Children around the world delight in the wonder that toys bring to their lives. Who can’t remember their favorite childhood toy? I suppose it is this nostalgic wonder that makes gifting a toy so heartfelt. During the holiday season toys abound. But where do many toys end up after the novelty wears off? Are you visualizing toys strewn throughout the house, stashed in the garage, or stuffed under the car seat along with remnants of birthdays and shopping trips past? Actually, within 3 months of receiving a toy, 41% of toys are broken and most end up in the trash. Ending up in the trash, means ending up in a landfill! (more…)

With the gift giving season upon us, we have lots of shopping alternatives: the local mall, big box stores, catalogue mail order, and the internet. No matter which shopping path we choose, it’s either “shop until we drop” or “pick before we click”. Hauling shopping bags around the mall, collecting shirt boxes for gift wrapping, or unpacking items we have ordered on-line, our holiday gift gathering techniques bring lots of extra packaging. Holiday shopping can be stressful – on us and on the environment! Please don’t get me wrong, I am not a “Bah Humbug” type of gal, but I do believe there is a lot everyone can do to cut down on excessive packaging. (more…)

When heading off to the mall for holiday shopping, make sure you bring along a large, reusuable shopping bag. Large reusable shopping bags are available at big box stores like Home Depot and IKEA. These reusable bags hold up much better than department store paper bags and are eco-friendly shopping alternatives.

When starting a school recycling program get the students involved. Have students search the web and browse for recycling bins; let students help to determine where the bins will be best placed. Involving students at the start will help to create excitement and support for the program. – R.G.

Getting a school recycling program off the ground seems like an easy task, but all sorts of issues can arise. To help make your effort seamlessly implementable and successful, I’ve put together a few pointers (or at least a few questions you can hash over) before you start. (more…)