CustomEarthPromos - Eco Blog US

If you're looking to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, where better to start than at the grocery store? Every time you take a trip there to replenish your home goods, you are presented with plenty of opportunities to make eco-friendly choices. Below is a handful of ideas to get you started on becoming a more environmentally-conscious grocery shopper. Buy Locally Grown Fruits and Vegetables It's estimated that supermarkets toss out $15 billion worth of unsold fruits and vegetables each year due to "sell by" expiration dates and the fact that they overstock their stores to make their shelves look fuller. So, instead of buying your produce from supermarkets, try to shop at smaller, independent grocery stores or farmer's markets that stock organic and locally grown fruits and vegetables. When you buy local, you are also significantly reducing your carbon footprint in that you are lessening the amount of energy it takes to bring your food and goods from its producer to you, the end consumer. Use Reusable Grocery Bags One of the simplest eco-friendly choices to make when grocery shopping is choosing not to use those icky plastic grocery bags. We already know the harmful effects plastic bags have on marine life and the environment, so there's no reason why we should be going through 100 billion shopping bags annually. This number doesn't include plastic produce bags, so be sure to steer clear of those, too. Instead, use reusable produce bags or mesh bags instead. By bringing reusable bags with you to the grocery store, you'll help keep plastic out of our landfills and oceans. Buy Fair Trade  From honey and sugar to coffee and wine, Fair Trade Certified™ products that respect both the planet and people can be found down most aisles at the grocery store. In buying Fair Trade products, you are supporting the fair treatment of workers, enabling transparency, and helping to protect the environment. So, next time you stock up on food and drink for your household, don't forget to make these eco-friendly choices.

Typically when an actor goes on a press tour for a major motion picture, it requires a large traveling wardrobe full of designer clothing options. Beauty and The Beast star, Emma Watson, however, is taking a different approach. If you've been following Emma over the past few years, you'll notice she rarely ever flaunts an outfit that isn't eco-friendly. After all, this is the girl who showed up to the Met Gala wearing a Calvin Klein and Eco Age gown made from recycled plastic bottles. The actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador is using her time on the highly anticipated Beauty and the Beast press tour to showcase eco-friendly fashion brands and designers – an issue that's clearly very close to her heart.  You can follow Emma's eco-friendly fashion journey via her new Instagram account @the_press_tour For the special screening of Beauty and the Beast in London, Emma wore a gown made from end-of-line fabric sourced from a family-run, London business specializing in couture fabrics. Normally, surplus or end-of-line fabrics like this can't be sold and are destroyed. But thanks to an all-female team, "these unwanted fabric pieces have been given a new lease of life," and as you can see, Emma shines brighter for it. A post shared by The Press Tour (@the_press_tour) on Feb 23, 2017 at 3:26pm PST In her press tour posts, Emma also highlights the importance of going animal-free, or as it's better known, cruelty-free. When in Paris, Emma posted a Stella McCartney coat, praising the designer on being "the world's first luxury brand that is committed to producing products that do not use leather, skins, feathers, or fur." If Emma has taught us anything on this tour, it's that eco-friendly fashion plays a major part in living a sustainable life. Let's just hope major designers like Louis Vuitton and Oscar de la Renta can continue to ethically source their clothing materials and garments for a more sustainable future in fashion.

In recent years, drip coffee makers seem to have become a thing of the past, except for the french press which has made a come-back thanks to hipsters and coffee connoisseurs. Nevertheless, coffee pods are where it's at and given their immense surge in popularity, it's predicted that they could soon outsell regular and instant coffee which presents a huge environmental problem. Almost one in every three American homes now has a pod-based coffee machine, thanks to K-Cup inventor, John Sylvan. But looking back on his invention, amid public scrutiny of K-Cups as an infliction on the planet, Sylvan told The Atlantic, "I feel bad sometimes that I ever did it." So much so, he doesn't even own one. Since inventing single-use coffee pods, other brands like Nespresso and Starbucks have also boarded the environmental disaster train – adding to the 20 billion coffee pods containing aluminum or plastic that are produced each year – enough to circle the earth 14 times over. With pods being non-biodegradable and almost too difficult to recycle, it's no wonder why these brands have seen so much backlash from environmentalists. Even so, this hasn't stopped consumers from buying coffee pods and filling up our landfills. via GIPHY From the environment's perspective, there didn't appear to be a light at the end of the tunnel . . . until now. Halo, a UK-based sustainable coffee pod brand, has launched this week, fully armed with biodegradable capsules and ready to take on the toxic coffee pods that are filling up our landfills. With a mission statement like "We believe in crafting the world's best coffee, in a way that's best for the world," we have every bit of confidence that this eco-friendly brand will succeed in fulfilling their goal. Halo: An Eco-Friendly Coffee Brand  Halo co-founder, Nils Leonard, told Business Insider: "We believe it [coffee capsule waste] will be illegal in a few years' time." Unlike plastic and aluminum pods which take hundreds of years to break down, the Halo capsule biodegrades within 90 days. The Halo capsule biodegrades within 90 days, whereas an aluminium capsule takes 150 to 200 years. https://t.co/eOR6qG7ss7 via @Mailonline pic.twitter.com/VDZK35dzVl — Halo Coffee (@HALO_Coffee) February 28, 2017 Not only are Halo coffee pods compatible with Nespresso machines, they are also compostable since they are entirely organic; made from bamboo and paper pulp. So, if you're a coffee drinker, please join us in raising a cup of Joe to celebrate the "world's first fully compostable coffee capsule." Cheers!

The war on plastic bags has never been more prominent than it is right now. We've seen waves of support for plastic bag bans across the nation but there's also those who have been fighting for a ban on plastic bag bans. One of the latest support groups on a mission to save the environment from plastic are schoolchildren in Palm Beach County, Fla. These kids recently took show-and-tell to a whole nother level. As part of a classroom project, seventh- and eighth-graders at The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach, urged Palm Beach County commissioners to support a ban on plastic bags in stores. In the students' joint presentation with the Juno Beach Loggerhead Marinelife Center, a non-profit education and ocean conservation facility, they presented solid reasoning for why plastic bags need to go – explaining how the bags aren't biodegradable and pointing out the toxicity they release into the environment. They also touched on how the bags can kill animals and marine life. Commissioner Steven Abrams told The Palm Beach Post what a challenge it would be to get the law changed given opposition from legislators in the past. “We ought to be realistic,” Commissioner Steve Abrams said. “Unless within one year they're (the Legislature) going to change their position 180 degrees, it remains to be seen. But we can consider the resolution.” Sadly, the Florida Retail Federation and state law in Florida doesn't allow communities or local boards to ban plastic bags. But it's not all doom and gloom for the schoolchildren. According to SunSentinel, the town of Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, Lake Worth, West Palm Beach and 30 other communities across the state have voiced support after hearing the students' presentation. Even if it is difficult to sway state legislators, the kids proved that no matter what age, everyone is capable of standing up for what they believe in and working towards change, particularly when it comes to protecting the environment – something we all have in common. Interested in learning more? You can watch the Benjamin School students' presentation video at palmbeachpost.com/turtlebag

We here at Custom Earth Promos adore our pets and it appears we're not the only ones. It's estimated that 70-80 million dogs and 74-96 million cats are owned in the United States and that's not even including other pets like reptiles, fish, and birds. These astonishing numbers might explain why there's an entire day –National Love Your Pet Day – devoted to our loyal and loving companions. This national holiday is all about spending a little extra time with our furry friends, bringing them home a special treat, and giving them the extra long walk they deserve. But let's face it, every day should be "love your pet day," so whether you spoil them today or every day, we've got a few eco-friendly tips and suggestions for pet owners to help reduce your pet's carbon "paw print." Buy Eco-Friendly Pet Care Products & Toys You wouldn't want your child chewing on a plastic toy, so the same should go for your pet. When shopping for pet toys, leashes, collars, bowls, and beds, look for products made from recycled or plant-based materials. For pet bowls, shop for stainless steel or BPA-free. Use Biodegradable Bags to Pick Up After Your Pet Instead of using plastic bags to pick up after your dog or clean the kitty litter box which can take hundreds if not thousands of years to break down, use biodegradable bags instead. Cat litter is also available in organic and biodegradable forms which are less harmful to the environment. Alternatively, you can consider making a pet waste compost in your backyard. Use Reusable Bags When Shopping for Your Pets Reusable bags aren't just for grocery shopping. You can also use them for trips to the pet store or even to the vet. Reusable bags are also handy for carrying water and treats when you take your pet to the park or beach. Other eco-friendly tips:  Recycle or donate pet products you no longer need or use. Adopt Don't Shop: If you're looking to add another pet to the family, rescuing one from a shelter is the most humane and eco-friendly way to go. Buy organic and eco-friendly dog food and don't forget to recycle the cans. Spread the Love by Sharing Our Top Eco-Friendly Tips! It's #NationalLoveYourPetDay! Spread the love by sharing these eco-friendly tips for pet owners. Tip #1: Buy Eco-Friendly Pet Care Products and Toys #NationalLoveYourPetDay[/ctt] Tip #2: Use biodegradable bags instead of plastic bags to pick up after your pet #NationalLoveYourPetDay[/ctt] Tip #3: Use Reusable Bags When Shopping for Your Pets #NationalLoveYourPetDay[/ctt]

If you've been searching for inspiration to become more environmentally friendly, you may have just found it. Ryan Hickman, a 7-year-old from San Juan Capistrano, Calif., recently started his own recycling company and is perhaps one of the youngest entrepreneurs in the industry. Ryan's environmental journey began a few years ago at the age of 3 (yes, you heard me right) when he visited a local recycling center with his father. The very next day, he told his parents that he wanted to give his neighbors reusable bags so they could recycle, too. It was at this moment in 2012, that his passion for recycling was ignited and Ryan's Recycling Company was born. Today, Ryan and his family, collect plastic and glass beverage bottles as well as aluminum cans and take them in by the truckload every few weeks to their local recycling center where they are sorted and weighed. To date, Ryan's Recycling Company has prevented over 200,000 bottles and cans from ending up in local landfills. If you live in Orange County, Calif., you can contact him to schedule a pickup time. Obviously, the mini environmentalist can't drive yet but his friends and family are there to help him out. If you don't live in the area, take a note of out Ryan's book and consider starting your own recycling company or program. As long as you recycle, you'll be doing your part to help protect wildlife and the environment. Ryan Talks About His Recycling Company with Ellen Over the last few months, Ryan's recycling story has gone viral and has been featured on hundreds of sites and radio stations. But perhaps his top story to date was when he was asked to appear on the Ellen DeGeneres show. Ellen asked Ryan why he loves recycling so much. Ryan said, "Because it saves the planet and it keeps bottles and cans out of the ocean for animals to not get sick or die." Shutterfly, a sponsor of the show, loved Ryan's story so much, the company donated 10,000 to his recycling company. Ryan has already accomplished so much in his journey to save the planet; we can't wait to see where his story will take him next.

We use our kitchens every day which means there are bound to be habits we can change to be more environmentally conscious. From the way we eat to the appliances we use on a day-to-day basis,  we've discovered a few simple and easy ways to go green in the kitchen. 1. Change Your Dishwasher Settings There's no need to feel guilty about using your dishwasher. According to numerous studies, it actually uses less water than doing dishes by hand. However, if you're really trying to go green in the kitchen, you should only run a cycle when the dishwasher is full. Avoid using the rinse cycle if you can and choose air dry instead of heat dry. It might sound simple enough but you essentially want to choose the cycle that uses the least amount of gallons of water per wash. If you're still not sure which cycle to choose, check your dishwasher's manual or the manufacturer's website for more information. 2. Buy Energy-Efficient Appliances From wall-to-wall, kitchens are filled to the brim with energy-sucking appliances like dishwashers, microwaves, fridges, etc. If you haven't already, after each use, get in the habit of unplugging some of the appliances that don't need to be plugged in all of the time such as coffee machines and toasters. In doing so, you'll be saving energy and money on your next electric bill. In this case, it really does pay off to go green! If your appliances are in need of an upgrade, many communities offer take-back programs that help you to properly dispose of old appliances which likely contain hazardous materials and chemicals. Once you're ready to shop for new products, look for appliances that have an Energy Star rating. And if you need a new fridge, go small. You'll save a lot of energy this way and probably won't waste as much food. 3. Go Green. Buy Local. The food you bring into your kitchen is equally as important as your appliances and gadgets, so shop at green markets and buy local whenever you can. Opt for organic food and make an effort to eat less meat. There's a reason why the farm-to-table movement is all the rage right now – plus buying local is a great way to support your community's local agriculture. Other ways to go green in the kitchen include recycling, composting, using reusable bags and towels, and buying in bulk (so that you don't have to make as many trips to the store). Ways to go green in the kitchen are endless, we just need to make a few simple changes to our everyday habits if we want to make an impact. How do you save energy in the kitchen? Are there any green methods you recommend? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

Last year, California became the first state in the nation to ban single-use plastic bags and just last week, Michigan became the seventh state to follow suit. Other countries like the UK, Bangladesh, France, Africa and Italy have also had success in banning plastic shopping and grocery bags. Of all the years to ban plastic bags, this sure feels like the year to do so. Yet, some lawmakers in several different states disagree. The New York City state Senate recently shot down the plastic bag banning concept and other states like Arizona, Missouri, Idaho, Indiana, Wisconsin, South Carolina, and Utah have adopted early measures of bans on plastic bag bans.  Florida is also moving closer to this decision which is distressing considering the state is adjacent to several waterways where marine life could be affected by plastic bag pollution. According to The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. goes through 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually which can take 400 years at least to biodegrade. We know that plastic bags are a big no-no when it comes to protecting animals and keeping our planet clean, so why are so many states against banning them? The L.A. Times Editorial Board explains it perfectly, "It's not about sound environmental policy. Instead, these are partisan political moves by state lawmakers to stop communities from enacting policies Republicans view as hostile to business. The intent of preemption laws is to halt the momentum of local bans before they grow into a statewide movement, as happened here." We just have to hope that residents in these states – and any states considering banning plastic bag bans – will be able to see through the motives of the lawmakers and stand up against such ludicrous policies. After all, shouldn't we have the right to decide whether to ban plastic bags in our own communities?

When most people think of Valentine's Day – chocolate, jewelry, and flowers come to mind. In a way, these gifts have become a holiday tradition. However, this tradition of love-themed consumerism has led to a lot of unnecessary waste over the years. Take cards, for instance, over 145 million cards are bought on Valentine's Day. Just imagine how many of those end up in our landfills. It's also estimated that 224 million roses are grown each year for the holiday, roses that will only end up being thrown out days later. Luckily, there are ways to show your love that is environmentally beneficial yet still traditional. Here's a look at three eco-friendly Valentine's Day gift ideas that'll be sure to put a smile on your loved one's face. 1. Fair Trade Chocolate and Jewelry  Chocolate and jewelry are the way to many people's hearts but buy Fair Trade and you're doing them one better. When we choose to buy Fair Trade, we are essentially supporting the ethical treatment of the laborers around the world who are making the products we eat and wear. Not only does this include fair pay, it also ensures workers have safe and environmentally friendly working conditions. Just make sure the Fair Trade chocolate or jewelry you buy is wrapped in eco-friendly packaging. No plastic! 2. Reusable Wine Totes and Eco-Certified Wine We already know that eco-friendly wine tastes better, so why not impress your valentine with an organic wine that tastes great and was made using eco-friendly practices. All you need is a reusable wine tote to go with it and you are all set. 3. Living Houseplants  Flowers are beautiful, there's no denying that, but they are also a waste (literally). A dozen roses or a bouquet of flowers will cost you a pretty penny. Living houseplants or flowering plants, on the other hand, are a more eco-friendly option that will not only last longer but cost less. With these eco-friendly Valentine gift ideas, you'll be sure to impress your sweetheart while simultaneously doing your part to help save the planet. Do you have any eco-friendly Valentine's Day gift ideas for the earth-loving valentine in your life? If so, let us know in the comments below.

“The Earth does not belong to man; Man belongs to the Earth. This we know. All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.” — Chief Seattle Sometimes it can be difficult to inspire those around you to think differently about the environment and encourage them to be eco-friendly. But we have found that words have a lot of power in doing just that. Sometimes the right words, from the right people, can help us refocus and reignite the environmentalist within. To show you what we mean, we want to share you on some of our favorite eco-friendly quotes that will be sure to inspire not only you but the people around you, too. Feel free to tweet them, pin them, or turn them into memes. We just hope these quotes inspire you to reflect, become more conscious about your environmental impact, and to take sustainable action. Eco-Friendly Quotes 1. "Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” —Albert Einstein 2. “A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt 3. “The good man is the friend of all living things.” —Gandhi 4. “The environment is where we all meet; where all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share.” —Lady Bird Johnson 5. “He that plants trees loves others besides himself.” —Thomas Fuller  6. “One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between man and nature shall not be broken.”  —Leo Tolstoy  7. “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make.” —Jane Goodall 8. "The ultimate test of man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.” —Gaylord Nelson 9. “The Earth is a fine place and worth fighting for.” —Ernest Hemingway 10. "We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do.” —Barbara Ward  What's Your Favorite Eco-Friendly Quote?  What is your favorite eco-friendly quote from the list above? Do you have a favorite quote that didn't make our list? If you have a quote that you would like to share, we'd love to hear from you! Please feel free to post your inspiration in the comments below.