CustomEarthPromos - Eco Blog US

Ever spent hours wondering where you lost that pack of frozen peas that you bought just two days back? Surely, nobody could have gulped it down that fast! You remember keeping it in the chest freezer but then a thousand other things seemed to have buried the poor thing somewhere deep down. And now you have nothing to cook with for dinner. This could be a repeated episode in your life, and you know what it calls for. Yes, the word is-organization! But there is more to this. You may argue that you already use plastic containers and baskets for stocking up everything in your chest freezer, but there is an even better way of doing the same. Do it the ‘green' Way. Get rid of all that plastic and replace it with wholesale reusable bags instead. What is even better is that they seem to fit perfectly in accordance with the depth of the freezer and hence are extremely convenient storage options. Plan of Action: Going Green with Your Chest Freezer When you buy your groceries or visit a departmental store, you unknowingly get home a huge load of plastic that gets accumulated over a period of time. You can find plastic bags, bottles, and other such items that lead to environmental deterioration and add to the worrisome situation of global warming. When you discard all this plastic, it damages the marine eco-system and also has a negative effect on solid waste management. We all know when all this toxic waste is ingested by marine life, it makes its way into the human food chain. So becoming aware of these small changes in your lifestyle and taking on new habits such as using reusable bags is a great contribution towards environment betterment. Once you get your grocery home, take everything out, categorize all the items and put them in reusable shopping bags to set in your chest freezer. There are different types of wholesale reusable bags available. Some are made from natural fibres such as jute and cotton. Man-made varieties are also available such as those made from non-woven polypropylene, a plastic. Even though in the latter case, you would still be using plastic, but you will end up replacing 520 one-use plastic bags per year by using green reusable grocery shopping bags only once a week. Carry Your Wholesale Reusable Bags to Your Chest Freezer! It might take time to remember taking the reusable grocery bags with you every time you decide to visit the grocery store. When you seem to have collected a few of the one-time use bags again, take them to the grocery store with you so that they can be reused by the store. In fact, you may get certain incentives from these stores for your eco-friendly effort of using reusable bags for grocery. Source: http://lifehacker.com/organize-a-chest-freezer-with-reusable-bags-1518288991

Rhode Island is hoping to go plastic-free from 2015 as the Plastic Waste Reduction Act recently was reintroduced in the state's House of Representatives. This bill was brought out by Rep. Maria Cimini from the D-Providence. The plastic bag ban bill in the state for large retailers by 2015 and the same will be extended to small businesses by January 2016. Many Efforts Taken to Bring in the Plastic Bag Ban Before this bill, a similar ban was proposed in the Senate as well as the House during the last legislative session, but it did not manage to get the required number of votes. The supporters of the ban feel that the positive impact of plastic bag bans in cities like Seekonk and Barrington will help in convincing the legislators on passing the mandate statewide, said Aanchal Saraf who put in her efforts to pass the bill. She feels that the use of plastic bags should be banned in the whole state to fix the leaks that are present in the system. Presently, the only state to ban plastic bags is Hawaii, according to the information given by the National Conference of State Legislatures. The primary organization to campaign in support of this legislation was Environment Rhode Island. Its spokesperson Channing Jones mentioned that the workers of the organization might have knocked on at least ten thousand doors throughout the state since 2012 to educate people about giving up on plastic bags and using cheap totes wholesale instead. However, the companies of the state are relativity unhappy with this bill as it will directly effect their business. Most companies prefer plastic bags as they are a cheaper option. Organizations such as American Progressive Bag Alliance are also opposing this ban stating that recyclable plastic bags don't harm the environment. But Saraf advocated the ban saying that even biodegradable plastic can prove to be harmful to the environment. She explained that such kind of plastic still releases harmful chemicals which can pollute water. Shopping with Cheap Totes Wholesale After the Plastic Bag Ban Plastic has always been said to be one of the most harmful substances for the environment. So it is better that people of Rhode Island give up on it in all forms. For shopping, they can opt for reusable bags like cheap totes wholesale, eco friendly bags, green bags and so on. There are many options available when it comes to choosing reusable bags. The only driving factor is the willingness to use them. Source 

Residents of St. Croix County can no longer walk into retail outlets and department stores swinging their arms. Each time they set out shopping, they need to remember carrying reusable shopping bags with them. Thanks to the initiative of Buck Malick, District 6 Supervisor, none of the retailers in the city can hand out free plastic bags to customers. One saving grace though is that people have time until January 1, 2015, when the ban will come into force. Reusable Shopping Bags After Ban on Plastic Bags from 2015 This gives some breathing space for retailers and grocers to use up whatever inventory they have, before turning away customers for want of bags to carry home the goods they bought. The proposal was put forward by Malick to the community development committee during a regular meeting on January 7. Malick said that it was high time something was done about the harmful effects plastic had on the environment, and the stringent measure had to be taken. Customers too, on their part have come to accept the importance of using reusable bags that they need to bring on their own. Retailers may find it a bit too expensive to hand out free reusable bags as they are comparatively expensive than plastic ones. Grocers and shop owners can take the initiative themselves and enforce this voluntarily without driving away their customers. The residents too realize the gravity of the situation and will remember to carry their own reusable bags when they set out shopping. Even if they forget, retailers could very well hold some inventory of cheap reusable shopping bags that the customers can pay for. With the committee having had preliminary rounds of discussions that showed a positive note during the last meeting, there should be no snag in the proposal going through to the Board of Supervisors' approval by April. Though there could be questions raised about why the proposal was not initiated at the state legislature instead of the municipal level, Malick believes that if the intentions are good, and the ideas productive, the county can take such initiatives forward. How Cheap Reusable Shopping Bags Can Prove Beneficial? Although people may have to put up with the discomfort initially, once they realize that putting end to the use of plastic makes a lot of sense, such trivial discomforts can be surmounted easily. When it is a question of the very survival of the planet in the long run, it is the bounden duty of every citizen to play some part to help protect the environment by saying no to the use of plastic. Knowing that plastic is the least degradable of materials (it takes virtually hundreds of years to break down) it makes sense to switch over to cheap reusable shopping bags which will just add a few cents more to your budget. Source

Did you know that caffeine is the most extensively used mood-altering agent in the whole world? Almost half the people in the country drink coffee, as it contains caffeine that helps fight depression. However, it is not just used as a pain-killer or anti-depressant. It can actually partially cure chronic headache that can refuse to budge with the best of prescribed medication. The Idea of Organic Coffee Meet Joe Meinhardt, a permanent resident of Seattle who used to be involved in developing his own chai when he bumped into Josh Parker owner of Coffee In Motion, a chain of organic coffee shops spread out across Salem. Meinhardt used to make tea for Parker's company, and Parker got a brainwave one day and asked him if he could experiment and make some coffee syrup. Though Meinhardt knew the coffee industry rather well, he was a bit confused about this. At this time, several years of experience working in project development with coffee roasters like Coffee Bean International and Bridgetown Coffee came in handy. In order to create a regular income, Meinhardt made afterburners and espresso machines that were powered by gas, for coffee roasters in the area. Trying to make coffee syrup was something new and challenging for him. Though it proved to be an unusually tough learning curve, persistence paid, and Parker fell in love with the product. Syrup, was not only about mixing the right proportions of sugar, water and flavor, but a lot more. Meinhardt spent the next 10 years browsing through the Internet, looking for discarded and equipment that could be salvaged at throwaway prices. With the gear that he ultimately found, Meinhardt was able to build filling and labeling machines that carried his own brand. Today, he has his own small factory that produces well researched organic coffee syrup that is sold as Joe's Syrup. The product has been certified as “organic” by the state certification authorities, and is being sold through distributors. Supporting Eco-Friendly Organic Coffee With a lot of people hankering after the label “organic” without even knowing what the term actually means, people like Joe Meinhardt are doing a great service to the society and the planet as a whole. In order to get “organic” certification the fertilizer used to grow the coffee has to be 100 percent organic, with no toxic chemical substances. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) go all the way to the farms growing organic coffee in order to test and certify them as organic as per national standards. Such initiatives go a long way in supporting and promoting eco-friendly promotional items, more of which are needed today. If only all the agricultural produce in the world were to be grown under such strict conditions, many allergies and diseases caused by toxic chemical substances could be kept at bay. Source

Driven with the concerns about the health and welfare of people, and the animals as well as plants, Organic Valley was established in 1988. A mission-driven cooperative owned and operated by farmers and their families, it is an initiative that has organic farming dear to its heart. The year-end financial reports of Organic Valley that were released recently showed an 8 percent growth in 2013, and a remarkable sales figure of $928 million. Organic Valley Grows Despite Challenges It was an uphill task ever since the cooperative was established in January 1988. Family farms were facing dire straits, which was the main reason why Organic Valley was started by a bunch of eco-friendly enthusiasts in the Southwestern Wisconsin. The concept was kicked off with a small poster that invited the regional farmers to join George Siemon for a meeting. Siemon, who is the current head of the organization, set in motion the Coulee Region Organic Produce Pool in a small way. Today, the cooperative has grown into a massive organization. These people back then itself had the foresight to realize the problems that would arise due to lack of sustainability, and the importance of organic farming, which they felt is the only way to sustain the farming community and provide agricultural produce that is fit for human consumption. The focus was on producing more nutritious food without using synthetic chemicals and fertilizers that had toxic effects on the soil and the produce. The use of such harmful pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides was discouraged, and pure organic vegetables were grown, soon to be followed with organic dairy produce. With people asking for more of the same, Organic Valley was born, and is now a leading producer of a range of organic fruits, vegetables and dairy products. So much so, the pioneering cooperative is the largest organic milk supplier in the nation. The organization produces only certified organic products and has evolved as a leader in the industry. Siemon and his family still operate the organic farm in Bad Axe River Valley that was founded way back in 1977. Organic Lifestyle with Organic Valley The going must have been tough during the early stages. The land had to be allowed time to recover from the onslaught of chemical fertilizers and fertilizers. Only if such toxic substances are not used for an extended period of up to 5 to 6 years do all the traces of toxic substances vanish, and the soil regains its natural properties. Siemon's organization has worked hard to educate the people about the benefits of using such eco-friendly items that are produced under stringent conditions. They even use eco-friendly promotional items to encourage their use. The cue needs to be followed by other companies who should turn to producing and selling organic agricultural products. Source

It has been more than a month since Los Angeles went plastic-free, but the city is still continuing efforts to remind its residents about carrying their own reusable bags while shopping. Since January 1 of this year, LA has banned large grocery stores and supermarkets of the city from providing free plastic bags to their customers to carry groceries and other purchases. This ban made LA the largest city in the country to prohibit the use of plastic bags in large stores. Reducing Plastic Bag Menace by Using Eco-Friendly Shopping Bags This move of banning plastic bags was taken by the city as an effort to bring down the harmful and negative consequences that they have on the environment. These bags not just turn into an eyesore when they are found hanging by the trees, but also prove dangerous for marine life. Also, they clog waterways and take up landfill space. Ever since the ban has come into effect, shoppers are required to either carry their own cheap eco friendly shopping bags or buy the paper bags given by the stores by paying a fee of 10 cents. This fee has been implied to remind shoppers that they need not pay extra if they bring reusable bags with themselves while shopping. Enrique C. Zaldivar, Sanitation Director of Los Angeles, explained that around 19 billion plastic bags are used every year in California. It takes thousands of years for a plastic bag to decompose. He feels that using a plastic bag is more or less like punishing the environment because the shoppers may use the bags once or twice and dump them off, but these bags tend to stay forever in the nature, harming its quality. He further said that this ban is the least that can be done for changing the attitude of the residents of LA and make them come together in fighting the menace created by plastic bags. From July 1, this ban will extend even to small grocers as well as continence stores. Giving up on Plastic Bags with Cheap Eco-Friendly Shopping Bags A ban on plastic bags does not mean that shopping experience will not remain pleasant anymore for the residents of LA. Apart from cheap eco friendly shopping bags, they still have quite a few options like baskets, boxes and buckets for carrying their purchased goods from the stores. All these options are environment friendly and much more reliable than plastic bags. Source

It might be a little late for making a New Year resolutions now, but if they are sure to bring in some good changes, it is never too late. At least that is what Keep Kingwood Green believes. This non profit organization has been trying its best to keep the community clean by recycling and creating awareness about the same. Recycling Resolutions of the Organization Its first resolution is to educate people about single-stream recycling. This means that all the residents living near Lake Houston area need to recycle almost everything that they can, right from plastic, aluminum, paper, glass, cardboard to aluminum. Based on an average, if any neighborhood of around 500 homes in US practice single-stream recycling, an approximate of 30 tons of recyclable resources can be saved from being dumped in the landfills. Another resolution of the organization is to request schools of the area to teach children about the importance of recycling and how they can help in protecting precious natural resources by recycling. Another of its resolution, on the same lines, is to encourage students to opt for waste-free lunches or to go for lunch kits, utensils and containers brought from home, as they can be reused every day. It also plans on educating the students about Styrofoam, which cannot be recycled. One simple thing that students can do is dump vegetable and fruit scraps in the compost bins as this trash can prove useful for composting. The organization also wants to publicize that Kingwood is among the three places of City of Houston that recycle electronics on a monthly basis. The first Sunday of every month is dedicated for this cause. Residents can bring in their electronics for recycling at the Kingwood Metro Park and Ride from nine in the morning to three afternoon. Most people do not understand what to do with their electronics that don't work anymore. Now you have a solution for that problem. Recycling Resolutions When You Start Using Wholesale Reusable Bags One simple thing that all the residents of Kingwood can do is use wholesale reusable bags. It may seem like a small practice, but can go a long way in reducing the amount of plastic litter generated in Houston. In fact it is more of a habit, one simple habit that can save the landfill space, keep the streets, parks and waterways clean as well as help saving marine animals. Source

California has been struggling with the issue of plastic bag waste almost since a decade now. Every time the state comes up with an ordinance to curb the issue, it fails to get the required number of votes. However, this time probably the state will succeed in getting rid of plastic bags as some of the main legislative opponents of the plastic bag bill have settled down for a negotiation and have said that they will support the new ordinance. They even said that they will help in getting the ordinance enough votes in the council. Custom Printed Bags Is the Solution to a Decade Long Problem This new measure talks about a ban on one-time use plastic bags which are quite thin and can be used just once or twice. These bags cannot even be recycled, adding to the non-biodegradable clutter. If this ordinance gets the required number of votes, the ban is likely to come into effect from 2015 under a compromise bill which will be introduced by the state's lawmakers. Once the ban is implemented, shoppers of California will have to shell out an extra amount of 10 cents if they fail to bring reusable bags while shopping and avail the recycled paper or reusable plastic bag provided by the store. Prior to this, California tried passing similar ordinances thrice, but failed. However, the supporters of the new bill are quite confident about the bill getting passed in the Senate with a minimum of 21 votes. Californians Against Waste's executive director, Mark Murray, said that this bill will get rid of around 20 billion one-time use plastic bags of the state. This agreement was recently announced at a plastic plant in Vernon. This was the same plant that had opposed the bill last year, but is now supporting the cause as it includes provision of financial incentives for training workers. Businesses will be given around $2 million for retraining their workers. Cheap Custom Printed Bags Have Their Share of Supporters Around 90 counties and cities in the state have already banned one-time use plastic bags. But the decision of implementing a statewide plastic bag ban could be reached earlier. It took California almost a decade to come to this solution. As of now, this ban will only be applicable on large grocery stores and supermarkets. One year after the implementation, it will be extended to liquor stores and pharmacies. Looks like Californians wont have much of a choice other than carrying cheap custom printed bags. Source

Eco-friendly bags, cartons, and containers have been around for a while but now have a new niche in the fashion industry. Pleasantly surprising as it may be, it is indeed true and several renowned fashion houses are going the green way. Without sacrificing an iota of comfort and luxury aspects, the companies are managing to produce brilliant and creative products that have begun to hit the market. Go Green with Eco-Fashion Taking the cue while being eco-fashion conscious at the same time are several companies such as Sanctuary Clothing, whose Creative Director Deb Polanco says that they are not hesitant to experiment with materials like cotton (less toxic and non-allergic), recycled fabrics, and fiber crops, using them to create new expressions in the world of fashion. A multifaceted personality, Amber Valletta has an impressive profile that combines a busy schedule as an actress, model, and an environmentally conscious humanitarian and is based in Santa Monica. She runs the online boutique Master & Muse that serves as one point for environmentally conscious people who embrace eco-friendly products they love to sport. The store plans to feature LA-based designers and has a few collections lined up already such as Amahlia Stevens and her Vitamin A, and others including Clare Vivier famous for clutches and bags, and Sydney Brown for her ethical footwear range that is all the rage already. It isn't just local talent; international fashion designers too show a keen interest in going green. For instance, Stella McCartney of Beverly Hills with her wonderful range of dresses is very conscious about the environment and declares that 60 percent of the trash ending up in dustbins can easily be recycled. They have potential energy to run a computer for about half an hour. Her 100 percent cotton organic denim range is all set to hit the markets in 2014. Her faux-nappa bag does not contain any petroleum-based products; it is made out of renewable resources. Promoting the Idea of Eco-Fashion Items With more small and unheard of brands toeing the line, environmental protection initiatives get a big boost. With awareness spreading, people would certainly support the cause and producers using eco-friendly promotional items will be able to sustain themselves and withstand the onslaught of mass-produced petroleum-derived products, which, as we all know are not at all eco-friendly as they are made from materials that are least bio-degradable. A well-shod and smartly attired person can sport eco-friendly gear, with most people not making out the difference. Source

The city of Grand Rapids too is keeping up with the rest of the environmentally conscious cities. Most US cities have already implemented stiff regulations banning plastic bags and are promoting custom made bags. One probable reason why the concept is not catching up fast enough is probably the cost factor, with plastic bags being sold at a dime a dozen. Custom Made Bags Caused a Reduction in Plastic Bag Waste The City Council passed the resolution on December 9, 2013, hoping it will encourage a considerable reduction in the generation of plastic bag waste. You might have often seen discarded plastic bags clinging to trees or being blown across the streets, to finally settle down to clog drains and waterways. The primary cause for the resolution being pushed through successfully is the environmental organization Earth Circle. With the cause dear to its heart, the voluntary organization has been making herculean efforts to spread the awareness of the harmful and toxic effects of plastic waste. The damage caused to the environment is immeasurable; hence the organization started off with the small local stores and other grocery stores in the vicinity. Several grocers and Ogle's Marketplace Foods, and Cub Foods have taken the initiative and responded positively, according to Pat Helmberger, a member of Earth Circle. The organization on its part has put up posters on shop windows, reminding shoppers to remember to carry their own bags while stepping out from home. The $400 aid granted by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation was put to good use for distributing cheap custom made bags and stickers to the public. Members of the organization have distributed 800 such bags at Ogle's Marketplace Foods and Cub Food. However, Helmberger regrets that the organization has not been able to reach out to crowds thronging massive stores such as Wal-Mart, Kmart, and Target. The reason for this, according to another concerned member Yvette Schultenover is that corporate approvals are required before these large stores can implement such moves. Use Cheap Custom Made Bags Instead of Plastic Bags Leading corporations and consumers need to just go the extra mile in order to make such important initiatives a success. If the benefits of using cheap custom made bags are explained to higher-ups at in the corporate ladder and the town's shoppers, plastic bags can be banned permanently, giving a much-needed chance for the environment to bounce back to normal before it is too late. Source