cost, so customers gladly accept the packaging.

There is no doubt that the plastic bags which are probably handed out in their millions throughout Chiang Mai, and other parts of Thailand come at a great cost to the environment.

In Thailand, as in many parts of the world, the use of plastics is at epidemic levels with serious consequences for the environment. According to www.reusable.com, a website that promotes fighting the massive over-consumption of plastic shopping bags, the world has consumed over 276 billion plastics this year and the number is rising by the second.

Kicking the addiction to plastic bags is one of the single most important positive things that individuals can do to both protect and keep the environment clean. But it appears that it will take the world a long time to rid itself of the plastic habit because there are too many financial interests vested into the continued production of plastic.

Life Goggles: Envirosax Reusable Shopping Bags

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 01:57:53 +0000

Editor’s note: OK, most of us probably don’t really consider shopping bags an accessory. According to our friends at Life Goggles, though, Envirosax bags aren’t just functional and reusable — they’re also real eye-catchers! This post was originally published on Monday, May 26, 2008. If you really like these bags, make sure to check out Victoria Everman’s interview with Envirosax founder Belinda David-Tooze from last May. Also check out how these bags stack up against others with Life Goggles’ new reusable bag comparison chart.

Envirosax was founded in Australia in 2004 (now available in the US), and makes eco-friendly bags. Made from a lightweight polyester, they have reinforced seams in order to carry the weight of two plastic shopping bags.

The most striking feature (besides that they roll up really small) is the sheer number of cool designs they come in. The picture is of the one I’ve got, Mikado #5; however they have many designs in the Graphic Series (Mikado, Retro Graphic, Monochromatic, Flora, Amazonia, and Retro Kitchen). They also have a big Kids range (as in a big range, not a range for big kids…). My favorite being the Dogasaurus.

We remembered!

serenity_ii — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:41:58 +0000

We remembered to take our bags to the grocery store last night and to use them! The bagger thought we were buying the Halloween ChicoBags and tucked them into a different bag *eyeroll*, but other than that things went decently. We ended up with two or three plastic bags in addition to the two canvas bags and two ChicoBags. My mom says she’s planning to make bags for me, too. And our Annie’s bag with Bernie on it is currently holding my yarn, but I hope to remedy that situation soon.

I’ve added bags to my Christmas list, also. And a compost tumbler!

Green Style How-To: Make Your Own Stylish and Functional Reusable Bag

Victoria Everman — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 17:35:37 +0000

Accessories, such as shoes or jewelry, are just as important as the basics of your wardrobe. With all of the reusable bags available on the market (many of which have been covered right here on Green Options), it’s likely that you will be able to find one to your liking. For those of us that prefer a personal, do-it-yourself, advertisement-free touch - this post is for you! In less than an hour, you can whip up a versatile tote made from any fabric you fancy. For pattern ideas, Altered Cloth recently posted a great collection of 7 options from around the web. Even if you are a beginning in the sewing department, these projects are great for first-timers or experienced stitchers.

Out of all 7 projects, my personal favorite it the design from U-handblog, a TypePad-featured blog all about (you guessed it) making handbags. This bag (featured in the accompanying image) has a curved seam and reinforced straps, so no matter how much to put into this sucker, it will still feel comfortable on your shoulders. Don’t let the curved seam scare you off: Lisa does a fantastic job of providing step-by-step instruction and pictures on how to get the job done easily. She also provides directions on how to make a cute little storage pocket, so you can carry your new bag with you all the time (you know, in case that urge to buy some tasty organic peaches comes along). Curious just how much this little bag can carry? A whole heck of a lot: Lisa graciously posted a few images on her blog of the haul she fit into this homemade gem.

Being the greenies we are, using recycled or sustainable fabrics is the first choice when sewing your own creations. You can find a wide range of recycled fabrics just by shopping through any vintage or second-hand store; the drawback here is that you might not be able to find a shirt or pants with enough fabric for this particular projects. For something a bit more modern and colorful, check out my collection of eco-fabric links on my website.

Completed this project? Come back and post some pictures of your creation - we’d love to see them!

Image source: U-handblog

Daily Tip: Moving Day

Amy Stodghill — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 16:05:10 +0000

Moving is a big task and can be a big hassle. Next time you’re getting ready for a big move, try to incorporate a few things that will help you save on waste and transport your things more efficiently.

Getting rid of stuff. Whether you’re moving from a bigger place to a smaller place, or just don’t want to move all of your old junk, moving is great at forcing you to pare down the things you don’t need. Instead of throwing everything away, see if you can donate unwanted clothing, furniture and other household items, or have a garage sale.

Avoid buying new boxes and packing materials. Start stocking up on used packing materials such as boxes and newspaper. Ask around at local retail businesses to breakdown and save boxes for you. Find out when they get their shipments in and pick your boxes up within a day or two after.

Another option is to rent reusable containers. If you’re in southern California try Earth Friendly Moving. They rent, sturdy containers for the duration of your move, then will pick them up when you’re done.

Pack dishes and other breakables securely in newspaper or old cloths, towels or blankets. Unlike bubble wrap (even if you’re reusing it), newspaper can be recycled, and the linens can be washed. There is, however, a brand of ecofriendly bubble wrap on the market called Bio-Bubble.

Make less trips. If you’re moving yourself, consider renting a large van or truck to make less trips. If you do use a personal car or truck, when loading up, think first about how to maximize the space to fit more in each trip (without overloading the vehicle.)

If you’re hiring a mover, do a little homework. While you may not find a green mover in your area, you can find out what kind of packing materials they use, if they recycle, or if they’ve ever thought about using biodiesel for their trucks.

Care 2 Green Living - Green Moving Guide

GO - Donate to Charity when Buying or Selling Your House

Got a tip for Amy and Jennifer? Share it with them! If they publish it, you’ll receive two $5 Wind Cards from Renewable Choice Energy.

The Green Options Interview: Belinda David-Tooze of Envirosax

Victoria Everman — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:44:20 +0000

In grocery stores all over the world, you’ll find all types of people bringing their own reusable bags. Canvas bags printed with company names are the most common, but are there other options? Started in Australia by husband-and-wife team Belinda and Mark David-Tooze, Envirosax offer lightweight, compact, durable totes with unique, expressive designs. “Envirosax believes in environmental sustainability. Plastic bags clog drains and cause flooding. They pollute rivers and streams, killing animals and destroy our plants. They take years to bio-degrade and have a very short life span.” $6.95 each, or $31.95 for a set of five, each tote rolls up to a tiny size of 4″ x 1.5″, fitting into any purse, briefcase, or glovebox. I recently had the chance to talk with Belinda from Envirosax to learn more about the company’s origins, green goals, and extra eco-efforts.

Victoria Everman: How and when did the idea for Envirosax come about?

Belinda David-Tooze: The idea for making eco-friendly bags came from a discussion had over a glass of wine in October 2004 after returning from a shopping trip. I decided that the polypropylene green bags on offer at most supermarkets were dull and unfashionable and saw the need for a more fun, fashionable item that everybody would like to be seen with and at the same time still spread the message of reusable bags over cheap throwaway plastic bags. The driving philosophy behind the our vision and product range was to ‘move in the right direction’ which is always a catch phrase we have used for various reasons in the past.

VE: What makes the Envirosax brand different from the many other reusable bag companies?

BD-T: Our eco-chic totes are about as far removed from the average shopping bag as is artistically possible and we challenge the lack of stylish or fashionable eco-friendly shopping bags available. Our stylish bags are not only fashionable but also functional and so the design briefs specified that the bags be lightweight, portable, waterproof and have a large holding capacity. Each bag is able to carry the equivalent of 2 supermarket plastic shopping bags or 44 pounds in weight. We also make the ‘move in the right direction’ easier as each bag can roll up and become a lightweight and portable, 1.4oz package. Our groovy bags, available as single items, also come as an assortment of 5 designs contained in a small pouch. The pouch is small enough to stow into a glove compartment or a handbag. This means customers are less likely to leave their eco-bags in the car or cupboard when they shop.

VE: What inspired the various designs in the Graphic Series?

BD-T: We aimed to create totes which captured the bold colours and freshness of Mother Nature, or the designs and whimsy of retro and modern art and culture. The inspiration for the designs on Envirosax bags are drawn from our surroundings (the tropical rainforest and the beach), our passions (art and music) and our background (fashion and travel). Our children often also stimulate a design process, with a simple discussion over the family dinner table, a drawing or even just a simple word.

VE: Are you concerned about using polyester for the majority of your collection?

BD-T: Yes, the bags are made from polyester, which is a plastic, but we had to start somewhere. The idea of the Envirosax came about through the fusion of passion and creativity. The bag was designed to be extremely strong and durable, but still pleasing to the eye. Polyester was chosen so the bags can be printed with several colours, which cannot fade using the process of sublimation. At the time of starting our business, eco-friendly bags were not as widely used as they are now. The whole idea was to encourage even the most ‘non-greenie’ out there to use a re-useable bag. To do this, we had to create something which is completely different to what was already out there. Also, due to the fabric properties, polyester allows the bag to be rolled up into a tiny package and even the unconcerned (or the forgetful) will find it easier to remember the bags if they are stowed in the bottom of their handbag. We have been looking closely at the new Eco Intelligent Polyester. Currently this fabric is only produced for the furniture industry, and, hopefully in the future, we will move towards this new polyester as long as it does not compromise the quality of our product. We understand also the need to produce a bag made form natural fibres and also produce a hemp bag under the organic range. We are currently focusing on increasing the lines in our organic range and will be bringing out several new lines in August.

VE: A series of surfing rash vests and UV shirts are mentioned on your website, though they are not available yet for purchase - can you tell me a bit more about these?

BD-T: We brought out the surfing rash vests at the beginning of our summer here in Australia and sold online throughout summer. We are currently re-designing our rash vest range and will have our 2008 range out around September. The new range will be available throughout 2008 during the Northern Hemisphere summer.

VE: Not only does the brand itself promote environmentally conscious activities, your offices operate under sustainable practices as well, no?

BD-T: In an indirect way. We do a lot of work from home where we live totally off the grid with all our electricity coming from 12, 185 watt solar panels. Hot water is heated using a solar hot water system and huge water tanks, which collect rainwater, provide our entire water supply. Grey water and sewerage is recycled back on to our extensive tropical gardens using a biocycle. Our laptops and cell phones are recharged each night using electricity obtained purely from the sun. Our warehouse is in an industrial area and the builder forgot to add the solar panels on top! So we try and compensate otherwise - our photocopy paper in recycled paper and also our printing is done by a company which uses recycled paper printed with waterless soy based ink. As far as the ‘other little things which matter’ goes, we also use toilet paper made from recycled paper, clean using white vinegar, compost all of our shredded paper and most importantly - encourage our staff to switch the bathroom light off when not in use.

VE: What sort of feedback have you been getting from consumers and retail stores?

BD-T: There seems to be this energised sort of positive attitude towards Envirosax - really positive. When we first started with Envirosax, the aim was to produce a trendy alternative to the existing eco-friendly bag. From this initial concept to what Enviorosax has now become (in Australia - that is) has suddenly seen Envirosax transpire into a must-have fashion item. But of course, it is not just this aspect which is causing a stir - it’s also the actions of all the wonderful consumers who are actually thinking about the environment. Envirosax is just a wanted product - by all in the supply chain. It makes us proud!

VE: Could you tell me a bit more about the company’s involvement in Australia’s Sustainable Living Challenge?

BD-T: The Sustainable Living Challenge is a leading national secondary schools program that encourages students and their teachers to explore sustainability issues. [My husband] Mark has been involved with The New South Wales University Sustainable Living Challenge for the last five years as a school teacher. Last year, his school, All Saints Anglican School, won an “Outstanding Academic Achievement Award” for their successful “Students for a Sustainable Future” conference, which involved 25 students giving 35 presentations on the four corners of sustainability, cultural, social, economic and environmental. This year the students are working on a fuel cell boat as part of their entry and they are also planning another student conference for October 2007. Envirosax became a supporter of the Sustainable Living Challenge in November 2006 by supplying prizes for the competition. Envirosax also attended a Sustainable Living Challenge exhibition in Brisbane this March, to promote the competition and also to educate teachers and students in using reusable bags. In the future, Envirosax would like to get far more involved in fuel cell research using the Sustainable Living challenge as the medium for the students.

VE: What do you say to the folks that still believe global warming is just a myth?

BD-T: I can answer this quite simply. When we first started attending conferences on sustainability and global warming, all the speakers were only talking about the effects of global warming and global dimming. In the last two major international sustainability conferences we have attended, in Hanoi January 2006 and Chennai January 2007, with speakers from Universities around the world, the professors are no longer talking about the effects of global warming, but what we can do to live with global warming. Global warming is no longer a myth but a reality. There is no quick fix to the problem, but a lot of small steps in the right direction will add up to one big step. Envirosax hopefully is one of these small steps.

VE: Do you have any other nifty, secret projects in the works that you could hint at?

BD-T: Our online store in the USA goes live the end of next week. Our product development is going all out and yes there will be some surprises around the corner. Think texture, organic graphics and nourishment!

Tip o’ the Day: Picnic in Style

Amy Stodghill — Tue, 01 May 2007 20:56:26 +0000

With the weather warming up, folks are flocking outside and picnickers abound. But where there's a picnic there's usually overflowing garbage cans.

When taking your picnic to the park or the beach try to reduce the amount of waste you leave there.

For the table, bring a cloth tablecloth instead of a paper or plastic one. It will be more durable and you can throw it in the washer when you get home.

Bring reusable utensils, plates and cups (they'll make your neighboring picnickers envious).

Instead of buying prepackaged food, make your own fare and pack it in reusable containers rather than foil or plastic wrap.

Or use recycled paper plates and napkins, and biodegradable and compostable cutlery and cups. (Treecycle has a variety of options).

You don't need a pricey picnic basket to tote your lunch; however, they are very cute! Take your things in a backpack or canvas bag that you already have around the house.

Be sure to take out what you bring in. Take leftover food (and compostable ware) home for your compost pile. If your picnic area doesn't have recycling bins available be sure to take out any bottles or cans to recycle at home.

Amy says: When I go picnicking we take an old futon cover to spread out on the ground. It's double sided for an added layer of cushion and moisture protection if the grass is damp.

Tip o’ the Day: Paper or Plastic? Bring Your Own!

Rebecca Carter — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 15:41:23 +0000

Paper or plastic? Ug. Hopefully by now everyone knows that the right option really isn't in the question. What we hope everyone will consider is BYOBing it - Bring Your Own Bag.

It's March 2, and just sixty-one days into 2007, Reusablebags.com estimates that over 82.7 billion bags have been used so far this year. Other countries are doing better than the US on this, with several large chains in Europe and Asia now charging for plastic bags, or giving incentives and discounts to those who bring their own.

In fact, IKEA recently announced that its US stores will begin charging 5 cents for each plastic bag, beginning March 15. They are hoping to cut their contribution of 70 million plastic bags in the US to half in the first year, eventually phasing them out. To help with this, IKEA's reusable bags will be discounted from 99 cents to 59 cents.

Beat them to the punch and start bringing your own bags everywhere. Often, we have lots of worthy reusable bags hanging around the house. However, sometimes it is nice to have special bags just for your groceries. When looking, you'll probably have lots of options. You'll want to weigh what works better for you be it nylon, organic cotton, or hemp. Stay away from vinyl bags (we don't like that toxic material) and regular canvas (conventional cotton - lots of pesticides).

Like to wear your heart on your sleeve? Consider also picking up a Plastic Bags Blow organic tee from Reusablebags.com. Its the softest t-shirt we've ever had and it comes with a bonus: This shirt keeps you honest. Try going to the grocery store in your "bring your own bag" shirt and asking for plastic bags.

Once you've got your bags and your mind in the right place, all you need to do is remember to bring them with you. If you walk, you might want to look for a super compact bag and keep it in your pocket or purse. Also always keep some by the front door. If you drive, toss them in your trunk and they'll always be there when you need them.

Rebecca says: I've been on the BYOBag journey for about six months now. I have four hemp bags plus some cloth produce bags, so that I don't use those clear bags for the veggies, either. I have also started switching to larger purses, to give me a place to stash random items I might purchase when walking around on the weekends. Overall, it's been a good experience. Sometimes you'll meet people that are so impressed with you and you'll feel very proud. Other times you'll meet people that want nothing to do with your bags, or will bag something in plastic and then put the plastic bag into your reusable one. Read one of my random experiences here.

Still not convinced about the age old paper vs. plastic, with the solution being NEITHER?

Reusablebags.com Paper vs Plastic

EPA New England: Paper or Plastic

Additional resources:

Bring Your Own

Bring Your Own Blog

Green Options Tip o' the Day: BYOB (Bottle, that is)

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