CustomEarthPromos - Eco Blog US

A unanimous decision to place a ban on thin plastic bags was made in Martinez, California in a Council meeting. Following the footsteps of many other states that have done this, the ban aims to make the environment safer for citizens and animals alike. Restriction on Usage of Thin Plastic Bags By placing a ban on such bags, the Council is sending a clear message to buyers to find green and easily accessible options to plastics. The thin bags especially, pose a big hazard in all spheres of life. They can be used very few times and cannot be recycled. Once disposed, they end up in landfills and just keep creating health concerns for people and animals living around the landfill. How many times have we seen drains blocked with plastic bags? How many times have innocent, grazing animals consumed such bags and then have had to undergo painful medical procedures to get rid of them? Some do not even survive the experience. Talk about the inconsiderate people who litter the streets and other campuses with these bags wont help much, but what will help is giving up on plastic bags. So what's the best alternative to these bags? Some of you may think it's a paper bag. Actually, paper bags, though recyclable, are expensive to manufacture and using paper means reducing the already very few forests we have. Go for the reusable bags instead. The Council made it a point to advertise these by giving a $500 check to new Leaf Collaborative to recognize its efforts in making the environment safe and designing recyclable bags that can be distributed well before the ban is imposed. These bags can be stocked and reused. They are also available very easily in many stores and are softer on your wallet. Not to forget, your city will be free from the menace of plastic bags. Using Wholesale Reusable Bags to Support Ban on Thin Plastic Bags With the Council encouraging companies producing reusable bags and making the ban effective from January 1 2015, it is evident the city wants to clean up its act while ensuring citizens get ample time to get prepared for the ban. The time gap will also allow storekeepers get rid of their exiting plastic stock. The decision was unanimous, many people have been vocal about their support to this move – so the city is united in this fantastic move. Wholesale reusable bags have successfully replaced the plastic and paper bags in many cities, now it Martinez's turn to become a green city. Source

Truckee, California is taking a step towards environmental friendliness with a ban on single use plastic bag and a charge of at least 10 cents on reusable bags provided by stores. As more and more communities around the country are putting some kind of ban on plastic in place, Truckee's initiative is being hailed as a good example. Day After the Plastic Bag Ban The first day of Truckee, California's plastic bag ban went well with people being supportive of the initiative that seeks to reduce the town's amount of waste. Residents participated enthusiastically in the drive by bringing along reusable bags or using paper bags being supplied by the stores. The city is also providing free bags initially for people who are still getting used to the system while Safeway and Save Mart is providing free reusable bags to shoppers spending over twenty five dollars in the store. However, these are introductory schemes that won't last more than 90 days. Plastic in general, and plastic bags in particular have been a huge problem for ecologically conscious people to deal with. Due to their property of not degrading even after scores of years, plastic bags have been filling up landfills and have become eyesores as stray flying pieces of plastics. These are also a danger for animals, including pets, as they tend to ingest these bags and can choke on them. Various communities all across the country have already instituted such bans and charges on plastic bags have also been quite successful with them. The quality of air and water in the areas have improved and so has the beauty of the landscape. Hopefully, Truckee will serve as an example to other cities in California and around the country. Getting Used to Wholesale Reusable Bags After the Bag Ban Getting people to switch to wholesale reusable bags is not such an easy task. The initial enthusiasm generally fizzles out in a few days or weeks and many people find it hard to adjust to the new bags in the long run. Just like any other change, a change in the bags you use can also be difficult to accept. However, as many communities around the country have shown, it is possible to adapt and with each passing day it is becoming even more important to do so in order to give a fighting chance to our environment. Source

Designer David Walton and his wife belong to an emerging group of conscious manufacturers and designers of environment friendly jewelry items who make their designs using recycled gold, silver and precious stones for their customers. There is a sustained campaign by retailers of jewelry products and conscious citizens called “No Dirty Gold” under which raw materials from ethical resources are used. The group works with nonprofit organizations and end customers to create awareness about using products which have been sourced in environment friendly manner and do not affect communities or environment in any adverse manner. These jewelry producers prefer using recycled precious metals and stones from responsible sources. How About Some Environment Friendly Jewelry? The “No Dirty Gold” campaign is an international movement, which ensures that precious materials are mined in a responsible and sustainable manner without damaging environment or human resources. The campaign spreads awareness among buyers and manufacturers about impact of irresponsible mining on environment and to extend support this group so they can exert pressure on governments to strengthen anti-pollution laws. The campaign also supports rights of communities where these gold mines are located so they can decide about initiating mining activities in their area and methods of sharing the wealth to sustain effect on environment. Walton and his wife are contributing their bit to this campaign by using recycled precious metals and stones from old jewelry pieces or which have been certified as conflict-free. These old gold pieces are melted and refined before being re-alloyed to be cast as freshly designed pieces as decided by customers. Since he designs and fabricates the jewelry himself, the highest purity is maintained in all his finished products. He is also able to convey message about use of ethical jewelry to his end customers. As a conscious buyer of ethically made jewelry, ensure that your jeweler follows Golden Rules defined by “No Dirty Gold” campaign. There is a list of retailers who have pledged their support to this campaign and are also following prescribed practices online which conscious buyers can look into before making their purchase of jewelry. To make this campaign a success effort of a large group of people and government agencies is required who together can ensure cleaner mining practices which do not exploit anyone. Environment Friendly Jewelry That Can Help Create Awareness To ensure success of this noble campaign of “No Dirty Gold” awareness needs to be created within buyers and retailers who refrain from using products, which have been manufactured or sourced from unethical means. Several eco-friendly promotional items can be used for this purpose. One of the best options would be a simple ring that people use for varied occasions like marriage, engagement or commemorative events. Source

With the removal of the provision that would have ended the ban on plastic bags in 2015, Barrington, Rhode Island has become the first city in the state to institute such a permanent ban. In a move that had an overwhelming support of the local population, the Town Council voted 3-2 in favor of keeping the ban in place. A Welcome, Green Change from Custom Eco Bags The ban on plastic bags that had come into effect in January 2013 meant that Barrington retailers were not allowed to offer single use plastic bags to their customers. The shoppers were either required to bring their own reusable bags or buy them at the stores. This ban has led to a substantial decrease in the total waste generated by the town as a large part of it consisted of plastic bags that people used to throw out. The kind of support that the ban had was evident during the vote as well. The council got a standing ovation when it voted to make the ban permanent while 10 of the 20 people present during the vote decided to speak on the issue (with 9 speaking in favor of the ban and 1 against). Both these scenarios were unprecedented and go to show how strongly people felt about the issue. The major issue that most residents of Barrington had with plastic bags was the fact that they polluted the Rhode Island environment. Apart from being non biodegradable and harmful to animals as well as humans, the discarded plastic bags also floated around all over the town making it seem unsightly. The step is expected to solve both these problems as well as provide a roadmap that can be followed by other cities all over the country. With increasing pollution and an increasing demand for steps to tackle it, such an idea is sure to appeal to many. Residents Love Their Eco Bags Wholesale The best part about the vote and the decision to get rid of the sunset provision was the unwavering support provided by the people of Barrington. People have realized that eco bags wholesale can help them solve the problem of pollution in their town. With the support of the people and enthusiastic participation of the local businesses, the step is sure to become a popular one and is also expected to have a big impact on the environment. Hopefully, this vote of confidence that the people of Barrington have given to reusable bags will inspire more towns and cities. Source

The level of eco consciousness is increasing among the general population. So it is no surprise that people are looking for the same benefits that they derive from using eco-friendly products, for their pets too. It also makes sense as pets are an important part of our lives, and it is essential to take care of them. Green Options for Your Furry Companion with Eco-Friendly Products Looking at this trend of people searching for eco-friendly products, many companies have now started offering several eco options. The range of products available with such options include - Food items - Of course, just like us humans, the first place to introduce eco friendliness for our pets is their food. You can choose from a range of organic products, chemical-free products, products made with sustainable practices and so on. Some companies even claim to have free range chicken and other meat products in their pet food and treats. However, be aware of what you are buying as many companies do not label their products properly. Toys - Pets love their toys; just like kids do. Similar to how we care about what chemicals have been used in our kid's toys, we should worry about our pets too. Many companies are now offering toys that do not have any harmful chemicals, are made of all natural products, and are devoid of any potentially harmful paint. This would ensure that your dear pet remains healthy and fit. Bedding - The bed and pillows used by your pet should also be eco-friendly in nature if you want to truly maintain a sustainable lifestyle. Make sure that the fibers used are all natural and even the fillers used are eco-friendly. It will not only be good for the environment, it will be a great gift for your pet as well. Eco-Friendly Products For You There is no scarcity of eco-friendly products in the market, but not all of them are suitable for your pets. Apart from getting a range of products for your pets, you can also pick up items such as reusable bags, eco-friendly cosmetics, clothes made of natural fibers, and many other such products that you can use. All this will have a positive impact on the environment around you and will help you as well as the coming generations to enjoy the earth in all its glory. Source

Santa Barbara is riding high on its first successful wave of banning use of plastic bags in large stores. Effective 14 May 2014, shoppers are no longer allowed to use them. They also need to pay 10 cents for a paper bag or can enjoy an inexpensive, ecologically healthy shopping experience by using reusable bags. Support the Bag Ban in Place by Using Discount Reusable Bags The Council members planned this move in two parts to ensure a smooth transition took place across all commercial units in the city. They realized that imposing a sudden and comprehensive ban may cause inconveniences to the public and trading centers. So they decided to split the move as following: Phase 1 – Implemented on 14th May, this phase targeted large supermarkets and stores with a pharmacy having a retail space of 10,000 square feet or more. Such retail entities did their bit and forewarned customers to come armed with discount reusable bags rather than paying for paper bags. While some customers had already been following the method for a while, the ban was extensively advertised for the benefit of the masses. Paper bags were made available for free for those who faced hardships and survived, for example, food coupons were exempt from the fine. Phase 2 – Now that majority of the people are aware of the ban, thanks to their experiences with larger stores, the move will trickle into the smaller crevices of the commercial sector on 14th November 2014. It will impact grocery and drug stores, all pharmacies, convenience food stores as well as marts. All stores that sell a line of groceries must also be self-certified by completing a bag Ordinance Self-Certification form available on the Council's official website. With this 2 phased plan, the Council aims to free the city altogether of unnecessary plastic and paper bags. It still however, allows use of plastics to pack or transport meat and fish or as trash liners. Residents Getting Used to Carrying Discount Reusable Bags Thanks to the Council's strategy of imposing the ban in separate phases and widespread advertising, customers who shop in large stores and in small ones are aware of the ban. Most people now maintain a number of discount reusable bags at all times. Everyone is now united in their effort to avoid plastic and paper wastes from ending up in landfills and creating toxic as well as fatal menace to human beings and animals alike. Source

An outdoor summer party can be healthy and fun with some eco-friendly options thrown in the mix. A burger grill party or an elaborate eco-friendly cookout with a long guest list can be made memorable with a healthy environment adding to summer fun. Getting Started on Your Eco-Friendly Cookout Setting the stage for the big party or a close get-together is half the job done as you have created an ambiance for your guests to relax. The first step is to ensure that the backyard is cleaned and pruned to get rid of weeds as well as overgrown plants that may harbor bugs at night. The furniture to accommodate your guests should be laid out in advance interspersed with some night lights or solar-powered lanterns. Next on the list is setting the grill for the barbecue. A gas grill is an easy and eco-friendly way of grilling food outdoors as it emits less smoke and cooks the food evenly. A clean grill is the way to start cooking on it and the best way to clean it is by using some organic vegetable oil. Vegetable oils are good lubricants that prevent the food from getting stuck to the grill and you can avoid the build-up after several grilling sessions. The vegetables, meats and dairy products used for the grill can be of the organically-sourced variety to make sure that your dishes taste fresh and delectable. The best way to ensure this is by shopping at your local market that offers fresh produce and grass fed meats. Fresh cocktails and organic beers are a welcome addition to the menu to help your guests beat the summer heat. Fresh fruit juices can be blended with gluten free alcohol to create some organic cocktails. The option of sticking to reusable serving trays and dishes will ensure that the Styrofoam cups and plates are not littered around your backyard by the end of the bash. An Eco-Friendly Cookout Is Great to Spread Some Eco Sense Eco-friendly promotional items are the best way to promote a business by giving out organically-sourced gifts that encourage the consumers to live in an eco-friendly manner. Articles used on a regular basis like pens, water bottles, key-rings, caps and other apparel like sweatshirts and t-shirts, bearing the company logo can be a gentle reminder of a company's commitment towards a greener world. Source

The latest meeting of the Metro Solid Waste Management Board saw a ban being implemented on the use of plastic bags to collect yard waste. The environment-friendly regulation that is set to be enforced throughout Jefferson County from January 1, 2015 onwards was passed by the board recently. Quite Some Time before the Bag Ban to Make the Switch The Louisville-Jefferson County Waste Management District Board has laid down guidelines for disposing yard waste to improvise and eliminate the excessive costs incurred in the yard waste collection. The yard clippings and dry leaves are to be mulched or composted to avoid the unwarranted amounts of yard waste. The yard waste is to be collected in reusable bags or garbage cans that ensure that the use of single use plastic bags is minimized. The regulation has taken into account the extent of landfill pollution caused by the non-biodegradable plastic covers, that in turn also make it unfeasible to effectively mulch or compost the yard waste. Although the 1994 ordinance states that the landfills are not to be dumped with plastic waste, around 32000 tonnes of plastic waste still gets dumped into the landfills each year. The new regulation provides an easy solution to this problem as the plastics will be banned, and the yard waste will be composted by the residents, leaving the landfills unburdened. An extensive outreach program has been designed to create awareness among the residents of Louisville regarding the the imminent bag ban and the use of eco-friendly alternatives. After the ban gets enforced, people will be fined for negligent yard waste collection using plastic bags. Using Promotional Reusable Bags till the Bag Ban As the regulation will go into full effect in January 1st, 2015, the residents of Louisville are expected to switch from single use plastic waste bags to reusable cans and garbage bins. A temporary solution to the unavailability of such options is using promotional reusable bags till then. An initiative to boost public confidence by promoting such eco-friendly measures will go a long way in ensuring the success of the program and its sponsors. A reusable garbage bag can be a great way to promote products like lawn mowers and gardening equipment that is required to maintain a backyard or a lawn. Companies selling organic fertilizers and other yard clearing equipment can tap in the potential of promoting their business by offering reusable yard waste collection bags with their company logo. Source

Puerto Rico has the unique distinction of exporting more than eighty percent of its vegetables and other food produce. Organic fruit and vegetable produce is becoming popular with the consumers as well as the farmers in Puerto Rico. Organic farming has found a new ambassador in Puerto Rican Tara Rodriguez, who says that the consumers are tired of the bland, tasteless fruits and vegetables that they buy at the supermarkets. An Eco-Friendly Food Journey Tara Rodriguez, an Architecture graduate had been living in New York for seven years before returning to Puerto Rico to start a mini-grocery known as the Departamento de la Comida or the Department of Food. She has lead this organization for the past four years, helping the farmers to transition into organic farming. The 30-year old entrepreneur has championed the cause of ecological agriculture that does not incorporate the use of toxic agrochemicals and fertilizers. According to Rodriguez, ecological agriculture needs to be introduced to ensure that the lands are left unpolluted and the farmers are paid fairly for their produce. She says that growing different types of crops in the same field and using natural pesticides are some effective eco-friendly ways to leave the lands healthy as well as green. As a part of her product sourcing endeavors, Rodriguez conducts regular visits to the farms and other plots across the city to scout for locations for vegetable gardens. Using Recycled Promotional Items to Promote Eco-Friendly Food The groceries and delis selling organic farm produce and food items can promote their products by the introduction of various eco-friendly promotional items. Use of reusable grocery bags with the grocery logo is among the best ways of promoting the business in a cost efficient way. It is a good way of raising awareness about organic products in an eco-friendly way as reusable bags are great way of avoiding single use plastic bags that cause environmental pollution. The ready-to-eat food section in the delis can provide free samples of food items that have been prepared with organic ingredients. Organic lunch packages with a detailed listing of the ingredients are also an ideal way of promoting the organic food section. Apparel made from bamboo and organic cotton can be given as freebies to the customers at a grocery store. Other organically made items that are used on a regular basis by the people include sippers, sports bottles, pens, notebooks, key-rings and lip balms. All of these items make for perfect organic gifts that can be used to promote organic food. Source

The residents of Portage, Michigan are all ready to get a taste of organic freshness as Earth Fare, a grocery chain that calls itself ‘The Healthy Supermarket' is coming up on South Westnedge Avenue. The project is being developed by Hinman Co., a Portage based developer, and is expected to open its doors to customers by December this year. Go Organic, Go Healthy, Go Earth Fare Organic and healthy are the current buzzwords in the food industry right now and there is no dearth of stores offering such wares to customers. One such outfit, Earth Fare, is all set to open its outlet in Portage, MI in a few months. Calling itself ‘The Healthy Supermarket', the store's philosophy consists of not selling products containing high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, sweeteners, preservatives trans fats or synthetic growth hormones in dairy and meat. The store is a full service supermarket with products ranging from meat, bread, seafood, wines, beer, dried goods, and herbal supplements. It also has food stations offering healthy variants of pizza, cookies, sushi and salads. that can be either taken home or consumed in the store itself. Locals are quite excited and intrigued by the arrival of Earth Fare. They are delighted that the presence of such a specialty store will give them more options now and will also offer products that were previously not available in other supermarkets in the area. As Earth Fare also commits itself to buying its products from local farms and artisans, it is another reason for locals to be happy about the new development. The planned shopping complex consists of a total of 50,000 sq ft of retail space out of which the healthy supermarket is taking up 3,200 sq ft. This means there is also a lot of space for new businesses to consider the location. Going Green with Eco-Friendly Promotional Items at Earth Fare We can see a wave of organic and other eco friendly options throughout the country, but there is still need to promote this lifestyle. A simple way to do so is with the use of various eco-friendly promotional items such as bags, coasters, notepads etc. If you are conscious about the problems facing the environment and are looking for some promotional merchandise for your business, why not kill two birds with one stone and get some eco-friendly promotional items this time around. Make people more aware about your business while doing something for the betterment of the environment, a win-win for all. Source