Over the past decade, my family has been changing our lifestyle to reflect how we feel about the environment. For awhile we were constantly changing products and habits to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. Eco-friendly options like recycling, organic gardening, and buying local have been added to our weekly duties. We gave up water bottles, plastic bags, and paper napkins, and explored the green arenas of sustainable living in the hopes to make less of an impact. After a few years of changes we just...sustained. We kept recycling our glass and composting our kitchen scraps, but could we do more? Could our family of four, on one income, make even more changes?
The first place I decided to look was our bank account. How could the dollars spent continue to improve the planet & our lifestyle? Almost 10 years ago I decided to stop eating at McDonalds and almost five years ago I stopped shopping at Wal-Mart. I had done my research, and felt I could justify these decisions. Wal-Mart buys offshore and without apology. They hurt small business & pay their employees minimum wage with little to no benefits. They are part of the reason that corporate profits keep going up and the average family income keeps declining. As for McDonalds, I could write a whole another article about the quality of food and its negative impact on our environment. But I had made these decisions years ago. What could I do now?
The first thing I did was start looking at what we still bought that wasn't local, handmade, or organic. My list started with beer, toilet paper and gas. Was the brewery that made my Blue Moon eco-friendly? Was Charmin toilet paper soft on the environment too? Did we buy gas from a company with tons of environmental violations?
This is what I found out… my beer is terrible for the environment. Charmin isn’t so soft on it either. And gas, well, I’m not sure any of those guys even know what eco-friendly means. According to The Better World Shopping Guide, which focuses over 20 years of data on five key issues: human rights, the environment, animal protection, community involvement and social justice, Blue Moon Breweries received a D+ on their grading system. The worst grade, an F, fell to Guinness and Red Stripe. The best brewery, with an A+, was New Belgium. This was additionally backed by Greenopia, who released the green rankings of the world’s 15 largest breweries. Breweries like Sierra Nevada, Otter Creek, and Eel River were at the top of the lists. Maybe I won’t like all the A listers but I can definitely improve my D+ beer.
I also made a D in the TP department! Charmin ranked below thirteen other companies on my The Better World Shopper App. Seventh Generation and Earth Friendly were among the A listers, and even Cottonelle and Scott ranked better than our Mega Roll Charmin. Only Quilted Northern and Angel Soft received failing grades. Not sure we are on a Seventh Generation TP budget but I know I can improve my D ranking with a greener TP option.
When I started driving over fifteen years ago, I had it out for Exxon. I had seen the oil covered birds in the Valdez oil spill and I wasn’t buying their gas. I guess even back then I was voting with my dollars. Was there a green oil company to buy from? After researching, I guess the question should be is there a less evil oil company to buy from?
So, Exxon was still out of the question. BP, who used to rank #1 on Greenopia’s oil company list, has only fallen to #4 after its horrendous Gulf Oil spill. Born and raised in Florida, the spill was very personal to us, so BP is out of the question for sure. Sunoco comes in first place on both Better World Shopper and Greenopia lists, but we don’t have one close by. So, Shell and Hess, coming in at second and third will have to be our new greener choices.
This new quest to vote with our dollars and green our bank account is only starting. In a world of constant change, companies and businesses are going to come and go and improve and decline. It will be up to me, the little consumer at the bottom, to continue to seek out eco-friendly options for my family.
June 17, 2011
Greener Shopping Lists.
June 16, 2011
Weekly Giveaway: North Coast Beach Glass!
Wow, this week has just flown by! Hard to believe it's time to pick another winner for our Weekly Giveaway!
And who is that lucky winner? Our random pick was: #10!
KeriAnne Zimmerman!
Congrats, KeriAnne! Cindy from Pine Branch Designs will contact you to find out where you'd like your upcycled wood soap dishes sent! Thanks everyone for entering, and a big thanks to Cindy for sponsoring the giveaway!
Our Giveaway this week is from North Coast Beach Glass Jewelry!
Deb found these pieces of gorgeous, sky blue, beach glass on the shore of Lake Erie at her favorite glass gathering beach, drilled them herself, and hung them from the silver plate ear wires with 24 gauge silver colored copper wire.
Deb enjoys crocheting and writing, (she plans to write for us, Yay!) but her passion is collecting these rare treasures created by nature and fashioned into jewelry by her! Her shop on Etsy, North Coast Beach Glass Jewelry, is named for the North Coast of Lake Erie where she beachcombs. Deb says,
"I collect my seaglass / beach glass and beach stone from the shores of Lake Erie, where it is naturally tumbled by the waves until it has a beautiful, gemlike quality. I can't say what I like more - beachcombing to find my beach glass, making my wire wrapped jewelry, or knowing that other people appreciate my work."
Deb also uses Swarovski crystals, semi-precious stones and beach stones in her delicate and natural wire-wrapped creations.
Would YOU like to win the Sky Blue Beach Glass Earrings???
And who is that lucky winner? Our random pick was: #10!
KeriAnne Zimmerman!
Congrats, KeriAnne! Cindy from Pine Branch Designs will contact you to find out where you'd like your upcycled wood soap dishes sent! Thanks everyone for entering, and a big thanks to Cindy for sponsoring the giveaway!
Our Giveaway this week is from North Coast Beach Glass Jewelry!
Deb found these pieces of gorgeous, sky blue, beach glass on the shore of Lake Erie at her favorite glass gathering beach, drilled them herself, and hung them from the silver plate ear wires with 24 gauge silver colored copper wire.
Deb enjoys crocheting and writing, (she plans to write for us, Yay!) but her passion is collecting these rare treasures created by nature and fashioned into jewelry by her! Her shop on Etsy, North Coast Beach Glass Jewelry, is named for the North Coast of Lake Erie where she beachcombs. Deb says,
"I collect my seaglass / beach glass and beach stone from the shores of Lake Erie, where it is naturally tumbled by the waves until it has a beautiful, gemlike quality. I can't say what I like more - beachcombing to find my beach glass, making my wire wrapped jewelry, or knowing that other people appreciate my work."
Deb also uses Swarovski crystals, semi-precious stones and beach stones in her delicate and natural wire-wrapped creations.
Would YOU like to win the Sky Blue Beach Glass Earrings???
It's easy to enter!
Just browse, follow, tweet and share~ Here are the details:
First you must be a follower of Love 2 Upcycle to enter~ not a follower? Just look to the right and click on the 'Follow' button!
You can submit up to four entries, each must be entered HERE in a separate comment.
1. Browse Deb's shop, North Coast Beach Glass Jewelry, and tell us which item was your favorite.
2. 'Favorite' and 'Like' her shop, North Coast Beach Glass Jewelry on Etsy.
3. 'Follow' her North Coast Beach Glass on Facebook.
4. 'Tweet' or 'Like' this Giveaway using our Like or Tweet button or Share a link to our Giveaway on your Facebook fan page.
Deadline to enter is Wednesday, June 22nd at midnight.
Good Luck!
June 15, 2011
Meet & Greet: FrankCluck
Jenny has been concerned about the environment for most of her life. In high school she even started an environmental club. Her products are made by repurposing items otherwise known as "trash".
Her goal is to recycle products that will help make an impact in not only our lives, but in all of those people around us.
I asked Jenny a few questions about herself and her business and here is what she had to share:
Tell us a little about yourself and what you sell.
My name is Jenny and I create totes, market bags, and purses using plastic feed sacks. I have always loved the outdoors, which naturally morphed into a strong environmental awareness as a teenager. I grew up surrounded by a variety of animals. I made my first bag in an effort to create an earth friendly gift for my dog loving mom. My mom loved it and my bags were born! I was at a point were I knew I needed to ditch the store bags, but was having a hard time convincing my husband. That is until I made a few bags for us from feedsacks. They were strong, durable, and something a man wouldn't be embarrassed to carry!
What is your favorite thing about creating?
I love seeing the process of making something from nothing. There is just something gratifying about knowing that I have made something myself.
Why did you decide to work with upcycled/recycled/repurposed/vintage materials?
While buying supplies at the store and bringing them home to make a project is fun, I like the challenge of working with something that is headed to the trash. I feel that in addition to satisfying the urge to create, I am doing something positive for the planet. As a society, the waste we generate is just astounding. I like to think that I am helping to turn the tide,even if only a bit. Plus, when someone sees a bag that I have made, I hope that they will in turn look twice at what they are throwing out. I hope that by seeing what wonderful and useful items can be crafted from recycled materials, they will then be inspired to make positive changes in their own lives. It all adds up!
I have to say that I am lucky to have friends and family that are willing to shamelessly hunt down trash for me! Without all of there help, I would not be able to offer the range of products that I have. I must also point out that I have a very patient husband who has put up with the growing stacks of feed sacks in our basement. After a while, they are hard to hide :)
What is your favorite thing about running your Etsy shop?
I can't tell you how fun it is to see that people like my items so much that they buy them! The global aspect of Etsy constantly amazes me. Where else would I have the opportunity to sell my products to people half way around the globe, and in my hometown, all at the same time? I love the feeling that something I have made with my own hands is going to places and people that I will likely never see. And to hear that they love them inspires me to keep sewing!
What inspires you to create/sell what you do?
I love working with feedsacks. They are colorful, strong, and fun. Plus, being plastic, they aren't going anywhere anytime soon, you know? Think of how MANY bags are thrown away, everyday. Wow, does that add up! Plus, they are perfect for totes, purses, and especially market bags. It is also fun to see why people are buying them. Some love the recycled factor, while some think it's fun to have a bag made from their pets' food bags. Others just love the fun graphics and tough nature of the product. But, whatever the reason, they inspire me to keep making more. Besides, I have to keep going now. My basement is quickly filling up....
Links to find Jenny on the web:
www.frankcluck.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Cluck-Cluck-Craft/107560985943614
Thanks for sharing with us today Jenny!
See you next week,
Valerie
Everyday Inspired - A daily dialog of Inspiration, Creativity, and business.
Her goal is to recycle products that will help make an impact in not only our lives, but in all of those people around us.
 |
| Recycled Bird Seed Bag Purse or Tote |
Tell us a little about yourself and what you sell.
My name is Jenny and I create totes, market bags, and purses using plastic feed sacks. I have always loved the outdoors, which naturally morphed into a strong environmental awareness as a teenager. I grew up surrounded by a variety of animals. I made my first bag in an effort to create an earth friendly gift for my dog loving mom. My mom loved it and my bags were born! I was at a point were I knew I needed to ditch the store bags, but was having a hard time convincing my husband. That is until I made a few bags for us from feedsacks. They were strong, durable, and something a man wouldn't be embarrassed to carry!
 |
| Recycled Dog Food Market Bag Tote or Purse |
I love seeing the process of making something from nothing. There is just something gratifying about knowing that I have made something myself.
Why did you decide to work with upcycled/recycled/repurposed/vintage materials?
While buying supplies at the store and bringing them home to make a project is fun, I like the challenge of working with something that is headed to the trash. I feel that in addition to satisfying the urge to create, I am doing something positive for the planet. As a society, the waste we generate is just astounding. I like to think that I am helping to turn the tide,even if only a bit. Plus, when someone sees a bag that I have made, I hope that they will in turn look twice at what they are throwing out. I hope that by seeing what wonderful and useful items can be crafted from recycled materials, they will then be inspired to make positive changes in their own lives. It all adds up!
I have to say that I am lucky to have friends and family that are willing to shamelessly hunt down trash for me! Without all of there help, I would not be able to offer the range of products that I have. I must also point out that I have a very patient husband who has put up with the growing stacks of feed sacks in our basement. After a while, they are hard to hide :)
 |
| Recycled Chicken Food Zippered Pouch |
I can't tell you how fun it is to see that people like my items so much that they buy them! The global aspect of Etsy constantly amazes me. Where else would I have the opportunity to sell my products to people half way around the globe, and in my hometown, all at the same time? I love the feeling that something I have made with my own hands is going to places and people that I will likely never see. And to hear that they love them inspires me to keep sewing!
 |
| Recycled Milk Juice Carton Coin Purse Business Card |
I love working with feedsacks. They are colorful, strong, and fun. Plus, being plastic, they aren't going anywhere anytime soon, you know? Think of how MANY bags are thrown away, everyday. Wow, does that add up! Plus, they are perfect for totes, purses, and especially market bags. It is also fun to see why people are buying them. Some love the recycled factor, while some think it's fun to have a bag made from their pets' food bags. Others just love the fun graphics and tough nature of the product. But, whatever the reason, they inspire me to keep making more. Besides, I have to keep going now. My basement is quickly filling up....
 |
| Recycled Cat Food Market Bag Purse or Tote |
www.frankcluck.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Cluck-Cluck-Craft/107560985943614
Thanks for sharing with us today Jenny!
See you next week,
Valerie
Everyday Inspired - A daily dialog of Inspiration, Creativity, and business.
June 13, 2011
Monday's Makeover: Bring a little Summer Inside!
Here's a few ways to 'lighten' up your indoors and brighten things up!
Try tossing this fresh linen pillow from bylina onto a chair for a cozy look!
Have your own 'butterfly garden' on your wall~ Abounding Treasures creates these 3D collages!
A rag rug from Deb's Crochet is perfect for that cottage chic look~
Or this one from Sally Rags~ 'Welcome Sunshine!'
And denim blue coasters from Sunflowers by Design for your iced lemonade or tea? These are even big enough for mason jars!
And you can get the mason jars from Sparkklejar!
So give one of your rooms a Summer makeover for those rainy days when you need to provide your own sunshine indoors! You'll find lots more upcycled accessories from Upcyclers, on Etsy! Take a look at our galleries to find more ideas!
Try tossing this fresh linen pillow from bylina onto a chair for a cozy look!
Have your own 'butterfly garden' on your wall~ Abounding Treasures creates these 3D collages!
A rag rug from Deb's Crochet is perfect for that cottage chic look~
Or this one from Sally Rags~ 'Welcome Sunshine!'
And denim blue coasters from Sunflowers by Design for your iced lemonade or tea? These are even big enough for mason jars!
And you can get the mason jars from Sparkklejar!
So give one of your rooms a Summer makeover for those rainy days when you need to provide your own sunshine indoors! You'll find lots more upcycled accessories from Upcyclers, on Etsy! Take a look at our galleries to find more ideas!
June 11, 2011
Love 2 DIY on the Weekend: Summer Projects!
Is your backyard ready for summer? Long sunny days that lead into cool moonlit evenings require a place to enjoy them and with the price of gas, it might be best to do that at home. Create your own little paradise with a few DIY upcycling projects that just might inspire you to come up with some of your own!
Erik Anderson's Wine Bottle Tiki Torch Tutorial provides quick and easy steps to lighting up your patio, island style!
Or if you love the look of a string of lights, try this idea from Instructables.com to make Egg Carton Flower Lights...
Celebrating Flag Day? Having a Fourth of July Picnic? Here's an idea from Daily Danny to display your red, white and blue~ green style!
Love to birdwatch? Bring them to you by building eco-friendly birdhouses from upcycled materials~ scrap wood, large plastic bottles or birdbaths from old terra cotta pots and saucers you might have on hand. Wenona Napolitano offers her own ideas and links to others on Crafting a Green World.
How about a potting bench made from an old fireplace mantle and a table? The Upcycler created one for his backyard that has a charming rustic look with lots of character...
Celebrate the best part of summer by nurturing your home and your spirit~ Being able to say 'I made it myself' and then sit back and enjoy what you created, is food for the soul!
Erik Anderson's Wine Bottle Tiki Torch Tutorial provides quick and easy steps to lighting up your patio, island style!
Or if you love the look of a string of lights, try this idea from Instructables.com to make Egg Carton Flower Lights...
Celebrating Flag Day? Having a Fourth of July Picnic? Here's an idea from Daily Danny to display your red, white and blue~ green style!
Love to birdwatch? Bring them to you by building eco-friendly birdhouses from upcycled materials~ scrap wood, large plastic bottles or birdbaths from old terra cotta pots and saucers you might have on hand. Wenona Napolitano offers her own ideas and links to others on Crafting a Green World.
How about a potting bench made from an old fireplace mantle and a table? The Upcycler created one for his backyard that has a charming rustic look with lots of character...
Celebrate the best part of summer by nurturing your home and your spirit~ Being able to say 'I made it myself' and then sit back and enjoy what you created, is food for the soul!
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