tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86235785889928256522024-03-19T04:47:29.937-04:00DC Recyclera guide to recycling and greening in Washington, DC!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.comBlogger257125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-28525935310515821342018-09-03T15:02:00.001-04:002018-09-03T15:02:19.673-04:00Recycling - A next to last option<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/Petrecycling_%282318529464%29.jpg/1280px-Petrecycling_%282318529464%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><img alt="Petrecycling (2318529464).jpg" border="0" class="mw-mmv-final-image jpg mw-mmv-dialog-is-open" crossorigin="anonymous" height="149" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/Petrecycling_%282318529464%29.jpg/1280px-Petrecycling_%282318529464%29.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; border-image: none; border: 0px rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: block; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: middle; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" width="200" /></a><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/Petrecycling_%282318529464%29.jpg/1280px-Petrecycling_%282318529464%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></a><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/Petrecycling_%282318529464%29.jpg/1280px-Petrecycling_%282318529464%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></a><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/Petrecycling_%282318529464%29.jpg/1280px-Petrecycling_%282318529464%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /><br /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though it may seem contrary to the title of this blog, today anyone serious about waste reduction should really focus on the "other" R's - "reduce" and "reuse" and also "re-earthing = composting" versus recycling. Unbeknownst to many Americans, much of our plastic recycling has been going to Chinese markets for many years, and earlier this year, China said they'd had enough and put strict contamination limits on plastic recycling imports. While there are still markets for some recyclables (Plastics 1 and 2, <br /><br />cardboard, aluminum and metals), most "recyclable" plastics are now ending up in incinerators and landfills. Yuk!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, what's an environmentally conscious consumer to do?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Consider if you really need to purchase something or if you're purchasing because you think you need it, or because it's the trendiest newest trend. (I know that sounds lame, but maybe this exercise will be helpful). Then, if "yes", you really do need it, shop for something that's used. There are so many options out there, from Ebay, to Craig's List, to FreeCycle. I just bought a standing desk in perfect condition for 1/2 price on Craig's List. And, I bought a Columbia GoreTex jacket for $30. And, if you're ready to pass some of your belongings along, consider offering it on Craig's List or FreeCycle. I'm <i>amazed </i>at what people consider treasure! And, while buying second (or third) hand will save you some real money, the added real beauty of these "used" goods is that they usually come package free - so you won't have anything to put in that recycle bin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-10184730903201520512018-07-11T11:24:00.000-04:002018-07-11T11:24:05.060-04:00Straws and Single Use Plastics are having a Very BAD Year.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MGOUVP8wd8I/W0Ya_IiMPmI/AAAAAAAAGWQ/kCxI8UGn-mQOiFmgMJ3Hg5WlwK0G0zJEACLcBGAs/s1600/800px-Eight_drinking_straws_%25284273846588%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MGOUVP8wd8I/W0Ya_IiMPmI/AAAAAAAAGWQ/kCxI8UGn-mQOiFmgMJ3Hg5WlwK0G0zJEACLcBGAs/s200/800px-Eight_drinking_straws_%25284273846588%2529.jpg" width="133" /></a>Plastic straws and other single use plastics are not having a good year. Cities across the US including <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/the-last-straw-seattle-will-say-goodbye-to-plastic-straws-utensils-with-upcoming-ban/">Seattle</a>, <a href="https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2018/05/23/nyc-plastic-straw-ban-bill/">New York</a>, and even <a href="http://fortune.com/2018/07/09/starbucks-plastic-straws-seattle-ban/">Starbucks</a> and <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2018/07/10/american-airlines-plastic-straws-stir-sticks-phased-out/772313002/">American Airlines</a> have announced that they're being phased out in favor of compostable options. <br />
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On Tuesday, July 10, DC made a first jump onto this bandwagon when Councilmember Jack Evans introduced a bill. The "Sustainable Straws and Stirrers Amendment Act of 2018" would mandate that “ by January 1, 2019, no food service entity shall sell, use, or provide a straw or stirrer <br />
with food or beverage unless the straw or stirrer is compostable.”.<br />
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So why are straws and stirrers getting such a bad wrap? How can using - or not using - one straw make a difference? According to <a href="http://5gyres.org/">5Gyres.org</a>, Americans alone use 500 million!!! straws per day. And, they can't be recycled as they're too small. Somehow, serving straws with a drink became common practice. Restaurants absorbed the cost, few customers ever contemplated the health impacts of absorbing calories through tube of plastic and our streets, waterways, beaches, and oceans became clogged with this largely unneeded single-use product that when totaled, has become a major world waste stream.<br />
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So, don't wait for legislation to come into effect before starting to avoid straws. Do it now. If you must, consider a reusable bamboo or stainless option or even go for a paper model. But, mostly, get that piece of plastic out of your body and out of your personal waste stream. And, while you're at it, rethink all those other plastic waste streams that you create...and start thinking of ways to phase them out as well. It's good for the planet, but it's also good for you!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-21774740836449916892018-06-29T14:34:00.000-04:002018-06-29T14:34:01.260-04:00Worm Composting - just do it<br />
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This is my worm bin that I bought </div>
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on Craigs List. But you can make your own! ,</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zCgvVEntsOA/WzZzadVhF-I/AAAAAAAAGV0/aD0MEAJX3QoBQHZIGPVFqIfhSaI06nQMgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6136%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have worms. A lot of them. And they're in the hallway of my home. Most dinner guests have no idea that they're in the company of hundreds (thousands?) of worms who are also enjoying a meal. </span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zCgvVEntsOA/WzZzadVhF-I/AAAAAAAAGV0/aD0MEAJX3QoBQHZIGPVFqIfhSaI06nQMgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6136%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Why do I vermicompost (compost with worms)? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Frankly, because I'm amazed by what these small animals can digest and the amazing fertilizer they make. They're a great conversation filler, and they're ideal for small spaces such as DC houses, condos, and apartments. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qD5bgScmmgY/WzZzVnV7uNI/AAAAAAAAGVw/VzzGLFouL9kdJTMHVMDdnqvrDSHmqb4xwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0098%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qD5bgScmmgY/WzZzVnV7uNI/AAAAAAAAGVw/VzzGLFouL9kdJTMHVMDdnqvrDSHmqb4xwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0098%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qD5bgScmmgY/WzZzVnV7uNI/AAAAAAAAGVw/VzzGLFouL9kdJTMHVMDdnqvrDSHmqb4xwCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_0098%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">My worms enjoy feeding on the </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Washington Post funny papers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I was concerned about smells, but with a good mix of food scraps and browns (newspaper, dried leaves and/or grass) even in these very hot days of summer there's no odor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And the compost that these squiggly invertebrates make is amazingly rich! Just a tablespoon will give your houseplants a boost. (Guess what my friends and family are getting for Christmas?!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In the coming months, DC government will offering training and rebates to residents who want to compost and vermicompost. Stay tuned!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And, by worm composting, you'll be keeping food waste out of the waste stream where it contributes to greenhouse gasses. Every single action helps! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>As a side note, I've been terrible about posting to this blog, but I'm recommitting to it. Our environment is under threat like never before - and we need it. There are many simple and low cost ways to help save the world.</i></span></div>
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-2193669833073452752017-08-10T22:01:00.001-04:002018-09-03T14:07:10.136-04:00Greening the Laundry<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rkg5fbXBIrk/WY0NSwiyjpI/AAAAAAAAGNk/1lNprMI52ZcdQnGgmY82BvxeLS8d8A5agCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rkg5fbXBIrk/WY0NSwiyjpI/AAAAAAAAGNk/1lNprMI52ZcdQnGgmY82BvxeLS8d8A5agCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_5422.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Update:</b> </span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Unfortunately, after a couple of weeks of using the soap nuts, I found water backing up in the washer. We suspect that the soap bubbles were causing a drainage block. Interestingly, the washer would be dry when we emptied the clothes out of the washer, and then water would gradually back up over the next few days. I'm still using soap nuts for handwashing and other uses. One idea would be to further dilute the mixture and see if that would mitigate the problem. Hopefully you won't have this experience! By to reduce my waste and exposure to chemicals with washing, I've subscribed to <a href="https://www.dropps.com/">Dropp's</a> for my laundry and dishwasher soaps (I don't receive any kickback from them for endorsing their product). Their soaps come in biodegradable packaging and , through their subscription service, arrives periodically at my doorstep in a nice cardboard box. For these same convenience and reduced waste reasons, I also subscribe to toilet paper through <a href="https://us.whogivesacrap.org/">Who Gives A Crap</a>. I'm usually biking or walking to the grocery store, and with a subscription service that focuses on waste reduction, this is one less bulky thing that I need to carry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">One of the reasons I like to make my own food is because I like to know what I'm eating. I'd also like to know what chemicals I'm being exposed to - like in the laundry. I've long used powders, but while they do something to reduce waste and plastic, most still come in a plastic bag with a plastic scoop and lots of chemicals. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I've started using soap nuts. They're natural and organic. They do have a high carbon footprint as they come from Nepal, but this brand uses their funds to help women in that country. <a href="https://myplasticfreelife.com/2017/07/how-to-make-liquid-soap-nuts-laundry-soap-plus-other-plastic-free-laundry-ideas/">Beth Terry of My Plastic Free Life took soap nuts a bit further and passed along this liquid recipe</a>. It's easier than pie, but you do need to keep it refrigerated...and labeled so someone doesn't mistake it for ice tea! I'm using this in my HE washer and my clothes come out clean and industrial chemical free. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And, while I use a clothes line, my boyfriend likes a dryer...and dryer sheets. He agreed to try a homemade and less toxic version. I cut up some used but clean fabric into 8"x*inch squares and keep them soaking in a large plastic used yogurt container with a mix of white vinegar and water. I've added a bit of lavender to give it a nice smell - and voila, a natural dryer sheet. You can reuse them indefinitely. Give it a whirl. </span>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-62131220214213899692017-05-10T19:23:00.000-04:002017-05-10T19:23:01.455-04:00Making Seitan - It's sooooo easy and inexpensive!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seitan: It's not pretty but it's surprisingly good!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Am I the last person on earth to know about seitan? I first tasted it when I opted out of my friend's chili because it tasted like it had meat in it. THAT was seitan. Seitan is <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">a high-protein vegetarian food made from cooked wheat gluten</span> (which I found at Yes! Organic). It's high in protein and low in cholesterol and fat. It can be used as a tofu substitute. You knead and add spices to it - and then let it simmer. It's now in my freezer. I followed <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/fast-easy-homemade-seitan-1220052">this recipe on Epicurious</a> - and found the comments to be very helpful. It was surprisingly easy to make and very inexpensive compared to the price you pay in any store. I'm heading to the beach in a couple of weeks, and planning on cooking up a big pot of vegetarian chili. Seitan will be a key ingredient! </span>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-65887527314358515382017-03-23T13:24:00.000-04:002017-03-23T13:24:18.031-04:00Did You Know that Paint Recycling has come to DC?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mb5HswyWXS0/WNQCglC8RkI/AAAAAAAAGKo/lhbeeUqrT8EcRhqIwSW6vZh0zj16VmNOACLcB/s1600/PaintCare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mb5HswyWXS0/WNQCglC8RkI/AAAAAAAAGKo/lhbeeUqrT8EcRhqIwSW6vZh0zj16VmNOACLcB/s400/PaintCare.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's right! Thanks to a partnership between <a href="http://paintcare.org/">PaintCare.org</a> and the <a href="https://doee.dc.gov/">DC Department of Energy and Environment</a>, you can now recycle paint in the District of Colombia! There are drop off sites at certain paint stores around town. You can find the drop-off location nearest you at <a href="https://www.paintcare.org/drop-off-locations/#/find-a-drop-off-site">https://www.paintcare.org/drop-off-locations/#/find-a-drop-off-site</a>. A</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: roboto, Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">cceptable items include house paint and primers, stains, sealers, and clear coatings (e.g., shellac and varnish). C</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: roboto, Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">ontainers should be no more than 5 gallons in size, and the paint must be in its original container and the container must have a label and a secured lid. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: roboto, Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">Other items such as aerosols (spray cans), solvents, and products intended for industrial or non-architectural use are not acceptable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: roboto, Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">If it's still in usable condition, the paint will be recycled and used. Otherwise, it will be disposed of properly!</span></span><br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-46140726694706841602017-01-22T19:34:00.000-05:002017-01-22T19:34:26.476-05:00Spring cometh - so start getting your garden ready now!Spring will soon be upon us, so it's time to start thinking about your garden NOW!!! Here are a couple of to-dos:<br />
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1) It's not too early to start thinking about what you want to plant and where. Tomatoes take a lot out of the soil, so if you've grown them in the same spot for the last two years, it's best to find a new spot - or give them a rest for a year. If you want to participate in a community garden, start sussing that out now. Spaces fill up quickly!<br />
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2) if you're going to grow vegetables and spices from seed, start getting your goods together now. You'll need a heating mat, containers, soil....and seeds. Participating in a local seed exchange is a great way to get a wide variety of seeds, and find other like minded local folk who are interested in gardening. Check out http://seedswapday.blogspot.com/ to find a seed swap near you!<br />
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<a href="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16265247_1002659726544566_3101342300324392462_n.png?oh=044bd965ba33b68692f0cb6c9a9f8220&oe=590E28B3" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="No automatic alt text available." border="0" height="200" src="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16265247_1002659726544566_3101342300324392462_n.png?oh=044bd965ba33b68692f0cb6c9a9f8220&oe=590E28B3" width="150" /></a>3) Start saving the cardboard inside TP and paper towel rolls. Cut in 1/2s and 1/3rds, these provide excellent protection for young seedlings....and it helps contribute to zero waste.<br />
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4) Mark the <a href="http://rootingdc.org/">Rooting DC</a> event on your calendar! This year's event will be held on Saturday, February, 18 from 9am to 4pm at Wilson High School at 3950 Chesapeake St NW and very near the Tenleytown Metro. They offer wonderful workshops and resources on gardening and greening in DC.<br />
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Be green. Live local. Persevere!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-60587165494903075642016-12-13T21:56:00.000-05:002016-12-13T21:56:32.468-05:00Creative (and less waste) Wrapping!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6U_hcHFWuhw/WFC0EkkvVFI/AAAAAAAAGJc/IftZmL13VzQ9nUstBX9fbVmgcxM_d4oxACLcB/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6U_hcHFWuhw/WFC0EkkvVFI/AAAAAAAAGJc/IftZmL13VzQ9nUstBX9fbVmgcxM_d4oxACLcB/s200/Image.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
As a "zero waster" wanna-be, I like to be creative in my wrapping. I receive maps and colorful advertising in the mail over the course of the year, and I save these and use them for wrapping. I add some of my own (humble) artwork to make it mine. The comics pages from the post also provide interesting wrapping fodder. I also receive a plethora of address labels - more than I could use in a lifetime - every year. (Could someone pleeeeaazzzzzzzzzze tell the non profits to move on from this wasteful habit?). Anyhow and on the bright side, those little address labels make ideal wrapping tape. They're just the right size! So happy upcycling wrapping! ...and happy holidays to one and all! Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-15146548469689379392016-08-15T12:45:00.005-04:002016-08-15T12:45:59.804-04:00Back to School - and Greening the Kitchen: some ideas<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kNCauTukNFc/V7HuwMmw8JI/AAAAAAAAGGo/tZi40UItSZk70bj5uFrC_guBw8TMKiH7ACLcB/s1600/stasheraqua1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kNCauTukNFc/V7HuwMmw8JI/AAAAAAAAGGo/tZi40UItSZk70bj5uFrC_guBw8TMKiH7ACLcB/s200/stasheraqua1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stasher: A reusable alternative to ziplocks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I get tired of all the ziplock bags that end up in my kitchen. Then, I found these nifty stasher reusables:<br />
<a href="https://www.thegrommet.com/silicone-storage-bag-solids">https://www.thegrommet.com/silicone-storage-bag-solids</a>. They come in various sizes..and in various colors/designs. Reusable, dishwasher safe and waterproof! Check them out! Available on their website http://stasherbag.com/shop/ and on Amazon, too!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-16793980088350508952016-06-28T21:03:00.002-04:002016-06-28T21:03:37.835-04:00Have You Heard: CCAN is promoting a carbon fee for DC!<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YOS-LIuQmZc/V3MczzjJ_cI/AAAAAAAAGDw/jeRTSNcTuHov4NswDJC-Q0t4gQ33R0feQCLcB/s1600/solar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YOS-LIuQmZc/V3MczzjJ_cI/AAAAAAAAGDw/jeRTSNcTuHov4NswDJC-Q0t4gQ33R0feQCLcB/s200/solar.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="background: white;"><a href="http://chesapeakeclimate.org/">Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) </a></span></span>is
promoting a carbon fee to promote clean energy and provide better air quality
in DC. Under such a system, <span style="background: white;">Companies that
buy and sell fossil fuels in the District would pay a fee on each ton of
heat-trapping pollution they cause. The price would rise steadily over time and
would reflect the damage these emissions inflict on DC residents' health, air
and water, and climate. All of the money raised would be returned in
equal amounts—through a quarterly “dividend”—to every D.C. resident thereby
putting more money into the pockets of DC families and helping to ensure that
low-income and middle class residents are benefit in the transition to clean
energy. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IkhfVUZVb8k/V3MdjTY3LkI/AAAAAAAAGEE/U95Z61ndMR4YrrEkW52ji3VHFGwukng0QCLcB/s1600/cap%2Bpower%2Bplant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IkhfVUZVb8k/V3MdjTY3LkI/AAAAAAAAGEE/U95Z61ndMR4YrrEkW52ji3VHFGwukng0QCLcB/s200/cap%2Bpower%2Bplant.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which DC? <br />Photo Credit CPlume (above) <br />and Rolling Stone (below)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white;">A far-fetched
idea? Boulder, Colorado enacted a carbon fee in 2006 and the Canadian
province of Alberta passed one last year. Carbon fee proposals are
currently under consideration in statehouses from New York to Oregon.
Meanwhile, under the DC Government adopted <a href="http://www.sustainabledc.org/,">Sustainable DC Plan</a>, the District has
committed to r</span>educe greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2032.
A carbon fee might just get us there! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For more information on CCAN's
proposed carbon </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">fee and to sign the petition in support of a carbon fee, check out the</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white;"><a href="http://chesapeakeclimate.org/dc-federal/a-dc-carbon-fee-for-clean-energy-and-a-fair-economy/">CCAN website</a></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><o:p></o:p><br />
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-78843372506376664702016-05-21T18:31:00.001-04:002016-05-21T18:31:11.774-04:00What's the Best Thing you Can do to Help the Recycling Effort?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-783y5X-pTUI/V0Dey7HqIAI/AAAAAAAAF-A/ZnbqsrCg0poer0IAKFWwSyU_1dz01GpbQCLcB/s1600/BanTheBag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-783y5X-pTUI/V0Dey7HqIAI/AAAAAAAAF-A/ZnbqsrCg0poer0IAKFWwSyU_1dz01GpbQCLcB/s200/BanTheBag.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skip the Bag; Set Your Recyclables Free!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's the best thing you can do to help the recycling effort???? It's so easy..and it will save you money! <span style="color: blue;">Just STOP placing your recyclables in plastic bags! </span>Plastic bags wreak havoc on recycling machines. One single bag can get caught in the gears and shut down an entire processing plant for hours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The DC Department of Public Works asks that you place your recyclables directly into the bin - no plastic bags needed. If you have bags to recycle, take them to your local grocery store and place them in their bins.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Set your recycling free! Skip the bag!!</span>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-29656315543408256882016-04-05T21:21:00.001-04:002016-04-05T21:21:02.734-04:00IT'S EARTH MONTH!!! So many things to do!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ukwr_kkbkTs/VwRY74JZB0I/AAAAAAAAF9E/tX9cUWoY7iY0dqK7w8ER6ou4XgDddwtOA/s1600/Earth%2BDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ukwr_kkbkTs/VwRY74JZB0I/AAAAAAAAF9E/tX9cUWoY7iY0dqK7w8ER6ou4XgDddwtOA/s200/Earth%2BDay.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It's April, it's Spring, it's Earth Month and there are so many (many!) outdoor activities planned! I've found that <a href="http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/EarthDay.htm">this website does a great job of tracking Earth Day activities</a> and updating them regularly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">But, there are </span><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">so many<i> great</i></span></b><i> </i><span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">outdoor and </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>green</b></i></span><span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> activities planned around DC that don't make this list. Here are just a few:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There are some </span><a href="http://www.usna.usda.gov/Education/events.html#April" style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">great classes offered at the National Arboretum</a><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">. I'm going to one this Saturday on tomato grafting!</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The good folks at <a href="http://goodsensefarm.com/">Good Sense Farm</a> are just one of the vendors supporting this year's <a href="http://www.honeygroovedc.com/#!faqs/c24vq">Honey Groove Fest</a> on April 9 beginning a 4pm. Apparently, there will be twerking!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://communityforklift.org/news-events/calendar/">Community Forklift </a>is offering several classes this month - on canning, herbs and masonry. Support these good folks!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">On April 16, <a href="http://commongoodcityfarm.org/">Common Good City Farm</a> will be having their kick off celebration. There will be herb walks, seedlings for sale, kid's activities and a cookout! Fun!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And, don't forget the annual<a href="http://www.kingmanislandbluegrass.com/"> Kingman Island Bluegrass Festival</a> to be held on April 30! You'll need a ticket to get into this year's event (which is a good thing as it's become too crowded). <a href="http://www.kingmanislandbluegrass.com/">There are still tickets left.</a></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And, while you're at it, why not do your own Earth Month and Earth Day adventure. Rent </span><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">a kayak or canoe at the </span><a href="http://www.boatingindc.com/key-bridge-boathouse#.VwRg9_krJdg" style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">KeyBridge Boathouse</a><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> to explore the Potomac or at the</span><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.boatingindc.com/ballpark-boathouse#.VwRhOvkrJdg" style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ball Park Boathouse</a><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">to explore the Anacostia. Maybe you'll even see one of the bald eagles!! </span><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Give up straws, reduce your plastic footprint, make some of your own food, ride your bike! There are plenty of ways to celebrate this great month! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Get outside and take it all in!</span></div>
Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-61789034290282209962015-12-26T12:23:00.000-05:002015-12-26T12:23:05.766-05:00Un-Decking the Halls!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wlio.images.worldnow.com/images/16412889_BG1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://wlio.images.worldnow.com/images/16412889_BG1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://dpw.dc.gov/service/leaf-and-holiday-tree-collection">DC Department of Public Works will pick up Christmas trees and wreaths </a>from Dec 26 through January 8 for composting! PLEASE DO NOT BAG YOUR TREE, and kindly remove all ornaments. Trees will be pick up after January 8, but may not be composted! Just leave the trees near your trash bins!<br />
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Meanwhile, you can send your holiday cards to <a href="https://stjudesranch.org/about-us/recycled-card-program/">St. Jude's Ranch for Children </a>which will upcycle these into new creations!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-59303602697814123392015-12-10T13:14:00.001-05:002015-12-10T13:15:33.002-05:00The DC Recycler's 2015 Green Holiday Gift Guide <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Need some green gift ideas about now? Here are just a few to ponder!</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Shop Online but offbeat. </b>Have you found <a href="https://www.thegrommet.com/sustainable-living">The Grommet</a>? They have a plethora of unique and quirky gifts. Check out their Sustainable Living line. <a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/">Uncommon Goods</a> also has some fun stuff. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Buy more conventional, but still green</b>. <a href="http://www.bambeco.com/">Bambeco</a> is Baltimore based and they're all about sustainability. They give a lot of money to help restore the bay, and OK, they're my friends. Check them out.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Buy local</b>. Indulge your favorite chef or gamer with a gift certificate from <a href="http://www.hillskitchen.com/">Hill's Kitchen</a> or <a href="http://www.labyrinthgameshop.com/">Labyrinth</a>. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Otherwise......</span></div>
<ul><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xadyDr4GY-0/Vmm_xsTQoKI/AAAAAAAAF4U/o0Bx-KDRSQU/s512-Ic42/libconTree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xadyDr4GY-0/Vmm_xsTQoKI/AAAAAAAAF4U/o0Bx-KDRSQU/s512-Ic42/libconTree.JPG" width="150" /></a>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Gift a class. </b><a href="http://www.hillcenterdc.org/">The Hill Center on Capitol Hill </a>has a wide array of classes - including an urban foraging class and a vegan cooking class. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Kayak and paddleboard the Potomac</b>: The <a href="http://www.boatingindc.com/key-bridge-boathouse#.Vmm6ErgrJdh">Key Bridge Boat House</a> has 2016 season tickets on sale now. You'll be set to go when they open in April.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">How about an amazing <b>helmet or backpack</b> for your favorite cyclist from <a href="http://torchapparel.com/">Torch Apparel</a>?! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Give some homemade food. </b> If you have 15 jars of strawberry jam, or salsa, or jalapenos, that you made this summer (ummm, like me), share that bounty! Or, <b>make a batch of granola</b> and bag it as gifts. You can find <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/98390/megans-granola/">my favorite recipe here</a>! There's still time to get some great labels at <a href="http://www.evermine.com/">www.evermine.com</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Live the cliche, <b>make potholders! </b>Those potholder frames have evolved and are larger and much more practical. You can pick up a loom and loops at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sullivanstoys/">Sullivan's Toy Store</a> on Wisconsin Avenue. If you want more loop colors, check out <a href="http://harrisville.com/">harrisville.com/</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And for that person who has absolutely everything, share the love. Gift a donation in their name to a local non-profit! There are so many great groups to choose from such as <a href="https://sierra.secure.force.com/donate/rc_connect__campaign_designform?id=701310000008oRiAAI#!form=00P3100000SLL1AEAX">Sierra Club DC</a>, the <a href="https://www.anacostiaws.org/donation/checkout">Anacostia Watershed Society</a>, the <a href="http://fergusonfoundation.org/support/">Alice Ferguson Foundation</a> and the list goes on, and on. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mostly, have yourself and yours a merry and very <span style="color: #274e13;">GREEN </span>holiday season!</span></div>
Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-4566067145290531362015-11-11T19:15:00.000-05:002015-11-11T19:15:11.546-05:00Reduce your Catalog Footprint!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uw_Y6bgV2z4/VkPRQ69qUYI/AAAAAAAAF3U/4OmuE5ncKnw/s1600/IMG_2230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uw_Y6bgV2z4/VkPRQ69qUYI/AAAAAAAAF3U/4OmuE5ncKnw/s200/IMG_2230.JPG" width="200" /></a>Tis the season - for <b><i>too many </i></b>catalogs. While I rarely buy out of catalogs, my mailbox is brimming with them. Here are a couple of options for culling the catalogs you receive. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.paperkarma.com/">PaperKarma</a> is a free smartphone app. You register your address(es) and name(s) and take pictures of the business logo and address of the unwanted catalog and/or junk mail, and upload this. within the app. Then, you're done! PaperKarma contacts the business and unsubscribes you from their mailings. The first three cancellations are free and after that you can continue the service for $1.99/mth or $9.99 per year for an unlimited number of un-subscriptions.<br />
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<a href="http://www.catalogchoice.org/">Catalog Choice</a> is currently web-based though they're developing an app. Their services are free. You establish a free account and type in the addresses of the catalogs and junk mail you don't want to receive. They're a non-profit that was recently acquired by the <a href="http://storyofstuff.org/">Story of Stuff</a> project.<br />
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Go On Line: If you go to the company's website, you can often find an "unsubscribe" option. This can work for catalogs and for junk email.<br />
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Call: Most catalogs still include a phone number for orders. Call and ask to speak to customer service - or just tell the person who answers that you no longer want to receive the catalog.<br />
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Catalogs are printed months in advance, so it may take 6-8 weeks to get OFF any mailing list. While you may not save a tree this year, you will in the long haul. <br />
<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-65131239916821737372015-10-16T09:43:00.001-04:002015-10-16T09:43:22.582-04:00Time to Freeze the Herbs!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8LE_UZKDDs/ViD9PHTI85I/AAAAAAAAF2w/sLTQMDBfFuY/s1600/Basil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8LE_UZKDDs/ViD9PHTI85I/AAAAAAAAF2w/sLTQMDBfFuY/s200/Basil.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alas, it's oh so sad to see the summer end...but so it is. It's time to harvest the rest of the herbs and freeze them for winter soups. It's easy enough to do - the hardest part may be finding an ice tray. Muffin tins will work in a pinch! Just harvest your basil, oregano, thyme and such separately, chop and spoon a tablespoon or so into ice trays with a bit of water. Store in plastic bags once frozen (and label as it's easy enough to forget what's what). Then when it's soup making time, just pop a cube in. You can also make pesto and freeze it or you can dry them. You'll be able to enjoy a bit of summer all year! Enjoy!</span>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-87210935920827999942015-09-29T16:08:00.001-04:002015-09-29T16:08:05.546-04:00Green Micro Beads<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTjax_8436w/VgrtuxKrbqI/AAAAAAAAF2E/9pTM7FQmD_g/s1600/sugar%2Bscrub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTjax_8436w/VgrtuxKrbqI/AAAAAAAAF2E/9pTM7FQmD_g/s200/sugar%2Bscrub.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In my forthcoming novel, "Confessions of an Environmentalist" one chapter will be dedicated to micro beads. I'm kidding about the book, but I will confess that part of me was sad to learn that I was going to have to boycott any soap or scrub that contained micro beads. I like(d) the scrub they gave me that left my skin feeling smooth and clean. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But now I know, IT'S GOING TO BE OK. I've found "<span style="color: blue;"><b>sugar scrubs</b></span>". I made my own in all of 5 minutes. 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of olive oil, some lavender extract and TA-DA, I've got my own scrub that moisturizes to boot. I'm a happy (and smooth skinned) camper.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The web is teaming with variations of the recipe. Make it in smaller quantities as it's oil based and won't last forever. For the shower, consider putting it in a stainless steel or yes, even plastic container to avoid any breakage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make some for your non enviro friends and wean them off the beads. Be green.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I realize I don't blog that often these days, but I'm often on Twitter at DC_Recycler. I hope to see you there!</span><br />
<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-53271154705059220032015-07-10T11:08:00.000-04:002015-07-10T11:10:01.780-04:00Recycling Worries: how to keep your recyclables out of the landfill!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K2PprlybveQ/VZ_bkXZ9I_I/AAAAAAAAF1I/9zi7d4JpBt8/s1600/bins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K2PprlybveQ/VZ_bkXZ9I_I/AAAAAAAAF1I/9zi7d4JpBt8/s200/bins.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bin dilemma </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You may have heard all the concerns about recycling of late. <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/cities-and-counties-come-to-grips-with-the-high-cost-of-recycling-programs/2015/06/23/b53b98fc-18de-11e5-ab92-c75ae6ab94b5_story.html">The Washington Post</a>, <a href="http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2015-07-07/new-challenges-to-recycling-in-the-united-states">Diane Rehm</a> and <a href="http://www.marketplace.org/topics/sustainability/reduce-reuse-rethink">MarketPlace</a> have all done stories on the issue and how contamination of the waste stream and low oil prices are wreaking havoc on the industry. So, what is a good recycler to do to ensure that your goods don't end up in a landfill? Here are a couple of ideas:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>1) DON'T place your recyclables in a plastic bag. </b> Plastic bags really mess up the sorter machines. Just dump your recyclables directly into that big blue bin - no bag needed!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>2) Only recycle goods listed on <a href="http://dpw.dc.gov/node/418912">THIS LIST</a>. </b>Otherwise, put it in the trash ....OR....</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>3) Join <a href="https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/freecycledc/info">DC's Freecycle Network</a>. </b>Anyone living or working in DC can join. This website is a true testimony to the idea that "one person's trash is anothers treasure"!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>4) Compost it! </b>Food waste is a major issue in recycling streams. If you can't start a compost in your own yard, see if another neighbor or your local community garden will take it....OR treat yourself to a <a href="http://www.fatwormcompost.com/">FatWorm Compos</a>t, <a href="http://compostcab.com/">Compost Cab</a> or (support local vets through a) <a href="http://www.veterancompost.com/">Veteran Compost</a> subscription! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>5) Participate in a <a href="http://www.terracycle.com/en-US/">Terracycle Brigade</a>. </b> Terracycle will pay the postage for the items you send in. I'm participating in the <a href="http://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/personal-care-and-beauty-brigade-r.html">Personal Care and Beauty Brigade</a> this summer, asking my friends and neighbors to drop off old lipsticks, chapsticks, shampoo bottles and such. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>5) Donate your old doors, windows, sinks, tools, flooring, extra tile, etc, etc, etc to <a href="http://communityforklift.org/">Community Forklift</a>! </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>6) Reduce your consumption.</b> It's a great time of year to experiment with making your own food and hygiene products...and reduce your consumption of plastics. </span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Keep a reusable water bottle in your purse, backpack, briefcase. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Bring reusable containers with you for your restaurant meal leftovers.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Bring your own plastic bags to the grocery store/farmers market for your fruits and vegetables. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When you order drinks, specify "No Straw Please!". </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When ordering online, specify "No plastic or styrofoam packing!".</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>7) Buy products made from recycled goods.</b> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TerraCycle?ref=shop_sugg">Terracycle now has an Etsy store</a>. They also have an "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/search?q=upcycled+recycled+repurposed&order=most_relevant&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US">Upcycled, Recycled, and Repurposed</a>" category for shopping. Shop at <a href="http://communityforklift.org/">Community Forklift</a> for tools, doors, sinks, etc, etc!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'd love to hear your ideas for ensuring that waste stays out of landfills. Send them to me at <a href="mailto:dcrecyclerdc@gmail.com">dcrecyclerdc@gmail</a>!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-25436604866223203732015-06-14T14:12:00.000-04:002015-06-14T14:12:08.344-04:00Recycling Old Glory - With Respect
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1OP3o5QgI0o/VX2_BmSSfsI/AAAAAAAAF0Q/FHbO0kFkcVw/s1600/americanflag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1OP3o5QgI0o/VX2_BmSSfsI/AAAAAAAAF0Q/FHbO0kFkcVw/s200/americanflag.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Flags fly in all sorts of weather,
and they eventually breakdown, fray and fade. While burning flags is
a recognized method of proper flag disposal, burning American flags made of
nylon (a petroleum product) creates hazardous gases and wastes resources.
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.advanceddisposal.com/retireyourflag.aspx"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Advanced
Disposal is offering free US flag recycling</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is offering free recycling services for US nylon flags
through September 11, 2015. You can drop off flags at <a href="http://www.advanceddisposal.com/find-a-facility.aspx"><span style="color: blue;">any of their </span></a><a href="http://www.advanceddisposal.com/find-a-facility.aspx"><span style="color: blue;">facilities</span></a> or mail your flag to them at: <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Carroll County
Transfer Station </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1400 Baltimore
Blvd. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Westminister, MD
21157</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.americanflagdisposal.com/flag_recycling.html">American Flag Recycling also recyclesAmerican flags </a>and ask for a small donation to cover the costs. And, If you're
curious about the dos and don'ts of flag disposal, check out the Veterans of
Foreign Wars website at </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.vfw.org/Flag/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://www.vfw.org/Flag/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-56318412888015366362015-05-25T16:34:00.002-04:002015-05-25T16:34:21.565-04:00Dehydrating: Drying it out!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5w0huSH11Xk/VWOC_JiqakI/AAAAAAAAFx0/LRoUxeLO3Xg/s1600/strawberries.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5w0huSH11Xk/VWOC_JiqakI/AAAAAAAAFx0/LRoUxeLO3Xg/s200/strawberries.JPG" width="200" /></a> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">The season's bounty of fruits is just beginning...but the season is ever fleeting and before you know it, the local strawberries and blueberries will be gone for another year. This year, I've decided to preserve a bit of the riches and try dehydrating to preserve these goodies in some form for a later day, maybe just to snack on or sprinkle over my granola. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a3gtb5UYmmA/VWOC5rrSUiI/AAAAAAAAFxs/9xc4GstaFwU/s1600/dried%2Bfruit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a3gtb5UYmmA/VWOC5rrSUiI/AAAAAAAAFxs/9xc4GstaFwU/s200/dried%2Bfruit.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">If you buy in bulk, most local farmers will give you a big discount on the price. It's a bit tedious to slice the fruit into thin slices, but then, a couple of hours in a dehydrator and you've got some delicious dried fruit on your hands. I even dried some not so local mangoes that were on sale at WholeFoods.Four quarts of strawberries sliced filled up the five strays of the dehydrator and took about 2 hours to dry. They then all fit into the jar in the picture! Even though I blanched the blueberries until their peel/skin split, it still took about 12 hours for them to dry. I don't think I'll do that again. The mango tood about 3 hours.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">While I should have bought the dehydrator at a local shop, I opted to buy a slightly scratched new dehydrator at a discount on Amazon. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">What I'm not so sure about is the energy efficiency of the dehydrator, but for now I'm enjoying it immensely!</span><br />
<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-68293096734958611422015-05-04T22:19:00.001-04:002015-05-04T22:19:24.150-04:00Local Green Goods: Electric bikes, Ugly Fruit Juices and Online Garage Sales<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Being green and buying local is getting easier and easier here in DC. Here are just a couple of things I've learned about in the past week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wq5fyeTD5ew/VUgnjll2KHI/AAAAAAAAFwI/XG_jM-9ky04/s1600/misfit.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wq5fyeTD5ew/VUgnjll2KHI/AAAAAAAAFwI/XG_jM-9ky04/s200/misfit.png" width="200" /></span></a><a href="http://www.misfitjuicery.co/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Misfit Juicery</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> was started by two Georgetown students late last year. There's a lot of noise about food waste out there, especially as we learn that some 40 percent of food is thrown out BEFORE it hits the supermarket shelves. Eating ugly fruits and veggies is becoming all the rage. These guys are using uglies to make yummy juices like "Kale + Stuff", "Off Beet" and </span><a href="http://www.misfitjuicery.co/product-1/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">a couple more varieties</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">. Buy this good juice locally at </span><a href="http://glensgardenmarket.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Glen's Garden Market</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.stickyfingersbakery.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sticky Fingers</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.stickyfingersbakery.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">FreshFarm Markets at Foggy Bottom and on H St NE</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> as well as </span><a href="http://www.misfitjuicery.co/find-misfit/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">a few more locations</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">. Yum!</span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2zYH48WkQY/VUgnoOC-z6I/AAAAAAAAFwQ/pyvyAdyoDS0/s1600/riide.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2zYH48WkQY/VUgnoOC-z6I/AAAAAAAAFwQ/pyvyAdyoDS0/s200/riide.png" width="200" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Love to cycle, but not so crazy about the hills? Check out </span><a href="http://www.riide.com/#hero"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Riide</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, a DC made electric bicycle! While their Kickstarter campaign is over (they've raised all the funds they needed), </span><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/riide/riide-the-bike-has-evolved-lighter-faster-electric"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">this video gives a great overview of the bike</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">. With a battery that will last for 25 miles (don't forget that you can still pedal it, too) and a charger that can be plugged into any electrical outlet, there's a lot to love about this bike!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D61KhSpXW7Y/VUgnwklPwlI/AAAAAAAAFwY/-zWvW6w0SiQ/s1600/wallapop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D61KhSpXW7Y/VUgnwklPwlI/AAAAAAAAFwY/-zWvW6w0SiQ/s1600/wallapop.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D61KhSpXW7Y/VUgnwklPwlI/AAAAAAAAFwY/-zWvW6w0SiQ/s1600/wallapop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Finally, at least for now, maybe I'm the last person to know about </span><a href="http://us.wallapop.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Wallapop</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">, an app that allows you to buy and sell things locally. Think Craigslist with pictures. It's searchable and now in DC. It uses your location and offers items that are close to your location. You can contact the seller and even go look at the item before deciding whether or not to buy it. Pretty cool!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Enjoy, be green. Recycle! Freecycle.</span><br />
<br />
Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-26272873802340263932015-04-27T14:02:00.000-04:002015-04-27T14:02:27.896-04:00Green DC: Ask DC to plant a tree on your street!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qDYIw2r0-Q/VT52XL96fGI/AAAAAAAAFvY/ui0VfWsmWEM/s1600/plant%2Ba%2Btree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qDYIw2r0-Q/VT52XL96fGI/AAAAAAAAFvY/ui0VfWsmWEM/s1600/plant%2Ba%2Btree.jpg" height="193" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">From now until June 15, 2015, there's a fast and simple way to request a tree for your street or neighborhood. <a href="http://getdctrees.org/">getdctrees.org</a> provides an online map of where trees are missing from tree boxes around the city and provides a <a href="http://getdctrees.org/about.html">simple online request form</a>. <a href="http://ddot.dc.gov/page/ddot-urban-forestry-administration-ufa">DC's Urban Forestry Administration</a> will accept requests through June 15. They'll then prioritize tree plantings for the Fall 2015 season. The website also provides a breakdown of tree plots available by Ward. And, while you're at it, consider signing up to care for an urban tree through DC's <a href="http://ddot.dc.gov/CanopyKeepers">Canopy Keeper program</a>.</span></span>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-66673681140726928752015-04-17T10:01:00.002-04:002015-04-17T10:01:49.318-04:00EarthDay Action: Tell DC City Council to Oppose the Exelon/Pepco Merger!<div>
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8255" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Hey folks, the proposed Exelon/Pepco merger is a bad deal for DC and for renewable energy in general! Several councilmembers have come out against the merger....but others haven't. Please send an email - similar to the one below today--and ask your friends/family to do the same!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"></span> </div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Hello, </span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8234" style="font-size: 12.8px;">
My name is _______ and I am a ____________ year DC resident. I support clean energy and energy efficiency in the District to combat climate change and promote a clean, sustainable District for all its residents. </div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
</div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
I note that you've not yet taken a stance on the proposed Exelon/Pepco merger, and I am writing to you today to ask you to oppose the proposed merger. Exelon is overtly anti-renewable energy and has worked to actively undermine clean energy policies at both the federal and state level.<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8258" style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"></span> </div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">DC has made significant strides in the past decade to become a leader in clean energy and energy efficiency - these policies will likely come under attack if Exelon is at the helm. I very much appreciate the letter that your colleagues, Councilmembers Cheh, Silverman and Allen sent opposing the merger. I urge you to join them and PUBLICLY OPPOSE the Exelon</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span class="yiv2307981053" style="font-size: 12.8px;">merger</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8233" style="font-size: 12.8px;">as not in the public interest so that we can continue our city's progress as a clean energy leader. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
</div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
Sincerely, </div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8261" style="font-size: 12.8px;">
[YOUR NAME]</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8262" style="font-size: 12.8px;">
Ward ____</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8263" style="font-size: 12.8px;">
Please send to:</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8269" style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<ul id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8268" style="color: #500050; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8265" style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brianne Nadeau, Ward 1 (<a href="mailto:bnadeau@dccouncil.us" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8264" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:bnadeau@dccouncil.us">bnadeau@dccouncil.us</a>)</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8271" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8270" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8273" style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yvette Alexander Ward 7 (<a href="mailto:yalexander@dccouncil.us" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8272" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:yalexander@dccouncil.us">yalexander@dccouncil.us</a>)</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8275" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8274" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anita Bonds, At Large (</span><a href="mailto:abonds@dccouncil.us" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8279" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:abonds@dccouncil.us"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8278" style="background-color: transparent; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">abonds@dccouncil.us</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">) </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8277" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429277854333_8276" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">David Grosso, At Large (<a href="mailto:dgrosso@dccouncil.us" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:dgrosso@dccouncil.us">dgrosso@dccouncil.us</a>)</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-9994062222167935042015-03-30T23:15:00.000-04:002015-03-30T23:26:54.064-04:00Earth Day Turns 45! Help DC Celebrate!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nPSfWRQm0TQ/VRoP3lh5s_I/AAAAAAAAFuE/-qDTPf929Xo/s1600/Earth%2BDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nPSfWRQm0TQ/VRoP3lh5s_I/AAAAAAAAFuE/-qDTPf929Xo/s1600/Earth%2BDay.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Huffington Post</td></tr>
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Yikes! Earth Day is turning 45 this year! </div>
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<br /></div>
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The good news is that are
plenty of ways to celebrate the event, and your (renewed) commitment to help save
the Earth couldn’t come at a better time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Why not make your own Earth Day project for the month? Pick up the trash on your street, reduce your plastic footprint, s<a href="http://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/register-now">ign up for Bike to Work
Day</a>, clean up a green space in your neighborhood (even if the city is
supposed to do it), organize a clothes swap with friends, plant a few native grasses or bushes, . <a href="http://www.groundswell.org/">Groundswell</a> is organizing a bulk
purchase for wind energy. Sign up! If you’re a renter click <a href="http://act.groundswell.org/switch">here</a> and if you’re a homeowner
click <a href="http://act.groundswell.org/group">here</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s easy and it will get you off that coal
power diet at very reasonable price!</div>
, <br />
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And, of course, plenty of groups are organizing events to
celebrate Earth Day's 45th. Here’s just a smattering of things going on around town:</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Saturday, April 11<sup>th</sup> is the <a href="http://potomac.org/">Potomac Conservancy’s Annual</a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://potomac.org/pc-events/2015/4/11/potomac-river-watershed-cleanup">Potomac
Clean Up Day</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meet at Fletcher’s
Boathouse from 10am till noon.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>On Saturday, April 18<sup>th</sup>, check out
the Annual Earth Day concert on the Mall from 11am to 7pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For more information on the event, see http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/EarthDayMall.htm</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Saturday, April 25<sup>th</sup> is the <a href="http://www.anacostiaws.org/main">Anacostia Watershed Society’s</a> Clean
Up Day. There will be events held at various sites along the river from 9am
until noon, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot the bald eagles that are
now calling river home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sign up at <a href="http://www.anacostiaws.org/earthday2015/">http://www.anacostiaws.org/earthday2015/</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Also on Saturday, April 25<sup>th</sup> starting
at 9:30am, the <a href="https://www.thesca.org/earth-day-dc-2015">Student
Conservation Association is sponsoring a clean up at DC’s Fort Totten Park at 5170
South Dakota Drive NE</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lunch will be
provided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Register at <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/earth-day-service-at-fort-totten-park-in-washington-dc-registration-16084664665">http://www.eventbrite.com/e/earth-day-service-at-fort-totten-park-in-washington-dc-registration-16084664665</a>.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<a href="http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/EarthDay.htm">About.com has more DC
Earth Day events</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get out there!</div>
Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8623578588992825652.post-39144347675777431232015-02-27T17:43:00.000-05:002015-02-27T17:43:03.619-05:00GET READY: THE 23rd Annual DC Environmental Film Fest: March 17-29, 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RFXGVfGoUMA/VPDr7JPBGkI/AAAAAAAAFtI/L3h-4IFWfAg/s1600/envirofilmfest.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RFXGVfGoUMA/VPDr7JPBGkI/AAAAAAAAFtI/L3h-4IFWfAg/s1600/envirofilmfest.png" height="185" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's not to love about March in DC? The snow is melting, temps venture into the 60s for a couple of days, robins arrive, daylight savings time starts and </span><a href="https://www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the Environmental Film Fest</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> comes to town. This year's fest offers some 160 films focusing on local topics ranging from the </span><a href="https://www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org/film/potomac-river-runs-us/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Potomac</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="https://www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org/film/anacostia-river-making-connections/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anacostia Rivers</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span><a href="https://www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org/event/riversmart-dc/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Riversmart Homes</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span><a href="https://www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org/film/50-years-farming-love-vegetables/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Potomac Vegetable Farms</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, and </span><a href="https://www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org/film/add-one-back/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chesapeake Bay Oysters</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. There are stories about the ugly side of </span><a href="https://www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org/film/e-waste-tragedy/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ewaste</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and inspiring upcycling stories like Paraguay's </span><a href="https://www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org/film/landfill-harmonic/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Landfill Harmonic</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. The </span><a href="https://www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">website</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> has evolved and you can now make your own itinerary online. All good! Go!</span>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142919386367868451noreply@blogger.com1