Happy April & Giveaway Time!
Filed Under (Giveaway) by maida on 01-04-2009
April is probably my most favorite of all the months of the year. This month we will celebrate Earth Day (April 22), Emma’s 3rd birthday and my birthday too!! In honor of Earth Day, this month’s prizes will be some amazing bento gear (aka reusable lunch containers).
Prize Pack #1:
- 2-tier bear bento box (330 ml & 250 ml) with matching strap and chopsticks
- Rice mold (bear, heart, flower)
- Teeny tiny food forks
- Sauce bottles
Prize Pack #2:
- Bento box (480 ml)
- Insulated bento bag
- Fun food picks
- Condiment containers
What can I do with these super prizes, you may be asking yourself?! Well, you can create a simple bento lunch such as this:
Rice flowers with grape tomato center, cucumber leaves; on bed of black beans and romaine lettuce leaf; fruit
Or you can try your hand at more elaborate bento designs. For a chance to win these great prizes, all you have to do is answer the following question in the comments section of this post:
What will you do to reduce your carbon footprint?
Answering the question will get you one entry to the contest. For an extra entry, post about this contest on your blog encouraging your readers to also enter here. Once you’ve posted about it, come back and leave another comment at this post letting me know (be sure to also give me the link to your announcement).
The contest will close at midnight (PDT) on Earth Day, April 22. The winners will be chosen at random using a random number generator. One prize pack per person– for example, if you happen to have two entries and both of your numbers are randomly chosen, I’ll generate another number to win the other prize pack. The first winner will get Prize Pack #1; the second winner will get Prize Pack #2. Good luck!
How adorable!! I love bento.
To reduce my own carbon footprint, I will make an effort to use reusable meal containers and utensils. I will shop at my local farmer’s market. I also need to begin un-plugging my chargers when I’m not using them.
I use cloth shopping bags, reusable lunch gear, cloth lady products, cloth napkins. I try to create as little waste as possible.
Also recycling, but if you didn’t recycle in this town we would be overrun by beer bottles! (Gville is quite the drinking town)
To reduce my carbon footprint this year I intend to shop locally a lot more! Especially at the local Farmer’s Market which opens again in May and also the handful of stores in my area of New Hampshire that specialize in locally made/grown products!
I love the idea of being more of a localvore!
I will remember to actually use my reusable shopping bags. And I will not only use my bento boxes more religiouslyd, but I will get my coworkers hooked on bento too! (I’ve already got them interested…)
Great contest Idea Maida.
To reduce my carbon footprint, I start by packing a lunch(And other meals) with as much local food as I can, I try to buy meat from our local butcher, I buy produce from the fruit stand in town which is mostly stocked by local farmers, and I buy from our “Local Organics” store for the rest of my shopping(I still do buy somethings from regular chain stores, but only things that I have to) This reduces all of the travel “expenses”(Gas and the labor of getting it to me) greatly, I also pack my lunch(and all of my condiments) in a reusable container.
Good luck to everyone!
Here’s what I do to reduce my carbon footprint at the moment: cloth grocery bags, farmers market and csa for most all produce (except in the winter — it’s Chicago!), cloth napkins, refillable water bottles. What I plan to do this Spring is to buy a new bike and a trailer for my son now that he’s old enough to ride in one. We are switching him to a new daycare that will be a bikeable distance on the way to work, so I plan to bike instead of drive to daycare & work in all but the coldest winter months. I used to ride my bike to work always, but since having a baby I haven’t been able to between the distance to daycare and the fact that he was not yet old enough to go in a trailer. So I’m looking forward to driving a LOT less.
I bring bags to the grocery store!
To reduce my carbon footprint I will use cloth bags and shop at the local farmer’s market and I will only drive when I really have to.
I have promoted this competition here: http://firstact.livejournal.com/33778.html
To reduce my carbon footprint… oh, I know!
Grocery shopping. We’ve got a pretty bad habit of using plastic bags, and lots of them… we re-use them and all, as bags for wastebuckets and for Dad’s lunch and things, but I’d start bringing some cloth bags to the store. That way we wouldn’t be constantly using these petroleum-based bags forever.
I reduce my carbon footprint by recycling everything that I can, using reusable lunch boxes everyday to cut down on packaging that I throw away. I try not to waste any food, and I try to buy my food locally although this is difficult in London and I use reusable shopping bags.
I always have my reusable shopping bags! I also carry lunch to work daily in non-disposable containers. I combine errands to limit driving. Turn off lights. Shop at local Farmers’ Markets. Garden organically. Donate items no longer being used rather than add them to the landfills
I use jute shopping bags for groceries. Bicarb and vinegar for cleaning and laundry. I pack bento for the family lunches. I also grow my own veggies and have 2 composters in the back garden. I buy as much of my produce as locally as possible and the same goes for meat. Our family also recycles as much as we can but when buying goods we try to pick items which aren’t over packaged, believe me this is the hardest part!!
I’m on a “plastics kick.” I’ve recently discovered that besides the plastic grocery bags (which I’ve stopped using!), the plastic produce bags are recyclable, too, as well as many of the plastic wrappers on other products, such as toilet tissue. I’m going to start checking those other products, looking for that little triangle (!), and will try to only purchase items with recyclable packaging when possible.
When sorting my plastic bags/wrappers today (I stuff them all in a bag ’til full, then sort), I noticed that a little bag from my dentist is not recyclable; neither are all the bags from popular clothing stores where I do a lot of online shopping. I am going to contact them, and request that they start using recyclable plastic. If the grocery stores can do it, why can’t they?!
Awww that’s really supercute !
My mum have a lovely garden so I don’t have to buy almost any vegetable which reduces travel expenses. I’m also using reusable meal containers and reusable hand-made fabric shopping bags
To reduce my carbon footprint, I will be walking (instead of driving) to my local farmers market as soon as it opens again for the season.
Reduce use of plastic bags and wrap. Bring lunch and dinner is resuable bento boxes help reduces trash, portion control and money!!
I’m buying a Honda Fit today!
What will you do to reduce your carbon footprint?
We changed all our light bulbs to CFLs. We drive less and opt for our more fuel efficent of our cars when we do go out. We’ve planted more trees and a garden. We keep the heat/ac off as often as possible. We recycle and try not to consume so much in the first place. We use reusable containers instead of plastic bags/wraps and reusable lunch/grocery bags. We buy local food when possible.
OOh Lovely Giveaway!
to Reduce my carbon footprint, I will get my butt down to the Borough Buildign & finally pick up a recycle bin & use it.
Here is a link to my blog post about your Give away.
http://tias-place.blogspot.com/2009/04/mission-vegan-is-doing-give-away-in.html
I have been using reusable containers to pack lunch, cloth shopping bags and have joined a co-op for vegetables and fruits. I walk most places and use public transportation for other things.
Recycling is old news here, the city fines you if you don’t recycle your plastics, paper and glass.
Great idea for a contest!
I’ve started using bento instead of a bag with ziploc bags, too much trash! I also finally got some energy efficient light bulbs! Oh yes and also shopping at the local farmer’s market. Ann Arbor is great for that!
I use reusable shopping bags, reusable lunch containers, and reusable drink bottles. I keep my home cooler in winter and warmer in summer – I only use heating and air conditioning when it’s freezing or broiling outside.
Hi! I use reusable shopping bags, lunch gear, and cloth napkins. My goal for this year is to remember to bring an empty container to restaurants instead of getting a plastic or Styrofoam container for any food I take home.
Besides recycling I reuse the ziploc baggies I use in the fridge when I store veggies or other items in them. I simply label the bag and when I cut a new onion put it back in the “Onion” bag. I reuse my shopping bags all the time. I have a compost pile for our garden and I get a lot of pleasure in throwing food scraps (that I don’t already use for my Bento lunches!) and coffee grounds, etc. into my compost pile instead of the trash!
I will use my re-usable water bottle!
To reduce my carbon footprint, I take the bus to & from work and carpool errands. That has multiple benefits. I use less gas, emit less pollution and have company on my commutes and while shopping.
To reduse my carbon footprint, I pack my kids’ lunch in reusable containers everyday. I buy natural & organic produce from local farm and grocery store. During warm weather season, I go to library , grocery store and pick up my kids with my bike. I use my reusable shopping bags, everytime I go shopping, even go to dept. store.
To reduce my carbon footprint, I will join the local carpool program, and continue my efforts to encourage the transportation system to run a bus line through my neighborhood. I will purchase more foods from the local farmer’s market, bring my lunch to work more often in my awesome reusable bento containers, and cook meals that will encourage my partner to eat the leftovers for lunch at home instead of eating out.
“What will you do to reduce your carbon footprint?”
As a university student, reducing my carbon footprint often goes hand-in-hand with reducing overall costs. I only buy used textbooks, I support green movements in the area, and always do my best to reduce and reuse. Once may hits, the majority of my shopping will be done from local farmers markets, using canvas bags of course!
We do a number of things, starting with packing Bento lunches -my daughters actually prefer them over the school lunches. We plant a garden and grow many of our summer vegetables, canning tomato and applesauce for the winter, freezing other foods, make our own jams and jellies. Water bottles are metal – no plastic here! I hang my laundry out on the line to dry (except in Winter). The last time I needed to replace drinking glasses I bought from the local antique mall. I order food in bulk from a food co-op, and I plan to utlize the farmers market more.
I take my own bags to the store, and have eliminated my commute entirely
To reduce my carbon footprint this year I’m going to start a garden and compost. My husband and I already recycle plastics,paper, aluminum and tin. I am going to make use of the clothes line in our back yard instead of using the drier.
Everyone should join their local Freecycle group! Freecycle.org
Here ya go – I posted. http://3bloominghearts.blogspot.com/2009/04/bento-boxes-and-giveaways.html Gave me the kick I needed to post as I’ve been meaning to for awhile now. Going to dig out the photos of the girls Bentos later this weekend too.
Forgot to mention in my earlier post that we also compost and hand down clothes. I’m sure I’ll think of more things we do as soon as I hit submit! Great job taking care of our earth everyone!
I’m going to cut down on my electricity usage. I’ll unplug my laptop when it’s not on, pick up a couple of energy effecient light bulbs, and try to use my little toaster oven rather than my big range oven more often. My bank account will appreciate it, as well.
I actually do quite a bit already (not driving much, taking public transport, recycling, using my own bags, etc.) but I am committed to biking rather than taking the bus to work this quarter.
To reduce my carbon footprint, I’d keep the AC off and just open the windows. My AC keeps breaking anyway. I’d also walk more instead of getting my fiance to drive me places. That second prize pack is so cute!
I will try to concince my mom to eat at least one vegetarian meal a week. (She’s more or less a carnivor, so it’s a big challenge)
I am enthusiastically looking forward to my first CSA share ever!
I use tea towels instead of paper towels. I recycle everything possible, and minimize the remaining trash. I pack my lunches in reusable containers, use my energy responsibly/ minimally. I buy American made products wherever possible. Local products are preferred. I try to minimize my waste, and contribute to charities that do the same.
Thanks for the contest- great idea!
[...] Mission Vegan: Bento box + Accessories Maisie Eats Bento: Essentially a complete bento starter kit Kids Konserve: Bento Box Kit (actually, they’re not “officially” bento boxes, but I think they’re awesome AND they don’t have all the potential health/environmental effects of plastic…even if the post is more than a little pedantic.) [...]
I will stop using all plastic bags in shops (I have a cloth one to carry with me always
), and I will ride my bike to work. I have just sold my car, so there’s a big step!
I try to eat as much local produce as possible, meaning I spend a lot of my time at farmer’s markets and on farms finding out what happens to my food before I buy it. This year that also means learning what exactly grows in DC and when since it’s completely different from the Californian produce I grew up with (no avocado!).
To reduce my carbon footprint this year, I am going to invest in a rain barrel, and I’m also going to start working really hard on finding a job that is closer to home. I recently moved and now I feel guilty about driving 40 miles each way for a job that I could be doing anywhere (secretary) if I could just find one.
Also, I’m getting married this winter, and we are already making plans to minimize our carbon use and other waste during that celebration. I’m making everything I can from things that I already have or leftovers from other friends’ weddings.
I am using cloth diapers in my bid to reduce landfill in the environment. Also, I am using glass containers to store leftovers in the fridge and freezer instead of using plastic clingwrap whenever possible. I also use reusable shopping bags as much as possible.
I will get better about using my reusable shopping bags and start taking my lunch to work again (I’ve been slacking). And now that its starting to warm up, I will try to walk more instead of driving.
I used cloth diapers on both of my children. I drive a used car. Of course I recycle and reuse whenever possible. I also use earth-friendly cleaning products, like vinegar and baking soda, and cloth rags for wipe-ups and spills, rather than relying exclusively on paper towels. I have switched to green beauty products, including my cosmetics. No parabens or other icky chemicals! Making Bentos has also helped to reduce the use of wasteful wrappings considerably, and I use cloth shopping bags at the grocery store. Finally, I walk whenever possible and try to consolidate my errands so that I’m not driving my car unnecessarily.
I have just signed up to be a shareholder in a csa farm. I love being able to eat locally grown food, not only is it fresh, but there is a lot less going into transporting it, especially when I can pick up my share at the farmers’ market that I can walk with my toddler to.
I just posted about this giveaway on my blog! Happy lunches to you!
http://marblefoodie.blogspot.com/2009/04/new-way-to-do-lunch.html
Use reusable bags and I bring my own utensils for lunch (I hate seeing all those plastic utensils thrown away!) and eat less meat.
I love your blog! To reduce my carbon footprint, I use cloth grocery bags and a stainless steel water bottle. We also joined a CSA (community supported agriculture) this year and I’m so excited to have access to all that local produce! We are also a one-car family.
I’ve become a recycle-maniac, and am trying to use less paper towels around the house. I also like to crochet my own mesh shopping bags. =) It’s fun to have colorful shopping bags!
There’s so many things I’m already doing. Going vegan was the biggest one of all. Now I’m focusing on riding my bike more (I’m already using it for short trips into town) and growing my own fruits and veggies.
To reduce my carbon footprint, so far: I walk instead of driving whenever possible; take advantage of Meijer’s plastic-bag recycling; save metal/glass/plastic recycling and hand them off to a friend who has access to a recycling center; use bento boxes and collapsible sandwich cases for meals when traveling; put on another layer instead of turning up the heat on cold days; use earth (and allergy) friendly cleaning products instead of harsh chemicals.
In the future, I’m going to pick up Simplicity’s pattern 2806 and some canvas and make some shopping totes, so I won’t have to use plastic as much.
Our effort this year is going to be geared toward expanding our vegetable garden and planting several fruit bushes. I’m considering going in with a friend on a CSA share as we grow enough of our own food to supplement our diets pretty darn well, but not enough to cover all our fruit and vegetable needs. The vegetable gardening also reduces the size of our lawn, which means less mowing!
Making bentos has helped quite a bit with reducing our footprint. This was especially true during the fall as I was packing them with the results of our harvest.
i use public transportation a lot rather than the car, i try to buy more fruits and veggies that are in season and are not shipped across the world to the local market, meat is only a once a week thing and of course i do make my own portable lunch in reusable containers
Bento are so cool!! I just recently discovered them online and haven’t been able to find any in Austin yet.
To reduce my carbon footprint, I am changing my career. I am/was a manager at a Fortune 500 company and now I’m going back to school to become a Landscape Architect so I can hopefully have a real contribution to lowering the carbon footprint of our society. Wish me luck!!
I will try to walk more and reduce my use f the car. Pack bento lunches everyday with reusable napkins instead of paper ones and a metal water bottle. I will read more things online rather than buying lots of paper magazine. Recycle and collect rain water. Grow my own veg to reduce delivery miles
As it is I already use reusable lunch containers, canvas and reuseable grocery bags, I have a nalgene bottle that I use for water, we plan on doing a lot of gardening and growing our own veggies and an edible flower garden this summer. And soon as it’s nice out again I plan on biking everything. (well, long trips aside)
And here you go! I linked and blogged! http://sweet-mysterium.livejournal.com/
I’ve been actively trying to reduce my carbon footprint by reducing, reusing and recycling everything I possibly can. Now I’ve planted a pretty substantial vegetable garden so that I can use my own “ultra-local” produce instead of going to the store.
To reduce my carbon footprint I will continue packing lunches for my boys and hubby with our bento gear. I will try to reuse all plastic baggies and containers. I also use cloth and thermal bags for groceries. We try to use energy saver bulbs wherever possible in the home.
I work really hard to reduce my carbon footprint. I have not driven my car in 5 months. I walk most everywhere, take public transport when I have to. I take bags to the store instead of using plastic. Now, I am devoting myself to one meatless and one animal-less meal a week.
I will try to shop locally a lot more. Fruits and veg from the farmer’s market, other stuff from locally owned grocery stores. I’ll start packing my bf’s lunch more often to cut down on fast food lunches and all the waste that goes with those. I also want to get a rain barrel to conserve water.
I reduce my carbon footprint by always trying to use reusable cloth bags instead of plastic bags when shopping, especially for groceries. I also try to bring my own thermo cup, utensils when I go out. I walk and take public transport. In other words, I reduce, reuse, and recycle whenever possible!
To reduce my carbon footprint I try and shop locally as well as use cloth bags. I also ride my bike through town rather than take my car.
I am reducing my carbon footprint by:
- buying fresh foods in season, preferably from a market or at the farmer’s door
- starting a vegetable patch in the garden (already bought the seeds!)
- taking a train to work, and walking the rest of the way, or taking the bus when it’s too cold or wet or I’m too lazy
- replacing my plastics with other options when they wear out
- trading clothes with friends (I get my cousins older clothes, and I give mine away too after I stop wearing them. There’s nothing wrong with the clothes, I just stopped wearing them)
- going to a lot of car boot sales, jumble sales etc, so I buy a lot of used stuff. And I also go there to sell my own “leftovers”
- I have given up all my magazine subscriptions bar one, which doesn’t have an online version.
Wow, It looks like I’m doing so muc, but it’s not that special for me, I’ve been doing most things a long time…
I forgot to ask, I live in Holland, am I even eligible to win? If not, I don’t mind, I like all the ideas I get from other peoples posts
To reduce our carbon footprint this year, we’re taking the train on holiday instead of flying. I’m also freezing the baby’s food in reusable takeaway containers instead of plastic bags, and making ‘convenience’ food myself, reducing packaging.
http://starsofcassiopeia.deviantart.com/
Posted a link on my blog as well!
Love it! I love to bento for my kids.
To reduce my carbon footprint I am trying to always use reusable bags when shopping. I am also going to start drying clothes outside, it is just warm enough. I am also trying to only do grocery shopping once a week, as the closest full size supermarket it a 25 minute drive(need to plan better).
I’m lucky enough to be living in the SF Bay Area where we have many tools at our disposal. We have changed our light bulbs to CFLs and always turn off lights in rooms we’re not in. I also don’t drive to work – I choose to walk to the ferry, take the ferry into the city, and walk or take the bus to my office. I reuse any plastic bags I have and try not to get them in the first place, instead using Green Bags for all my grocery shopping.
I will try to buy local produce, and continue to use cloth napkins and towels, rather than paper products.
I use cloth diapers, cloth TP, and cloth grocery bags. I will also do most of my clothes drying outside since the weather has warmed up.
I will *try* to buy organic and/ or local more often.
We have already replace all of our light bulbs with the energy efficient ones… but I will try to use them less and make sure they are not on when the are unneeded.
I will do more bulk cooking so that I am not wasting the heat from the oven.
I will try to limit “quick” trips to the store and remember to get everything I need while I am there. This will save 30 minutes of excess driving time on EACH occasion, thus drastically reducing the amount of emissions that our vehicle releases, and also the amount of fuel it consumes.
what i do to reduce my carbon footprint is consume less, wash clothes in cold water, dont use bottled water, have used a divacup for a year and half and continuing to use it. i also plan on turning my parents front yard into an edible landscape (im going to school for horticulture, and this idea intrigues me!)
Since I didn’t specify to begin with, I will leave it open worldwide and hope shipping isn’t a problem.
Happy Earth Day! I have reduced my carbon footprint by packing lunches in reusable containers and bags for the kids and husband, using cloth bags for groceries and buying from the local farmers market and organic, recycling everything recyclable, and reusing anything reusable, using natural and earth friendly Shaklee products for household cleaning, laundry, and bathing. Using Energy Star appliances and energy efficient light bulbs (saved tons in electricity). Also spreading the word to get everyone I know to be aware of their impact to our environment. My birthday is also in April and sometimes falls on Earth Day…more love for the cause. Happy Birthday to you too!
I drive a hbrid, and keep watching for new fuel choices. I never drive more than 1-2 miles a day at most, but walk instead. I grow an organic garden year-round, and sop at the farmers market, Whole Foods, and look for sustainable farming alternatives. I do not use plastic, or paper and only reusable cloth bags for my groceries.
To reduce my carbon footprint our family of 4:
has only one car, we live in the midwest and not in a big city so it’s a bit deal to have only one car.
We use only reusable shopping bags and lunch containers.
We always use our local farmers market, baker, toy store, and book store.
I just took my yard waste to teh recycle center where I also picked up bags of locally recycled mulch.
I compost!
In the summer we bike to work/school before I gave birth to number 2 last June.
We try to not use air/heat unless we really need it.
we have a rainbarrel to conserve water and I use my backyard to garden for my family and plant a row for hunger. if only it didn’t snow in April I might get a larger bounty
I breastfeed and make my own babyfood and we only eat out once a month!
we have all energy star appliances and ceiling fans (to help with heat/air). We also double insulated our home.
Lovely contest!
I’m an Interior Designer by trade, so I am doing my part not only at home but through my work. I encourage buying locally to reduce carbon emissions due to transportation. I also use a stainless water bottle to eliminate my usage of beverage containers. We are a one car household and do what we can to walk or bike to run errands close to home. There are so many things we can do!
I am doing several things this year in an attempt to diminish my carbon footprint. First, I replaced my dishwasher, refrigerator, washer and dryer with energy-star appliances. When my dishwasher is put on the energy/water economy cycle, it uses less than 2 gallons of water for a cycle and this is much less than the 40-someting galloons it is thought that most use to wash dishes by hand or conventional electric dishwasher.
I have started using cloth “bar” washclothes rather than paper towels around my house.
We have started using reusable bags rather than the plastic grocery ones.
My husband and I have been taking our dinner leftover to work rather than eating out and taking them in re-usable plasticware rather then in baggies, cellophane, etc.
After Earth Hour went so well for my DH and I, we promised to have Earth Hour every week, not just once a year.
I’ve been packing bento for my DH now for about three months, making my own hand/body soaps and laundry detergent, buying all-natural/organic cleaning supplies or making my own with vinegar and other natural items, and only buying produce that is grown locally so that trucks don’t have to cross the whole country just to give me my fruits.
Formerly, I would take a bus three miles, then take a train ten miles into the city to work. Now when I go downtown, I ride my bike the first three miles in all but the harshest weather. This way I decrease my carbon waste as well as my actual waist.
I have FINALLY created my own little recycling center in my kitchen, since my homeowners association does not provide recycling. My new routine is to load my cloth bags with the recyclables and drop them off at a recycling center on my way to the grocery store. Two birds with one stone, since otherwise I forget the the cloth bags!
Love this!
Like many here, to reduce my own carbon footprint, my family and I have been making a concerted effort to pack lunches from home, using fresh and natural, less-processed foods. We also try to buy locally as much as possible.
Well thats simple!! Use reusable bags, saving energy by reading a book under a blanket (instead of wachting tv and turning the heater on
) Eet organic foods, taking the train to work! Always wash when the machine is full! Do the dishes by hand……..
…and here’s my blog post about this giveaway!
To reduce my carbon footprint, I am:
- walking, riding my bike and using public transportation as much as able.
- unplugging power outlets when not in use.
- shopping with canvas bags.
- packing lunches in washable containers.
- bringing my own hot/cold drinks in a stainless steel thermos.
To reduce my carbon footprint, I’ve finally started composting everything. It’s my goal to have as little garbage as humanly possible.
Well, I walk as often as possible. If I have to drive somewhere, I usually carpool with friends. I reuse as much as I can and recycle. If it’s daytime, I usually don’t use anything electronic beyond the microwave, including lights. I like the bento idea, and want to try doing that instead of using wasteful products. I go to the local co-op and farmers’ markets when I can. I don’t even have a dishwasher, so I wash them by hand and make sure to turn the water off when I’m not using it. Last, but not least, I decided to never have children, so that I could do my part in helping fight overpopulation.
Very cute!
To reduce my carbon footprint, i’ve reused and recycled all food containers. i’ve used cloth/recycled bags. i’ve made crafts from worn things (repurposing clothes), unplugged appliances, and shop locally.
We use cloth grocery bags and recycle and pack lunches. It’s a game to see what we can reuse and recycle.
These are so cute!!
This year I am planting my own upside down tomato plants, as well as herbs on top and in separate planters. I’m also signing up for a new CSA that has more variety, which means I won’t have to buy vegetables that come from thousands of miles away at the grocery store.
How cute!! I love that bear bento!
To reduce my carbon footprint, I:
use all cloth bags – or none – when shopping
pack my lunches in reusable containers
recycle as much as I can (including all the paper we waste at work!)
air-dry as much of my clothes as possible
turn off the heater/air-conditioner when I’m not home
and now, with spring upon us, I will be on the lookout for local food at farmers markets – fresh and tasty!
I am walking anywhere I can instead of driving. Monday I walked to get my haircut, and I have been walking to the Walgreens and the ice cream parlor! Less gas, less emissions and more exercise for me!
To reduce our carbon footprint, we are trying to drive less and carpool more. We are also recycling. We are planting 2 trees for earthday and we are planting a garden this year.
In order to reduce my carbon footprint, in the upcoming winter (southern hemisphere ;P) I will huddle up with my family members under a warm blanket instead of using a heater. I’ll walk and/or take public transport. And finally, recycle – not only paper and plastics but also food as well – using yesterday’s leftovers in my bento
To reduce my global foot print I intend (some I already do) to:
Walk my daughter to the school bus stop instead of driving her.
I use the cloth grocery bags when I go grocery shopping.
I usually use a refillable water bottle…at least when I don’t forget it at the doctor’s office, the store or school.
The restaurants/delis in my area use plastic containers for takeouts, a majority of these containers are of excellent food grade quality. I reuse these to store leftovers, pack my lunch, etc.
All plastics, cans, glass etc goes in the big blue recycling container which the town provides. The town collects every two weeks. Prior to that I was having to haul it myself to the recycle transfer station. I didn’t recycle as much then.
Instead of flying to see my family in another state I will drive. Twelve hours of driving is environmentally friendlier than the three hour plane ride.
We have a lot of pick-your-own places around where I live and not only fruits, but produce too, as well as farm stands. I plan to get most of my produce from local growers.
This summer I will turn up/off the AC and use fans instead…getting the husband to agree to this may be a challenge. We did similar over the winter, our thermostat was never set to anything higher than 68 degrees.
I got a laptop lunch system to reduce waste when bringing my lunch, and am buying a TerraPass to offset carbon emissions that my household is producing. Thanks for the contest! Oh, we also take all of our #5 plastics to Whole Foods for recycling now too.
To reduce my carbon footprint, I:
* Try to buy second hand clothes/accessories.
* Donate or sell my son’s outgrown clothes/toys.
* Recycle and reuse containers.
* Hand wash dishes and don’t leave water running.
* Use an electric water kettle (more efficient than stove top).
* Turn off lights when not in use. Unplug computer/small appliances, etc when not in use.
* Use water bottles (reusable).
* Filter my water instead of buying bottled water.
* Buy used furniture.
* Use green products in/around the home.
I have posted about your blog/give away on my own blog.http://solsticemom.wordpress.com/
Peace,
Liz
This spring I will be using my finally ready compost pile in the garden for the very first time!
I will also be seeking out more locally grown produce this summer!
I already bring my lunch in reusable boxes and tupperware with little waste. I am starting to keep reusable bags in my car when I grocery shop, but I also want to start doing that when I’m shopping at a mall or something similar. I car pool when I can with classmates or friends to events. We recycle paper, aluminum, and I have started saving plactic bottles to take to the local Walmart for recycling.
I have switched to paperless billing for most of the bills I have as well.
I put this post in my journal!
http://twink27.livejournal.com/14809.html
To reduce my global footprint I started last year with.
1. Joining freecycle.com and de-junking my life.
2. Hiding my credit card and stopped buying unnecessary stuff.
3. Used cloth instead of plastic bags.
4. Started doing the park & ride.
5. Recycling papers & plastics.
6. Attempting to get my coworkers involved by posting ideas from http://www.idealbite.com (I have an eraser board for them)
7. Unplugging unnecessary items.
This year I am working on.
1. Getting rid of my plastic water bottles, I have just about broke the habit I bought re-usable bottles and a water filter.
2. Recycle glass and metal.
3. Attempt to grow my own herbs and veggies (it’s not going so well)
4. Shop at local farmers market when my veggies die.
5. Find something to do with 1978 & 1989 Encyclopedias (yes I have 2 sets how I don’t know)
6. Be a bit strange and bring my own box to restaurants for my own doggie bag instead of their Styrofoam boxes.
7. Bring my own lunches instead of buying it at work. I have so far 2 out 5 days done.
I use my cloth grocery bags, reuse plastic food containers and produce bags, and I don’t buy filtered water in plastic bottles…I use a water filter and my own metal water bottle.
To reduce my carbon footprint I will remember to take my reusable bags from my car into the store! Apparantly, you don’t save the landfill from bags if you never remember to bring them into the store. I also want to start composting- been meaning to for a while, just haven’t gotten around to it.
To reduce my carbon footprint, I have started bringing lunch to work, as well as use a reusable water bottle. I have also started using cloth shopping bags instead of the plastic ones ^^
Cute <3
(my local market sells basil with roots to be eaten, but my family improvised, and now we have a good supply of basil- but we do forget about it after reducing our leaf supply to the ones with bugs and rot and such, so we buy a new one annually.) I will buy new towels to use instead of paper towels (we have both, but our towels are so used that they smell disgusting no matter how much we wash them)
To reduce my carbon footprint, i’ll continue to drink filtered tap water instead of bottled water/soda,
I’ll try my best to use cloth bags when i go shopping, though i can’t promise that with an honest heart (as my family has none currently, and we tend to use plastic bags more than once as it is.) I’ll bundle up in the winter instead of tiring out my heater (even though we have un-even heating throughout the house. instead of buying my lunch from the cafeteria and throwing away my tray and utensils, i’ll bring my own lunch and attempt to use as much organic/local material as i can from my local market. I’ll continue to recycle as much as i can, and whenever i find basil with roots, i’ll plant them in a pot
We take leftovers for lunch instead of buying a frozen meal or going out for lunch. We intentionally cook more food for leftovers.
To reduce my carbon footprint I use cloth grocery bags, pack lunches in reuseable containers for me, my husband, and my daughter, shop at local and farmers markets, use earth friendly cleaning products – but most of all I am a kindergarten teacher and I TEACH little ones how to save their earth!
To reduce my Carbon Footprint I have created a “farm” on my terrace. I live in an apartment building on the 3rd floor and have a terrace. It cuts down on the trips to the supermarket for all the herbs I use, plus a few other goodies.
I breastfeed my babies thus eliminating the waste from formula bottles/ packaging & transport of the products to stores, etc. I also try to use cloth diapers when possible.
I will teach my son the importance of taking care of the Earth. I am using reusable bags, trying to remember to turn off the lights/appliances, and walking so much more. It’s only a start!
To reduce my carbon footprint I’ve started gardening and composting in my little backyard. I use reusable containers for my lunches and drinks I carry along. I try to use cloth towels around the kitchen as often as possible instead of paper ones. We’ve been recycling everything we can at our house for about two years now, but this year we’re also trying to reduce the amount of packaging in our groceries.
I always bring my homemade lunch to class in a piece of tupperware. If I need a fork, I bring one from home. If I make a wrap, I wrap it in aluminum foil I saved from using on a baking sheet. I’m always using rags instead of paper towels when I can and I’m very stingy on things like paper napkins, individual condiments…
To reduce the carbon footprint, I’m going to urge my daughter’s elementary school to start implementing a greener lunch time routine: bringing bento boxes instead of paper and plastic bags, reusable sandwich bags instead of plastic standards, and composting the biodegradable items so that are gardens flourish as well as our children!
To reduce my carbon footprint I use cloth shopping bags as well as cloth produce bags. I also grow all my own fresh (and organic
) Herbs on the balcony of my apartment.
To reduce my carbon footprint I am growing the majority of the produce my family will eat this summer and fall. We are also putting in a trellis for grapevines on the side of our house that receives afternoon sun. This in order to provide a green barrier that will insulate the house and reduce energy needed to cool it. Very important in Texas!
This year, I will swap out my conventional light bulbs for energy saving bulbs and unplugging my vampire appliances.
To reduce my carbon foot print, I have already stoped using plastic bagc adn using cloth instead, and I am reusing paper that i have to pring for work to take notes (instead of postits) and then recycling it. I am going to also make a concious effort to take my ink cartridge for my computer to be recycled,
thanks for this AWESOME give away!
We recycle everything we can. Use re-usable grocery bags, pack bento lunches, re-fillable water bottles, donate instead of throw away a lot of stuff and continually educate ourselves on what we should be doing to help our environment.
To reduce my carbon foot print I RECYCLE everything and:
I cook fresh food and bake from scratch, bread ( do not buy processed food/meals)
I do not support fast food, store bought cakes, cookies
Buy unpackaged vegetables & fruits(local markets)
I recycle every food container for daily 3 x home made lunches to the office
I reduce plastic and paper waste for packaged food/liquid
I reduce shopping to max 2 bags/baskets that I carry with
me
I limit drinks to tap water & juices – no soft drinks
I grow frequently used herbs: arugula, basil, lovage, sage
I use lids and reduce aluminum and plastic foil use
I use high efficiency appliances
I use Le creuset pots, pans, cast iron griddle/pizza stone in the oven to reduce baking/cooking time
I buy bulk and package with re-usable containers
I use china and metal cutlery, place mats, tablecloths
I try to walk off the extra pounds
I try to limit my food portions
I live close to nature, smell the fragrance and beauty of the flowers, enjoy the birds music
I decorate with nature’s food and color – NO PLASTICS
I recycle the water to wash vegetables -for my plants
I collect -use the water to heat the dishwasher
I give away books that I already read
I only buy frequently used items
To reduce my carbon footprint, I will start unplugging things when not in use, wash my clothes with cold water, stop using plastic shopping bags and walk rather than using a car.
To reduce my carbon footprint
- I use cloth bags for grocery (when I remember to bring them!)
- I re-use shopping bags
- I recycle plastic, metal, paper and glass
- I don’t have a car
- I give away clothes that I stopped wearing
- I switch off lights when I don’t need them
- I try not to waste water
- I unplug the equipment I am not using
- I reuse plastic containers from restaurants and the ice-cream containers so I don’t buy tupperware
- I eat or re-invent the leftovers
- I buy veggies & fruit at the local market
- I use recycle paper in office as my note pad
- When I receive a parcel I keep it and reuse it toether with the bubble plastic inside
* I will start using cloth towels instead of paper ones
* I will plant my own herbs
Thank you for this competition, it is very useful to read everyone’s entry to get different inputs and ideas.
I take short showers, use cloth instead of paper towels & napkins, don’t use AC & turn on heater only when necessary, use small toaster oven instead of giant conventional oven, strictly limit use of aerosols, don’t use air fresheners, ask for no water at restaurants, take home recyclables at work since they don’t recycle.
i walk to the supermarket and bring my own cloth bags. i don’t use a car and walk everywhere! plus all the lightbulbs in our apartment are energy friendly, and i’m a HUGE fan of daily bentos (saves time AND money!)
our apartment recycles magazines and plastic, and whenever possible, tries to turn off unnecessary electronics.
time to go green!
posted on my blog!
http://norlue.xanga.com/
we eat at home, separate our recyclables, leave lights off when not in use, keep our thermostat low in winter, high in summer.
carpool, compost and share items with friends rather than all buying new!
Things I do to reduce my carbon footprint: Pack my children’s lunches in reusable bento boxes. Much of the contents come from my own organic garden. We are all vegan, which reduces our carbon footprint quite a lot. I reuse just about everything and recycle what I can’t reuse.
We focus on doing the small things similar to what others have listed. We recycle – even though there are not services in our complex, we do bring it to a nearby recycling center every two weeks. We make our lunches almost every day, using reusable containers, bags, napkins, etc. (We love our bento lunches!!) We try to only buy what we need to reduce food waste. We walk or bike to buy groceries or go out to eat (weather permitting). Public transportation is used for daily commuting, and carpool for most other events. And soon, we will be moving to a location where I can have my own compost bin outside!
We recycle and buy less. We walk whenever possible. Chico bags for everything, I shudder if my husband brings home a plastic bag from Home Depot. We use resuable containers for my lunch and my daughter’s lunch. No more paper cups or paper plates here. We have a ways to go, but we are making progress.
I am a vegetarian of 16 years and have raised my son to be a vegetarian. I teach him the importance of maintaining our environment and protecting our natural resources. I am an avid scuba diver and conservationist, and I am going to graduate school for marine biology, with the hopes that one day I will be able to catalog diseases in coral reefs so that diseases in reef colonies can be identified and also to restore reef colonies.
I have reduced my carbon footprint by bringing my own bags to the store, I take my lunch in containers that are washed and reused ( bento boxes) . I use reusable water bottles at the gym instead of the throwaway bottles. I only commute using public transportation. I want to do what I can to make this a safe world for my darling new baby granddaughters!
Things I do to reduce my carbon footprint: recycle, reusable cloth shopping bags, cloth diapers for my 10 month old (been cloth diapering since he was ~2 months old), unplug electronics when not in use, low watt light bulbs, pack lunches in reusable containers, negotiated with my office to work from home 2x a week.
I was raised by an avid reuser and recycler so it is a way of life for me and now my kids. I try to reuse everything including clothes (I never throw out old jeans – I make my own heavy tote bags from them). We recently discovered a sensitivity to MSG and other food additives therefore we make all our food from scratch and never buy food or beverages in any containers when on the road. All light bulbs are CFLs, we built bee hives and a garden cart from recycled materials. My raised bed veggie plot is made from recycled concrete blocks, we planted ten free trees from the Cooperative Extension Service, and we have our compost bin (made out of recycled materials of course!). Sometimes it can be hard to decide what is actually best for the environment but we do the best we can and opt for reusing something instead of purchasing a new item if at all possible.
To reduce our carbon footprint, my family has switched to bento-type lunches, cloth bags and reusable drink bottles w/ a water filtration system (instead of buying a million bottles of water a day). I also now walk down the road to the grocery store every day for produce instead of hopping in my car for the 5 minute drive (lazy, I know!).
We are mindfully downsizing our family of 4 from a 3 br house to a 2 br next month to reduce or impact. We are also going down from 2 cars to 1!
We hardly use our car anymore and walk whenever possible, we try to buy organic food, use green cleaning supplies and reusable bags.
We work from home and between composting and our newly-expansive curbside recycling program, we hardly throw anything out anymore…
i use reusable bags for everything. taking my lunch to work, groceries, picking up everything at my childrens daycare (bedding, artwork)
I am actually in a competition where we are trying to decrease our carbon footprints as many ways as possible. I have been using reusable bags, drinking tap water, eating low on the food chain, using green products, trying to walk more than drive, and choosing green companies first.
I am composting!! It is a lot easier than I thought. I really want to use reuseable lunch box supplies as well!
I am starting to bring a reusable tote bag to the grocery store instead of using plastic bags. I also try to walk more if I can do that instead of driving, and compost food waste. All that plus recycling whatever we can!
sarahbcrawford(at)gmail(dot)com
This fall, I’m starting college…the perfect time for me to reduce my carbon footprint! I’m going to invest in some nice (and cute, of course) reusable grocery bags, and I’ll definately be using the campus recycling system. Also, I’ll be walking pretty much everywhere (or using the bus/carpooling) instead of getting a car. In the meantime, I’ll stick to bento-style lunches
& back with my bonus entry (haha)! I posted about your contest here: http://lonely-lemon.livejournal.com/158327.html
I try to reuse old things, recycle as much as I can, and I’m starting my own organic garden for some of my veggies and herbs!
Thanks!
Adreisinger@aol.com
To reduce our carbon footprint this past winter, we reduced our thermostat to use less fuel…we wore sweaters and used cozy afghans to keep ourselves warmer!!
To further reduce our carbon footprint, in our bathroom remodeling we are using sustainable local material(whenever possible) and trying to reuse (refacing the existing cabinets instead of replacing, painting existing light fixtures) and using good quality materials that should life a lifetime+. Also replace existing toilet with the most water efficient model. We hope every little bit we contribute helps.
I plan on buying more local items.
I want to do more walking instead of driving.
I already use reusable shopping bags and lunch containers.
Entry #2, I blogged about it here:
http://crazyveganmom.blogspot.com/2009/04/bento-giveaway.html
I take fabric bags to the grocery and I take my lunch to work!
We are already vegan, use cloth shopping bags, only drive once a week, all lights are off at 8pm, unplug things not being used, shop local, repurpose and upcycle everything we can and freecycle those things we can no longer use.
This year we are growing more food for ourselves, composting, rain water collection for the garden, eating more raw foods and using a solar oven to cook as many things as possible.
[...] giveaway! Mission: Vegan is giving away two bento kit prizes. They look super cute! The giveaway is here and you can find more information (and pics) about super cute bento [...]
Here is my post about the giveaway:
http://veganmama.com/archives/153
To reduce our carbon footprint; we are using clothes drying racks instead of the dryer; no longer using paper towels; reuseable grocery bags; and trying to use only reuseable containers for our lunches.
What I’m currently doing: eating a vegan diet, growing a vegetable and herb garden, recycling, composting, driving a smaller vehicle, and bringing my own grocery bags. What I plan to do: Reduce my dependence on packaged foods by making my own soy milk and bread and shopping at farmers’ markets.
Back again with my second entry! Here’s a link to my blog post about your give-away:
http://ruthsvegetablesoup.blogspot.com/2009/04/bento-box-give-away.html
I recycle almost everything. Even started a recycling program at my job to help out there. I use re-usable shopping bags, and just try to encourage all my friends and family to do little things to help “save the earth”.
What will you do to reduce your carbon footprint?
To reduce my carbon footprint, I will bring reusable bags whenever I shop and cut my shower time by ten minutes.
And by using bento boxes of course
For Earth Day I’m giving up paper plates. >.> It’s going to be hard, because my family depends on them, but it’s too expensive and generates way too much garbage!
I have significantly reduced the amount of car driving that I do, instead, walking or taking public transportation to get to where I need to go, even with toddler in tow!
So far my 9 year old son and I do the following things to make our carbon footprint lighter.
— we take timed showers. this cuts down alot of wasted time and water and soap.
— we use fabric shopping bags
— we shred all old mail to use in the guniea pig cage for shavings
— we do the regular can/bottle recycling at the market and they give you a nickle a can/bottle. then you can use the slip from the recycling machine in the market like a coupon.
— we do not own a car and use public transportation (bus/train) if it too far to walk to.
— if it is less than 5 miles to some where then we walk.
— we check out materials at the library (books, movies, software) rather than buying them.
— we use bento boxes (reuseable lunch containers) when we take lunch to the homeschool co-op.
— found lots of ways to make left overs look attractive for lunch the next day
— never have on more than one light in the house. there is one exception (the bathroom light may be on at the same time the kitchen light is on…like if someone is cooking)
— we dont eat cooked food often. that saves energy and time.
— we use those goofy looking light bulbs
— shop at the local famers market when it is open
— (this will sound strange) but we dont flush tinkles at night. it is a way to conserve water and it is also very lound to the downstairs neighbor. unless it is a poo it waits until morning.
— power off the computers at night.
— leave stuff we can no longer use on the swap and share shelf at our homeschool co-op. it is a cool shelf because you leave what you dont need and are welcome to take any thing from there you need.
— make our own bath soap, laundry soap, and fabric softener. i wish we had a clothes line but not here in the complex.
— do not wear shoes in the house. this cuts down on the wear and tear on the carpet as well as energy needed to vacuum.
i right reckon that is it. it is not all we can do but it is where we are right now. thanks for everyone sharing green tips with us. it makes me want to add some of yalls ideas to our greening up!
I used to use paper sacks and plastic zip top bags for lunch, but I have started using a reusable sack and tupperware/bento boxes to reduce waste. In addition, I’ve also started riding my bike around town for small errands, as well as buying products with less packaging and visitng the Farmers market more often.
I will try to use less foil! Bad habit of wrapping my sandwiches in foil because I don’t have a reusable box that fits a sandwich.
I recycle old clothes for sewing.
To reduce my footprint I will take my cloth shopping bags everywhere, use my sig water bottle, continue to replace old bulbs with led, walk whenever possible or bike, and of course continue with bento lunch making
To reduce my carbon footprint, I will switch off all main power when electrical appliances aren’t in use
It is very easy for me and as simple as to teach my kids generation by example. I am so glad to see that every day people are more conscious about earth friendly products and moms like all of us are navigating the internet and finding new ways to pack our kids lunch boxes (as en example we are all here making comments). What best way to teach our children than by example. By packing their food in containers for schools, trips, etc. we are reinforcing everyday the concept or recycling and avoiding using products such as plastic bottles and bags. Have you ever thought that once you leave your parents home and you go for the first time to buy your own things at the supermarket unconsciously you buy the same brands and products they did? And you organize your pantry as they did? That is the advantage our kids generation will have, as they will be used to using greener products and they will see it as the normal thing to do.
I carpool and walk when I can!
There are two things I am working on to reduce my carbon footprint:
1. reduce plastic bags use, and reuse the ones I have. I can easily replace most of my lunch and snack bags with reusable boxes and bags, which will save a ton, and I already use plastic and paper shopping bags as trash liners, but I don’t need to collect any more. It’s time for me to stop accumulating and start reusing.
2. Learn what, and how, to recycle. My apartment building has only just started to offer recycling, and I don’t know what can be recycled or how they are willing to accept it. I’m going to copy the list, memorize it, and commit myself to recycling everything that can possibly be recycled. I have also incidentally started saving compostables for my mom who composts, so this will result in significantly less trash overall for our household!
Also, I save gallon water jugs in order to refill them, and sometimes I find I am lazy and just buy a new one. I’m going to get better about refilling them every week.
Winning this contest would sure help me to reduce the use of those darned disposable plastics!
THANKS!
What will you do to reduce your carbon footprint?
To reduce my footprint I’m going to look in the op shops first for new clothes to wear or remake (aka Wardrobe Refashion style!)
I’m also going to stop driving to the supermarket as it’s REALLY close and green bags won’t save the planet on their own.
Hi! Just linked this page on my blog – I miss you cupcake.
I reuse any container that I can, such as plastic tubs from butter to cottage cheese. I use them for storage or holding other foods.
To reduce my carbon footprint, I’ve already been using the same bags for shopping for some time. I try to shop locally, but being a student it is quite hard for my budget !
Anyway, I don’t have a car and don’t plan to. I try as much as I can to use public transports or even walk (easier to be in a city for that of course).
And last but not least, I recycle whatever I can, plastic, paper…
Thanks for this giveaway and these wonderful bentos you’re making.
I use cloth bags at the supermarket, bring my lunch in washable containers, grow a lot of my own vegetables, use a ceramic mug at work for coffee instead of styrafoam cups. We have a rain bucket for my garden as well!
To reduce my carbon footprint, I:
Pack lunches for the kids in bento boxes. Cloth diaper our baby. Hang wet wash on clothes lines to dry. Keep an urban vegetable garden. Take public transportation to work. Bake and cook meals from scratch to reduce unnecessary packaging. Dress the kids in hand me downs and give away grown out of clothes to others. Use old t-shirts for cleaning rags.
I walk wherever I can and, since I live in a small town, there’s not much that’s too far. There are a few of us who call each other when one of us does need to drive out of town and we run each other’s errands or ride along.
This month I’ve been trying to improve both my frugalness and my greeness. I replaced my disposable paper towels with a cut up flannel sheet from the thrift store, I learned how to wash out plastic bags, I replaced my store bought house hold cleaners with homemade cleaners that are super environmentally friendly (vinegar and water as an all purpose cleaner, salt and lemon juice for scrubbing, and vinegar as fabric softner, dish and clothes washing detergents to come as soon as I find the supplies). I put all my computer equipment on a power strip that gets turned off when I’m not on the computer. I also unplug all my kitchen appliances when not in use.
I have so many reusable cloth shopping bags–I actually went so far as to buy 2 of each from each store I shop at, just so I could put one in the car and one in the closet at home. I thought that would mean I’d forget them less and use them more. Unfortunately so far all it’s meant is that I end up with a pile of bags in the closet that I keep forgetting to take back to the car!!
Honestly, though, I reallyreallyreally *am* going to start using them more so I can reduce my carbon footprint. I promise!
I’m using cloth shopping bags and packing my lunch in reusable containers. We’ll be trying to eat at least one breakfast, lunch and dinner each week consisting only of foods grown or produced locally.
Cute!
To reduce my carbon footprint, I am using reusable items such as reusable water bottles rather than the one-use plastic bottles. I also try to avoid turning on the lights and heat as much as possible.