The Daily Green

Good Morning!

Most firewood suppliers say they’re selling dry wood — but what does that mean?  The wood could have been cut and fitted a month ago, or 5 minutes before it was put on the truck.

For firewood that’s dry enough to ignite easily and burn cleanly, you need to plan in advance.  It takes a few months for even “dry” wood to completely dry.  The sooner it’s delivered, the longer it will have to sit.

Good Morning!

Try out an electronic signature service.  You won’t have to print, fax or overnight everything that comes across your desk.   

Your e-signature will reduce paper, oil and water waste and it’s a sign of smaller landfills.  Nearly 400 million ink and 100 million toner cartridges end up in dumps every year.

The cash savings will also come in handy – extra money from paper and postage means you can buy that nice pen for when you do have to sign something.

Good Morning!

You can find great green and fair trade gifts online.  One place to start looking – worldofgood.com.

THe site is monitored by trusted third party sources, including TransFair USA Co-op America.  It offers products in four categories – people positive, eco positive, animal friendly and supports a cause.

To buy, you must have an eBay account and to sell, you must apply.

Good Morning!

Turning down your water heater a few degrees can save you big on energy, and you will still have plenty of hot water for everyone’s daily shower.

Contractors often think they are doing you a favor by jacking up the water heater to 140 degrees F.  You may appreciate a long, hot soak at the end of the day, but most households can live just fine with the appliance set at 120 degrees F.

Lowering the temperature just 20 degrees will reduce your water costs between 6 and 10%.  If you’re brave, try reducing it to 115!

Good Morning!

You can save paper and ink by previewing your documents before you print them.  It only takes a few seconds and will reduce frustration at the paper tray.

Paper accounts for more than half of all trash, you can do your part by only printing what you really want.   Printing only the key information will also help you declutter your desk.

Good Morning!

Skip conventional candles for all-natural ones.

Most candles are made from petroleum-based waxes and are loaded with artificial fragrances.  The smalls can overwhelm sensitive noses and overtime will become indoor air pollutants.

Instead, look for candles made from renewable materials, like soy or beeswax.  You can still enjoy great scents like peppermint, lavender and cinnamon.

Good Morning!

Instead of filling your home with books, try reading one on your computer.  

E-books don’t use paper or require fuel to ship; and it takes the same amount of energy to run a laptop for an hour as it does to produce four pages of a book.  Digital readers are also great for vacations, you can fit five books in your pocket!

Another big plus — it’s cheaper!  I found New York Times bestsellers online for almost half price.

Good Morning!

If you’ve been chucking your ink cartridges, you are not alone.  CartridgeFundraising.com reports Americans throw away more than 13 cartridges a second.

This is one of the easiest ways to cut down on waste.  Some ink cartridges can be refilled.  If this seems too messy, take them to the nearest drop off center.  

Many companies take them back for free and even provide you with the materials to mail it.

Recycling the cartridges also reduces energy use.  It takes about 80% less energy to remanufacture the plastic than to produce a new cartridge.  That said, when you shop for ink cartridges — get recycled ones!

Good Morning!

Unleash a greener lint brush on your clothes.  

The ones with tape which you have to replace isn’t an eco-friendly way to go, plus the refills will cost over the long haul.  This way, there’s more landfill space for hair balls!

Another option — put your linty clothes in the dryer with your laundry and a wet wash cloth.

Good Morning!

Save natural resources, and late fees, by opting for online bill paying.  

Your bank, credit card and utility providers probably offer the option.  Check their websites for the details.  Paperless billing not only saves trees, it also eliminates the fossil fuels needed to get those billing envelopes from them to you and back again.

Plus, you’ll save money on stamps!