HAPPY CHANUKAH!

Beware of the Salvation Army

When you see these people ringing their bells with the pots waiting for your donation, think of this and remember … ‘Tis the season for giving, not for funding hate. There are many, many other charities to whom giving brings about a better world.

The evil empire

Did You Know …

• More than twice as many home computers are tossed rather than recycled.
• A faster computer saves time, which in turn, saves money when it comes to productivity.
• If you turn off your monitor when not in use, not only will you save money in energy costs—but you’ll also prolong the life of that monitor, so there’s no need to buy a new one
• One great way to save money on new computer? Find one with minimal RAM and do an aftermarket upgrade yourself.

Toe to Toe

Here’s a weird one …  Clip Responsibly

The next time you trim your toenails, look beyond the waste basket or the sink. Clippings may be scraggly and gross, but they’re rich in calcium, which makes them nutritious for plants. That means you can toss ‘em in the compost pile or use them for mulch in your garden. Just be sure to trash fake or treated nails, as these can harm the environment.

Start From the Bottom Up

Invest in earthy shoes.  You probably know about Toms’ buy-one-give-one model. Other shoemakers are following that company’s lead, so when it’s time for new footwear, choose an eco-brand. OAT shoes, for example, biodegrade to 90% in six months if they’re in ideal soil (don’t worry: they need microbes to do so, so they won’t disintegrate on your feet). Simple Shoes are made from hemp, recycled paper, cork, bamboo, old tires, and other stuff that was once landfill-bound. For designer kicks, look to Beyond Skin, whose vegan high heels use faux leather. And for more eco-shoe ideas, click here.

Decorate Sustainably

No need to buy your Thanksgiving decorations new this year: You can make a beautiful cornucopia of a centerpiece from fallen pinecones, autumn leaves, and seasonal fruits and vegetables that you’ll later eat (you can even eat the “basket” itself). As for the rest of the table, use a real tablecloth, not a plastic one (bonus: it looks and feels better), and for flatware and silverware, avoid single-use disposables. If you’re having a lot of people over and must use throwaway place settings, opt for bamboo over plastic.

Consider the Turkey

America’s more than 7,000 turkey farms kill 300 million birds each year and crank out 10 billion pounds of manure, much of which ends up in water sources. Consider, even just for one Thanksgiving, trying Tofurky or anther delicious meat alternative. For ideas about how to plan a vegan or vegetarian Thanksgiving (as one famous bird aficionado always does), go to GentleThanksgiving.org.

If you’re an omnivore who must have your Thanksgiving meat, choose a turkey that’s organic (fewer synthetic chemicals in the animal, your body, and the land) and locally raised (for fewer transit-related emissions). If you feel bad enough about the bird you’re eating, you can “offset” it by saving another’s life at adoptaturkey.org.

Wedding Bells

Beautifully amazing wedding yesterday for 2 incredible men. 50 of their loving friends and family joined in their celebration. They have been together for 12 years and their love continues to be fresh and filled with joy, respect and admiration. Natacha and I are so grateful and blessed to be doing this work.

Today’s Green Holiday Tip

Today’s Tip:  Swap and Share.

If your neighbor has a shiny new toolbox, why would you need one too? Rather than “keeping up with the Joneses,” many people are opting for opportunities to pool and share resources. By planning clothing exchanges, crop swaps, and tool-lending libraries, you’ll save money, reduce waste, and build a stronger community.

Orgainc Holiday Eating

The holidays can strain any budget. As you prepare for the season of feasting and gift-giving, this week’s tips will help you maintain your green standards without spending a fortune.

Today’s Tip:  Know your organics.

In an perfect world, you’d always eat organic. But when money’s tight, it’s worth knowing which fruits and vegetables are coated with the most pesticide residue so that you allot funds accordingly. Save a few bucks by settling for non-organic onions, avocados, cabbage, and watermelons. However, apples, celery, lettuce, and strawberries are among the “dirty dozen,” which means you should always spring for the organic kind.