Happy Earth Day & some Handmade ways to help Save the Planet

Although I think Earth Day should be EVERY DAY...it's not!  But I also think Mother's Day, my Birthday, and any other day that has to do with me getting 'special' treatment should be every day of the year too, tee hee...

But, since today IS labeled 'Earth Day', I want to share with you a few simple things that we've been doing around here to help the planet and support the handmade movement at the same time.

We use re-usable snack and sandwich sacks instead of plastic baggies.  This one, I just purchased and I can't wait for it to arrive.  It's from WasteNot Saks on Etsy...

This is what WasteNot Saks has to say about it...'This reusable sandwich bag has the potential to take the place of more than 1,000 plastic bags in its lifetime. Not only does this save all of these bags from becoming non-biodegradable trash, but you will also save your hard earned money from the trash as well. It has been estimated that a family of four could save as much as $3,000 per year by avoiding disposable containers and single-serving size packages!!'

And if you purchase from their shop by the 25th, then you'll only pay shipping on the first item...so go, go, go :)

Now, I don't own any of these recycled wine bottle from Bottle Hood yet, but soon I will :) :) 

Bottle Hood is based in San Diego and all of their glassware is created from wine, liquor, and water bottles from local San Diego restaurants, bars and events.

This is what they have to say about their product...'Bottle Hood uses local craftspeople to turn the bottles into great looking glassware, sold by local retailers back into our community.  Bottle hood glassware has a significantly lower carbon footprint as compared to recycled or land-filled bottles. A glass bottle takes more than 4000 years to decompose in a landfill!'

Wow...4000 years...now, that's just craziness (see honey, we really do NEED these glasses ;)

Lastly (for now), we have been using cloth napkins instead of paper!  I've even made some from the Amy Butler fabric I made this Banner with...but they are so cute, I haven't been able to bring myself to put them on the table yet, tee hee.

But, I did find this adorable set from Three3Peas on Etsy...

 

I also do a lot of re-purposing and recycling for the Shop! 

I've been getting paper bags if I have too many groceries for my oil cloth bags and then making envelopes out of them :)  I might have to do a whole other post on that sometime.

I always re-use tissue paper for wrapping the goodies I sell and don't forget...most of my Gift tags in the shop are made from recycled file folders...

Now, I must make a run to the local farm I just found through Local Harvest.  I've been there twice already in the last week to pick up herbs for my herb pot and they are getting in some Mint today (which I need for my tea, yay).  And, they have the yummiest brown eggs ever!

Then, I have to bake cupcakes for my daughter's 'Help it Happen' activity meeting here at the house after school.  That's a whole other post too...she is so funny!  We are going on a clean up/Earth day march through the hood after school and her friends HAD TO HAVE cupcakes with blue and green sprinkles...go figure ;)

So, tell me your tips on things we can do to make a difference! 

And, we are looking into making a compost and I just picked up this book.  But if you have one and have any tips for us, we'd love any help you can give. 

HAPPY EARTH DAY my friends!

Jamie :)

Comments

[tristan]

we need some of those baggies!!

you are so pretty :)

[cinnamon robin]

Great pic of you! Love your top!
Happy Earth Day. :)

[Theresa]

What a wonderful post! I featured some artisans today who focus on the earth and its wildlife...people who try and make a difference. Hurray for you and your family on doing your part to make the world a better place! I LOVE that photo of you, and that reusable sandwich baggy is so darn cute!
Take care!!! Theresa

[Gabrielle @ i.craft]

It all sounds wonderful!! Great job!

[Nicole]

I agree earth day and every day dealing with me shouldbe celebrated everyday. I love the recycled bottles.