The Earth Is Not a Trash Can

Reuseable Bags

2011-05-05T17:45:00.001-05:00

I have to admit that I often leave my reuseable bags at home. If I leave reuseable bags in my car, they migrate to the house and remain at the house. Sometimes, I make an unexpected trip to the grocery store and have to take home a plastic bag.

Here is a great article about reuseable bags from Mother Nature Network. Here are two interesting quotes from the article if you cannot read all of it:

A nonwoven polypropylene bag, for example, would have to be used just 11 times to make up for the negative effects of a plastic bag used one time, according to a British Environment Agency study that compared bags. A cotton bag, however, would have to be used 131 times.

Amazing.

12,000 Bottle Boat

2011-04-19T07:21:00.002-05:00

Watch how a renewable boat is constructed on National Geographic TV.

Here's an Opportunity to Shred Your Personal Documents

2011-04-14T08:46:00.000-05:00

Keep Williamson Beautiful is sponsoring this event:

Saturday, April 16

FREE SHREDDING SERVICE OF CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS

"WILLIAMSON COUNTY RESIDENTS SHRED DAY"

FREE SHREDDING SERVICE OF CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS

PROVIDED BY:

KEEP WILLIAMSON BEAUTIFUL

Saturday, April 16, 2011

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Shredding & Collection Location:

420 Century Court, Franklin

(Century Court is located off Columbia Avenue, the second stop light
north of Mack Hatcher Bypass).

Documents must be removed from wire binding, 3 ring binders and heavy clips/clamps.

• Hard bound documents should be no larger than one inch thick.
• Paper clips and staples are acceptable.

Please bring your documents in:
• paper bags or cardboard boxes that can be recycled
• reusable container that we will empty and return
• Canceled checks
• IRS forms
• Insurance papers
• Investment statements
• Paycheck stubs

Papers that do not contain a personal identification number will NOT be accepted such as newspaper, magazines and photos
No Commercial Documents Accepted

Be a Part of Earth Day in Nashville

2011-04-14T08:38:00.002-05:00

Volunteer or attend Nashville's Earth Day celebration on April 23.

Clean Up Scheduled

2011-04-12T18:47:00.000-05:00

I sponsored a clean up in my neighborhood this past weekend. We collected a small pile of rubbish and flood debris. Here is another clean up in my area if you have time this weekend:

Waterway Flood Recovery Project - Bellevue

4/16/2011
9:00 am

Location:
River/ Trail Cleanup

Map:
1537(ish) bending river drive

We would love your help!
River/Trail Cleanup
Bring anything to help with cleanup:
Trashbags, shovels, canoes, waders, grabbers, clippers....anything!

Cash for Gold: It's True

2011-04-02T09:24:00.000-05:00

This week, my husband and I collected some old silver and gold jewelry that we no longer wore. Some pieces, like my childhood charm bracelets, had not been worn in over 40 years. We took them to a local buyer for gold. My husband's jaw literally dropped when we were offered hundreds of dollars for pieces of jewelry that we had mostly forgotten that we owned.

We paid our mortgage payment and a dentist bill with the money.

I never believed those TV ads promoting Cash for Gold. But it's true. And it is recycling! The gold and silver will be melted down and used again.

We used a local dealer in Bellevue, our home. If there is not a "gold recycle outlet" in your city, try a place like Birk's Gold Exchange, a Canadian company that buys gold.

Discarded Building Supplies

2011-03-30T18:50:00.001-05:00

Dumped broken concrete and gravel

I live in an area that has been newly built over the past 20 years. If I bought a house today, I would not buy a new house. But in 1996, it was important to my husband to have a new house. Today we would buy a small house in town.

There are many disadvantages in buying new. Our contractor removed all the top soil, so we still have drainage problems because we could never get grass to grow. I've planted a lot of trees and shrubs to help the problem.

Unfortunately contractors dump unused building materials. Thus, we periodically find piles of broken concrete and left over gravel in our area.

Fast Food Litter Tops Roadside Trash in Britain

2011-03-29T09:12:00.000-05:00

But I knew that was true in the United States, too. McDonald's fast food wrappers makes up the largest amount of litter I pick up near my home in Nashville, Tenn.

Here's a blurb from The Press Association about the Brits' litter:

Across the UK as a whole, McDonald's was the brand most seen as litter on the streets, making up 13% of the items found.

I know that some will say that we cannot blame McDonalds for the litter, as the corporation personally does not encourage littering. But seeing trash with their logo on it is not good publicity.

Flood Damage Clean Up in Bellevue Saturday

2011-03-23T17:51:00.001-05:00

Please help if you can:

HUGE CLEAN UP AT RIVER PLANTATION
SECTION VII through XI
(1 Mile Strip of River)

            When: Saturday, March 26th 2011
            Time: Meet @ 9:00 A.M.
            Where: Meet in front of 8570 Sawyer Brown Rd.
            Map Location: Google Map of Area
With this much trash at River Plantation we hope to
remove close to 20 TONS of debris! We will also
be removing a dam in the making, which can
cause localized flooding if left unchecked.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!
Please email or call JessicaGraham@Harpethriver.org
@ 615-946-1824 to RSVP so we have enough supplies!

Dog Picks Up Litter Daily

2011-03-21T09:02:00.001-05:00

If a dog can pick up litter, why can't humans?

Tsunami Creates More Plastic Trash in Oceans

2011-03-20T09:16:00.001-05:00

The ocean trash of the Japan tsunami will be seen for years, according to this post from KITV.com:

Here's what Maximenko believes will happen: the islands [Hawaii] will see the first evidence of Japan's tsunami trash in a year and a half.
Currents will then carry the debris toward the west coast of the U.S. and rotate toward the islands, so that in five to six years Hawaii is expected to see the greatest impact which will then stretch over a prolonged period of time. Maximenko said scientists and engineers are exploring ways to develop traps either in the open ocean or along coastlines.

My mind is boggled that the trash, especially the micro plastic bits, from the tsunami will be around forever in the Pacific.

A Broken Beer Bottle

2011-03-19T09:59:00.000-05:00

What is worse than finding a beer bottle tossed on the side of the road? A beer bottle that has become a weapon - a broken beer bottle.

This becomes dangerous to wildlife and to others who have to pick up this mess.

I once had to get a tetanus shot because I was injured by picking up a metal real estate sign during a litter pick up.

Eco-Clothing

2011-03-17T17:01:00.001-05:00

Although it's St. Patrick's Day and you're probably wearing green, are your clothes truly green, as in eco-friendly? Two British men, Rob and Mart Drake-Knight, are proposing Eco-Fashion.

Green Cleaners for the Home

2011-03-14T20:26:00.000-05:00

Recently I was discussing with other women green cleaners. Christine Seivers sent me this link recently. Here's the article below. I'm going to get my husband, who does all our cleaning, to read it.

30 Easy Recipes for Greener Cleaning
Published on Sunday March 13th , 2011
While keeping your home clean can play a big part in keeping you healthy, you may be doing more harm than good if you're using harsh and potentially harmful substances. It may seem simpler to just pick up cleaning supplies at the store, but making your own at home won't require a degree in chemistry-- just some basic household essentials and a few minutes. If you've ever wanted to try some greener cleaning recipes, then here are some to get you started. There's a recipe to help you clean nearly every room of your home, keeping things healthy for both you and the environment at the same time.
Basics
These basic cleaning recipes will help you get started with greener cleaning.

Cleaning Kit: If you want to construct the perfect green cleaning kit, use this list from the Care2 network to bring together all the items you'll need, including baking soda, washing soda, tea tree oil and vinegar.

Window Cleaner: You don't need a chemical cocktail to keep your windows squeaky clean. Instead, mix vinegar, liquid soap and water to make a much more earth-friendly version.

All Purpose Cleaner: If you want a cleaner that can go the distance but won't leave your home smelling bleachy, try this recipe from Green Living Ideas. It requires one part vinegar to one part salt.

Disinfectant: When you hear disinfectant your mind probably assumes something pretty heavily laden with chemicals, but here you'll find two recipes that use little more than extracts and oils and water to keep things germ-free.

Wallpaper Cleaner: If your home has wallpaper, you can help keep it clean and pristine by simply wiping it with a piece of white bread. It will remove scuffs and smudges without harming the paper.

Air Freshener: No one wants a stinky home, but store bought air fresheners can do little to actually freshen the air. Not so for these natural alternatives that not only make your home smell great, but help actually remove odors rather than just covering them up.

Linoleum Cleaner: You can use this cleaner to scrub both your hardwood AND linoleum floors. Who doesn't love something that does double duty? Just combine vinegar and water and buff to a shine.

Kitchen and Dining
Because they get so much use and involve sometimes messy meal making, the kitchen and dining areas of your home are probably tougher to keep clean. Not to worry, these recipes will help keep these spaces spick and span without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Stainless Steel Cookware: If you'd like to keep your cookware as shiny as the day you bought it, you'll probably need to put in a little elbow grease. But these cleaning methods using natural products like lemons and vinegar can make it a whole lot easier.

Oven Cleaner: Traditional oven cleaners are harsh and will burn your skin if you come into contact with them. Try using this recipe for oven cleaner that uses baking soda and vinegar instead.

Silverware Polish: Keep your silverware looking like new with this recipe that will remove tarnish and shine up your silverware right before your eyes.

Dish Soap: Make your own dish soap using this recipe that combines all-natural soap, baking soda, washing soda and lemon juice.

Refrigerator Cleaner: A little baking soda and water will help keep your refrigerator grime-free and much less stinky.

Disposal Deodorizer: Got food stuck in your disposal that's starting to stink? Use this remedy to remove the odors: toss some lemon rinds down the drain.

Veggie Wash: Get rid of any dirt, chemicals or pests that might be hanging around on your produce with this recipe.

Fine Linen: Use the power of the sun, boiling water and good old peroxide to clean up old or delicate linens.

Bath
You want your bathroom to be a place where you can get clean, not pick up more dirt. So use these recipes to give it a great scrub down.

Tub Scrub: Kill all the mold and mildew in your tub and leave it smelling fresh and clean by mixing a small amount baking soda, soap and essential oils.

Drain Unclogger: Don't dump a bunch of chemicals down the drain! Instead, use baking soda, vinegar and hot water to rinse away any clogs.

Lime Deposit Remover: Is your shower clogged with lime from your hard water? It's simple to get rid of it with a bag of vinegar looped over the showerhead.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Rather than using bleach or one of those silly blue bowl cleaners, combine baking soda, olive oil and a bit of an essential oil to clean your toilet to perfection.

Scouring Powder: If you've got a ring around the tub that just won't come off, you might need something more powerful. This recipe will help you scour your tub without having to worry about getting chemicals on your skin at your next bath.

Metal Polish: There are several metal polish recipes here that can help you keep your bath fixtures looking pristine, whether they're stainless steel, chrome or something else.

Fibers and Wood
From your furniture to your laundry, these helpful recipes will ensure that your home stays clean and fresh.

Wood Floor Solution: With 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 30 oz of warm water, you'll have your wood floors clean in no time, without a harsh chemical in sight.

Furniture Polish: You don't need to whip out the Pledge to shine up your favorite wood pieces. Instead, just use olive oil and lemon juice-- an inexpensive and Earth-friendly alternative.

Carpet and Rugs: Read this article to learn how club soda, cornmeal, baking soda and liquid soap can take the place of harsh rug cleaners.

Wood Buffer: Does your coffee or dining table have a scratch? Simply rub the meat of a walnut or other nut into it and watch it fade away.

Spot Cleaner: If you've got a tough spot on your rug, couch or even shirt, try out this recipe for an amazingly effect spot remover.

Water Stain Remover: Learn how to get rid of water stains on wood through this video, using an all-natural method.

Red Wine Stain: Red wine is notoriously hard to get out, but with this simple recipe of dish soap and peroxide it doesn't stand a chance.

Fabric Softener: If you hate static cling but want to stay green, use vinegar for softening and simply dampen your hands before folding to avoid it.

Laundry Detergent: Check out this site for a number of great detergent recipes that can save you money and keep you green (all while smelling great!)

How Much Plastic Have You Eaten Today?

2011-03-11T07:59:00.000-06:00

In this report from the LA Times, ocean life is eating small bits of plastic that came from that bottled water you drank a few years ago. We're all guilty.

More Flood Debris Removed

2011-03-09T16:33:00.000-06:00

The Harpeth River Watershed Association successfully removed 3 more tons of flood debris from Bellevue at the River Plantation condominiums. More clean ups are scheduled this spring. Go to their website to find out more information.

Wine and Liquor Bottles as Trash

2011-03-09T07:38:00.000-06:00

As I wrote earlier, I pick up lots of beer bottles and cans off my planet. Wine and liquor bottles are less frequently found. I've often wondered why?

I guess it's easier to pick up a six pack.

Great Pacific Garbage Patch

2011-03-08T18:46:00.000-06:00

I wrote a lot about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch at my former blog. The Garbage Patch is all the plastic that is floating in the ocean, which has gathered together in one large area. Most of the pieces of plastic are tiny and are mistaken for plankton by sea animals. That is why this story about making the floating trash an island surprised me.

A Plastic Wrapper for Bananas

2011-03-08T12:25:00.000-06:00

I saw this on Jon Stewart's show last night. What and why? Click here.

BoJangles Famous Chicken and Biscuits

2011-03-08T07:29:00.002-06:00

I used to eat chicken. I used to eat a lot of chicken. I grew up on fried chicken in the south.

But I do not eat chicken any more - not even famous chicken. These days, chickens get fed too many hormones and too much corn.

Unfortunately fast food restaurants contribute to the amount of trash tossed upon the planet. Please don't litter.

Bottles of Beer As Litter

2011-03-07T19:28:00.000-06:00

I've picked up hundreds of bottles and cans of beer over the years during litter pick ups. I've found full bottles of beer, too. I've never understood that.

This bottle was left on the white line in an empty theatre parking lot. It was empty.

Use Less Plastic

2011-03-06T09:38:00.000-06:00

This is an awesome video. Thanks to Mark Thien for sharing it with me.

Pemmican Beef Jerky

2011-03-05T13:16:00.011-06:00

I am mostly a non-meat eater, so when I find empty bags that once held beef jerky as roadside litter, I learn something. Pemmican is not a brand name. According to Wikipedia, it is a mixture of fat and protein, eaten because it is nutritious.

I usually just grab a protein bar made with whey protein. Plus this source of protein usually has chocolate involved.

I dispose of my wrappers into a trash can.

And For Dessert

2011-03-04T13:08:00.007-06:00

Baked Apple Pie

Just like the fast food bag I blogged about two days ago, this wrapper for Baked Apple Pie has a symbol of someone putting the container into a trash receptacle. Again, the box was tossed on the ground.

Bag of Litter

2011-03-03T13:59:00.002-06:00

Bag of Litter

Some litterers will bag their trash and then throw the bag into the woods. I just do not understand littering.

During the past year, I have been working out of my car for various businesses. I buy a lot of coffee and snacks while I'm traveling around Davidson County. NOT ONCE, have I ever considered throwing the wrappers and cups in the environment!

I keep the trash in my car until I can recycle or throw it away properly.