CustomEarthPromos - Eco Blog US

Doesn't it feel terrible when you notice your favorite top, that you perhaps wore just a few times, is giving up on its life? Or when you fail to realize why your clothes just don't last quite long? It can't always be about the material and quality of the clothes, right? Perhaps there are quite a few culprits involved here, including your washing techniques and detergent. If you are determined on giving a longer life to your clothes, you need to keep certain things in mind. Simple, Eco-Friendly Ways to Make Clothes Last Longer The basic step to ensure that your clothes don't die a quick death is to wash them less frequently. So, if you wear a top once or twice, you don't necessarily need to wash it unless it looks dirty or smells bad. Another trick to avoid washing clothes after a few uses is to buy dark colored clothes which are good at hiding dirt. When it comes to washing, the best policy is to hand-wash them. Of course, there are certain clothes that cannot be hand-washed, you can certainly use the washing machine for them. But most clothes last longer when they are hand washed, as this technique effectively removes all the dirt without being too harsh on the clothes. Also, while hand-washing your clothes, it a better practice to wash the less dirty clothes first as this way you can use the same bucket of water for quite a few clothes. Once you are done, you can use it for watering your trees. Using a clothes line to dry your clothes is another simple and eco-friendly way of extending the life of your clothes. Wind and sun effectively dry your clothes. Also, you don't necessarily need a clothes line in the exterior part of your house. An indoor cloth rack works equally well,especially when it is not too cold outside. Another simple way to wash clothes without wasting a lot of water is by washing them while showering. You can place the clothes that need a wash, under the shower and add some eco-friendly, natural detergent to them. This way, you wont need extra water to soak the clothes. Opt for Eco-Friendly Promotional Items Going eco-friendly has become more or less essential given the way we have disturbed various natural cycles affecting the planet. Companies and environmental organizations can come up with eco-friendly promotional items to educate more people about leading a sustainable lifestyle. Source

Planning the collection and disposal of recyclable waste is very important in the present time. The Montville Township has set an example in this matter by devising a precise collection program to be followed by all residents, which has resulted in an increased recycling tonnage and also helped reduce indiscriminate plastic waste. Recycling Plastic Bags Recycling plastic bags is no rocket science. Residents of Montville have successfully implemented a single stream curbside recyclable material collection program. This has resulted in a cleaner and greener township. Residents are required to keep recyclable materials, in appropriate containers, at the curb on the preceding evening of designated days when these materials are to be collected. The materials may be old newspapers, office papers, magazines, promotional mail, telephone books, corrugated cardboard, aluminum cans, plates, trays, and foil, glass jars and bottles, plastic,steel or tin cans. These items need to be rinsed after having the top removed. It is important that residents be careful while recycling and sorting the waste so that it is easy to process the recyclable materials and cost of waste processing is reduced. Waxy cardboard containers which come with milk, or orange juice, should be left out of recyclable materials. Plastic bags are not allowed in these bins and the authorities encourage as well as urge the residents to recycle but exclude plastic bags completely from this process. It is a good idea to opt for cheap custom bags, which are recyclable, instead of plastic bags. The best way to recycle plastic bags is to either reuse them for your next grocery shopping or return them to the supermarket, if they accept used bags. Or else, you could find out non-profit organizations which distribute these bags to people who need them or even recycle these bags into other items like rugs, coasters, yoga mats, aprons and even stylish and trendy handbags. Using Cheap Custom Bags and Recycling Residents can use reusable bags instead of plastic bags. These cheap custom bags are easily available and are easy to recycle too. This will not only help in reducing the burden of non recyclable waste, but also help in keeping the environment clean. For those who are environment conscious and wish to see their children growing up in a clean and healthy environment, reusable bags are the best option, as bags are needed everyday for various purposes but the menace of plastic bags also needs to be avoided at the same time. These bags are the best eco-friendly answer to your needs. Source

Though it does not seem to bother people much, the amount of plastic bags being used in the island of Oahu is surely a cause of concern. These bags not only add to the litter but also get flown to the sea where fishes, turtles and birds mistake them for food, ultimately getting entangled in the bags or choking over them. Oahu to Make an Switch to Eco-Friendly Reusable Bags It is time that residents of Oahu woke up to the perils of plastic bags and joined hands with the authorities to successfully implement a ban on plastic bags. The number of plastic bags used annually in Oahu is a whopping 400 million. Though the ban on bags has been late in coming here, by next year, these bags are about to get swiped off from almost all grocery shops in Oahu. The ban will come into effect July1, 2015 onwards. This year, notices are being sent to various business organizations to remind them about the upcoming change. Inspection and enforcement of the ban will begin next year. There are some exceptions to the rule, though- you can use the plastic bags in which you put your produce, or the ones that come with your newspaper. Dry cleaning plastic bags are also allowed. Those businesses which do not conform to the rule might face a fine of almost $1,000 per day. This change might take some time getting used to, but will definitely help people save the environment from the hazards caused by plastic bags. The best option that people can exercise is to buy reusable bags and keep them in their cars. These bags are cheap and sturdy, too. They can use these bags as and when needed. It is a convenient and affordable option which can help people- they will never need to hunt for bags when they go grocery shopping. It Is Time to Buy Reusable Bags Plastic bags are among the most collected item in trash during cleanups and are deadly for marine animals that eat them mistaking them for food. Greater awareness about the environmental hazards caused by plastic bags along with strict regulations about using these bags will help people shun disposable plastic bags. It is time people gave up plastic bags completely and buy reusable bags- they are inexpensive, trendy and of good quality, too. A good quality reusable bag can do the work of almost 600 disposable plastic bags in its lifetime- so you can imagine the reduction in plastic waste accumulating in landfills and polluting the environment. Source

Meet Bag Snaggers, an enterprising squad of New York City, who remove plastic bags and other trash caught in trees with their unique device. Now you know what to do when you spot a stubborn plastic shopping bag stuck in a tree- just call the Bag Snaggers, who will remove the bag from the tree. Bag Snaggers to the Rescue to Get Plastic Bags off Trees The New York Restoration Project which is the brainchild of actor Bette Midler, created the Bag Snaggers, a team of men and women from NYC who work towards removal of plastic bags and other debris caught up in the trees of the city. This group removes plastic bags off trees on request from locals and has been successfully preserving the green spaces of New York. The device they use is a really clever one, inexpensive and effective at the same time. With a patented design by jeweler Tim McClelland, it is made of a fiberglass pole which can be extended as long as 40 feet. There is a pruning hook on the end, which is used to pull or cut away plastic bags and other debris caught in the trees- all it takes is a slight twist of the pole. The crew of Bag Snaggers work more vigorously from November to March, when the trees do not have much leaves on them and trash caught up in branches is more visible. The crew uses caution to avoid damaging leaves and branches of the trees while carrying out the job. This requires good hand-eye co-ordination and arm strength. This unique effort has helped curb plastic bag menace considerably in the city, though it would be much better if people would use more of promotional reusable bags instead of these single use plastic bags, which fly away in every possible direction and get stuck in trees. Why People Need to Use Promotional Reusable Bags? Plastic bags are a serious hazard to the environment and it is in the best interest of the environment as well as our children's future that we avoid using them. Going for reusable bags is definitely a good idea and will help us save the environment. Companies can do their bit to promote eco-friendly habits by packaging their products in reusable bags and make it mandatory for their employees to use the same. They can also give away these bags as gifts to buyers and business associates. This way, they can help increase awareness about eco-friendly reusable bags.

While many cities in the US have a plastic bag ban in place, the same journey for Sonoma County was not simple. Since the past three years, supporters of the ban have been trying their best to make the county free from plastic bags. Finally after years of studies, plannings and rejections, the county is likely to ban one-time use plastic bags. The county is done with two formal rounds of voting, which means that the ban may get implemented in March this year. Ban Supporters Sigh a Relief for Bamboo Totes The supporters of the ban were relived to know that their proposal had overcome all the obstacles and will finally see the light of day. Steve Barbose, Sonoma City Councilman, who is also one of the board members of the Waste Management Agency of the county, expressed his relief over the ban nearing a date of implementation. He said that the delay had been a major source of frustration for him. Dennis Rosatti, who is the executive director of the Conservation Action of Sonoma County, feels that any action and opportunity that can be taken for elimination of plastic which in turn can help in reducing the pollution caused by it, is a good effort. Steve McCaffrey, the North Bay Corporation director too feels that this is a good thing for the county. He however clarified that, his corporation will continue with recycling of plastic bags. The ban will have an impact on large number of outlets in the county including clothing, grocery, convenience, electronic, liquor and hardware stores. However, it will not be applicable on the bags used for handing out meat, prescriptions or vegetables. Also, restaurants as well as stand-alone delis, thrift shops and charitable operations will be free from this ban. Welcoming Bamboo Totes and Other Reusable Bags Now that the ban is all set to come into effect, residents of Sonoma County should start getting used to carrying their own reusable bags while going for shopping. The sooner they switch to this habit the better. Bamboo totes, printed eco-friendly bags, totes, customized recycled bags are some options that they can choose from. This switch will help the county in keeping the use of plastic bags at a minimum. This will lead to lesser pollution due to plastic which will in turn help the county in staying green as well as clean. Source 

All the elementary students of Chandler, Tempe, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Gilbert have an opportunity to show their concern for the planet. East Valley Recycling Alliance is organizing a recycling competition for these students where they will get to recycle plastic bags. This project is called 'Bench the Bag' and will require students to register for it before participating. Coming Together for a Good Cause at the Recycling Competition In this competition, students will need to collect plastic wraps and bags for recycling. The collected bags will be given out as a donation to Trex, which manufactures railing, decking as well as outdoor furniture and is headquartered in Winchester. This collection drive is to begin on different dates in different municipalities and will end on March 31. The announcement of the winners will be made in April which is also the Earth Month. East Valley Recycling Alliance includes recycling professionals from municipalities of Southeast Valley. This group came together with the view of reducing the amount of waste generated by the community. Joslyn Matry, who is the recycling administrator of Gilbert Environmental Services, mentioned that the aim of this competition is to create and increase awareness among students that even plastic bags can be recycled. He further explained that though plastic can be recycled, this cannot simply be done by placing it in the usual recycling containers. So with this competition, people will not just get to know that plastic can be recycled but will also understand that to recycle it, it needs to be disposed of in the right place and manner. People are not allowed to dump plastic bags in the usual recycling bins as these bags get stuck in the recycling machines and also because the options of recycling plastic bags are limited. Teaching these basic to students with such competitions will help to a great extent as young children are the future of the country. If they are given the right knowledge about recycling plastic bags at the right time, it will help the planet in a long run. Don't Just Recycle Plastic Bags but Join a Recycling Competition This means that just teaching children to use wholesale reusable bags won't help in the long run until we do not teach them the right manner of disposing of these bags as well as plastic bags. Once they know how they can help in recycling plastic bags, the community is likely to benefit much more as plastic waste issues will come down. Source

A lot of people are getting sensitive and sensible toward the environment which is a great thing when it comes to keeping the planet green. It is quite common these days to see people shopping with their own reusable bags or for companies to promote their businesses with eco-friendly promotional items. But did you know that you can even make your home a lot more eco-friendly with just a few changes? If you want to turn your bedroom environment-friendly, here is what you should do. Eco-Friendly Ideas for Making Your Bedroom Green If you need eco-friendly ideas for a bedroom, go for environment friendly paints which contain very less amount of toxic dyes or volatile organic compounds. Have you ever realized that you don't always need an air-conditioner to keep your bedroom cool? Ceiling fans are an equally good and sustainable option. Strategically placed windows that allow natural air to get in your bedroom are also a great choice. Even insulating curtains can help you keep the heat in during the winters and stay cold during summers. Wooden furniture is another alternative you have for filling up your bedroom in an eco-friendly manner. Plus, it will add a classic look to the room. If you are not looking for anything drastic, try switching to blankets and sheets made from organic items like bamboo, hemp or cotton. You can also save some money by getting a good deal for second-hand sheets in thrift shops. One of the simplest steps that everyone can take towards being eco-friendly is installing low-energy bulbs like LED lighting or CFLs. Another tip to remember,in general, is that you can help even by cutting down on your wardrobe. If you haven't worn that synthetic top in ages, chances are that you are not going to wear it in the near future. Also, the pair of jeans that you thought you would fit into, do not seem like fulfilling the purpose, so why not give away such items and make space for better clothing choices? Eco-Friendly Promotional Items by Various Companies Though a lot of people are getting eco-friendly in some way or the other, it doesn't hurt to keep spreading the awareness. Big companies and environmental organizations should continue promoting eco-friendly habits with eco-friendly promotional items. The more the number of people following a sustainable lifestyle, the better for the planet. In addition to that, these items can also boost the sales for such companies. Source

Finally, after 10 months of deliberations and debates, the Dallas City Council has come to a unanimous decision to vote. However, whether they will vote for a total ban on single-use plastic bags is the big question on the minds of environmentalists and other concerned residents. Though most of the Council Members are not for the continued use of single-use plastic bags, they may not support a total ban right away. Discussing Issues over Plastic Bags The Council is yet to arrive at a consensus about how to go about imposing the ban, which is actually overdue. The issue is set to return to the attention of the Council when they meet again in March. According to Council member Dwain Caraway, the Attorney's Office is in favor of levying a fee on disposable bags. While the city staff are collectively in favor of such a decision, it is up to the response of the public that will help make the final decision. According to Council member Sandy Greyson, the reaction of the retailers would certainly be in favor of a fee rather than a ban. The hour-long discussion figured this and concerns of environmentalists, who would probably want the ban to be enforced rather than a fee. They feel that a fee can utmost be a temporary measure. With opinions divisive and no real compromise visible, residents are simply waiting for “the ides of March to come”. Caraway, however, made it very clear in his lengthy opening brief that there can be no deal-cutting. The onus on the Council is on being a greener city, with a clean environment and recycling being important factors in the agenda. With there being no in-between, the message is quite clear, go green and protect the environment, even if tough decisions have to be made. The only problem though is that his fellow Council members may not think the same way, and won't want a total ban. Maybe, if the residents were to voice their concerns more vociferously, it could make a difference. Plastic Bag Waste Solution in Wholesale Reusable Bags The need of the hour is for a consensus to be reached between the retailers, residents and the Council. A unanimous decision on using wholesale reusable bags is probably the best answer to the confounding issue. Reusable bags are worthy replacements to plastic bags that, by virtue of being least biodegradable can cause more harm to the environment than is affordable.

The problems that various cities and counties in the country are facing due to plastic bags are quite visible to all. Plastic bags can be seen on the streets of the cities, stuck in bushes and trees and even clogged up in drains. Plastic bags are not biodegradable, which means that they just stay in the environment for a very long time and continue harming it. Dumping them in landfills is just a waste of space. Comparing the Effects of Bag Tax and Bag Bonus Looking at all these issues, many local and state authorities have taken appropriate steps to prevent the use of plastic bags. Some have implemented a ban on plastic bags while others have opted for providing a bonus for carrying reusable bags. But which of these methods is better? A study by Tatiana Homonoff, has the answer to this question. In her study, Tatiana observed around 16,000 shoppers from 16 grocery stores of Washington D.C, north Virginia and Montgomery County. She found out a tax on using disposable bags worked better when compared to a bonus of the same amount being given out for carrying reusable bags. Before, shoppers were charged five cents per bag for using paper bags from the store, a bonus of five cents was given to those customers who shopped with their own bamboo tote bags or any other kind of reusable bag. In Montgomery County, around 82 percent shoppers opted for a minimum of one disposable bag per trip before the implementation of the bag ban. However, once the ban came into existence and stores started charging customers for disposable bags, this percentage came down to 40 percent. As far as the effect of the bag bonus is concerned , not much change was seen in the outcome. Before the bonus was given, 84 percent customers opted for a minimum of one disposable bag while after the bonus was announced, the percentage came down to mere 82. This reveals that customers are likely to stick to carrying reusable bags if stores charge them for using disposable bags. Carrying Bamboo Tote Bags Is a Good Option After the Bag Tax Whether the stores in your city offer a bonus on reusable bags or have implied a bag tax, in any case it is a good habit to carry reusable bags. These bags are not harmful for the environment as they can be reused and recycled unlike plastic bags which are not biodegradable. Source: http://www.brookings.edu/research/opinions/2014/01/08-why-a-bag-tax-works-wessel#

Fire pits are something we all love as gathering around a glowing campfire with friends, music, food and drinks is a delightful way to spend winter evenings. But burning wood causes pollution and if you are looking for an alternative, you have many choices to get yourself the perfect eco-friendly fire pit. Creating Your Own Eco-Friendly Fire Pit There are people who love being outdoors and a fire pit can give them the campfire feeling in their own backyard. As some cities have banned fire pits which burn wood, it is a good idea to opt for fire pits which don't use wood. This is eco-friendly and aesthetic at the same time. Moreover, there is also no risk of injury from embers flying off the fire. Take your pick from the options mentioned here. You can choose a fire pit that uses natural gas. These pits are easy to operate and just need to be connected to a gas line. You can also opt for refillable tanks. The biggest advantage is that you don't need to wait for the flames and embers to die before leaving- just flip a switch and you are done. If you already have a fire pit which burns wood, you can opt for logs made of materials like recycled sawdust, soy grass, switchgrass, used coffee beans or non-petroleum natural wax. These logs give off at least 80 percent lesser emissions compared to wood which means lower mono-oxide emission and less build-up of creosote on the fire pit walls. These fire pits are unique eco-friendly items which add an element of uniqueness to your outdoors and are also easy to clean. The added advantage of portability which comes with some fire pits makes it convenient for you to place them anywhere according to the occasion. They are completely safe and operating them is quite simple too. Creating Awareness with an Eco-Friendly Fire Pit For creating awareness about eco-friendly habits and products, business and environmental organizations must use eco-friendly promotional items. They can promote the use of such products by encouraging their employees and customers to use them. They can also offer these items to employees and customers as complementary gifts or incentives. It is the duty and responsibility of business organizations and environmental organizations to use and promote the usage of eco-friendly items to save energy, trees and the planet. This is for our children, after all. What happens tomorrow depends on what we do today. Source