DebsGreen.com

Moving

Debbie — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 02:03:35 +0000

I am moving soon, and I can’t stop hearing the Jefferson’s theme song in my head. I have been in my current house for a little over five years, and this is the longest I’ve been in one place since I was twelve. I got so used to moving as a kid, that when I moved out on my own as an “adult,” I would move every year. At that point in my life, it was just ingrained in my psyche. I think it’s no secret that moving sucks. This time is different though. I am having the normal anxiety about packing and the typical moving logistics, but I feel as if this isn’t just a physical move, but a spiritual and emotional move too, that is an outer reflection of my inner movement. (more…)

Getting What You Want

Debbie — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 21:26:20 +0000

I believe that we are constantly creating our reality, whether it’s conscious or unconscious. I believe that everything that is happening in our outside world, is a direct reflection of how we feel on the inside. So depending on how you feel about your outer world, is how you feel about yourself in your inner world, so to speak. I believe that we always get what we want, and that human nature is such, that it is always desiring something. Again, consciously or unconsciously. The real question isn’t getting what we want, but when we get it, do we really want it? (more…)

Five Simple Things

Debbie — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:27:24 +0000

There are very simple things people can do that can have a very big environmental impact. The five I am listing here, require very little effort and in some cases no money. A couple of these suggestions could probably even save you money. I hope you read this list with an open mind and a willingness to make a difference. (more…)

Death, Rebirth, and Resurrection

Debbie — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 03:55:29 +0000

I had a very strange month. I find it no coincidence that it took place during December, which of course is the month which embodies the “Holidays.” My friend was telling me how she recently read an article about how people regress around the holiday season. Seems like common sense to me. When I look back at what took place during the month of December, it was really nothing different than what usually happens around Christmas while I was growing up. There was one difference though, my response to it. (more…)

Global Warming and National Security

Debbie — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 05:42:43 +0000

I don’t watch TV much, but last night I found myself watching the world news. I was very disturbed by what was on, and although reports of all the terrible effects of global warming seem to be on mainstream television, I feel as if no one is listening. One of the topics was about the devastating effect global warming has had on our national security, and reports by twelve generals (I believe the report said most of them were retired, I’m trying to find the actual report through ABC), were all in agreement, that it was only going to get worse. Did you know that Somalia and the US’ involvement there had to do with global warming? I did not. Apparently, the terrible drought there was a consequence of global warming, and people became desperate. War lords took advantage of a volatile situation, send in the US troops, and Voila! We get to watch one of the tragedies unfold in the movie Black Hawk Down. (more…)

Green Electronics

Debbie — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 19:08:16 +0000

The best selling products for the holiday season are electronics and women’s clothing. If you are buying electronics for someone I encourage you to do it consciously. What do I mean by consciously? I believe most people probably look for the best deals. Is it possible to look for the best deal on a product that has the least harmful impact on the Earth? Greenpeace International started rating electronic companies based mainly on the toxic chemicals they use and their recycling policies. I checked out a couple of websites that claimed to be selling “green electronics” and after reading the Greenpeace article, I think they are just using the word “green” to get you to their site. Some of the products they were offering, were made by companies with the lowest green rating, according to Greenpeace. Please check out this very informative article and ranking.

Also, they have a Take Action link at the bottom of the article, if you feel compelled to make a difference.

Your Guide to Green Electronics Article

How the Companies Line Up Ranking

Donate to Greenpeace International

Reusable Gift Bags

Debbie — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 04:21:41 +0000

I am a recycling nut. Every year for the holidays it never ceases to cross my mind all the wrapping paper, ribbons and bows that get put out with the garbage. There is actually an alternative to paper. I found a website that sells gift bags that can be continually re-gifted. If for some reason it is something you would never buy, I also found a website that sells organic cotton fabric that I thought was reasonably priced. How about wrapping gifts with reusable fabric? And if the person does throw it out, at least it’s biodegradable and non-toxic. I do hope you consider this a valuable alternative. As my children say everyday, quoting one of their favorite characters, Bob the Builder, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!”

Reusable Gift Bag Assorted Holiday Starter Set

Un-dyed 8 oz. Natural Flannel

Green Batteries

Debbie — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 03:59:41 +0000

The holiday season reminds my of batteries for some reason. Maybe it’s because one year as a gift for my children, I received a package of 25 double A batteries. The worst part is, I refuse to throw batteries away, so I have literally moved with a bag of batteries about three times in eight years or so. (I really need to look into recycling them!) Batteries are another reason I don’t like modern day children’s toys (or at least a large majority) and they don’t seem to last that long anyway. I found a website that has loads of information about rechargeable batteries, links to other sustainable practices and they have a satisfaction guarantee. They sell different types of rechargeable batteries as well as the chargers, and I hope if you are buying electronics, toys or any other such gift that uses batteries this holiday season, you check this site out as well. After all, I got batteries as a gift one year, this could be the gift that keeps on giving!

Recycling Electronics

Debbie — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 23:54:54 +0000

Recycling electronics may not be the good deed you think it is. I found a very interesting article today that was quite surprising. It’s not all bad though, a handful of companies are taking their own electronics and responsibly recycling them and making their products with fewer harmful chemicals. If you own a computer, which I’m assuming you probably do if you are reading this from your home, please take a moment and read this article.

Destinations of ‘recycled’ electronics may surprise you

Consciously Shopping for Diamonds

Debbie — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 04:15:57 +0000

About a year ago, I read a great article out of Body + Soul magazine regarding buying diamond jewelry. I don’t wear jewelry and own very little, so this isn’t something I had given a lot of thought to, but I’m usually the exception to the rule. I want to share this article with you, because a lot of women do enjoy receiving and wearing diamond jewelry. I didn’t feel it was necessary to reinvent the wheel, so I will simply quote the article here. Again, it is out of Body + Soul magazine, December 2006, page 133-34.

“Q. My wife and I are thinking about renewing our vows this Christmas, and I want to buy her a ring that represents the love we’ve shared for the past 20 years. I know she’d never want to own a diamond that caused harm to someone else. Are there any I could buy without a guilty conscience? (more…)

Eco-Friendly and Natural Children’s Toys

Debbie — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:01:58 +0000

I truly can not stand modern day toys for children. I personally think they are junk. The packaging itself is destructive. They are plastic crap, that after the initial five minute novelty of flashing lights and noise wears off, children seem to be bored with them and rarely play with them again. Unless you are one of my children, in which case you would attempt to do something fun with it, like take it apart (hoping it will do something new and exciting) and then completely destroy it altogether. Then I always feel terrible throwing all those useless parts out wondering how long they’ll sit in a landfill. Not only that, as two year olds, my twins had more interest in playing with the recycling! They loved the big plastic gallon jugs and going through the paper. Their favorite “toy” in the recent past was a cardboard box that was a “doghouse” and they would all take turns being the dog and they had a blast decorating it! I have bought my children very few toys, so the ones I am speaking of were mostly gifts. I love educational toys: puzzles, Leap Frog is cool, Candy Land and other kid friendly board games. Essentially, I want my kids to play with something which makes them think or use their imagination. And I think dolls are wonderful. As a child, I had hours of fun with my dolls and stuffed animals. I came upon some all natural toys that I hope you will find interesting and of course only ones I would buy myself.

Lincoln Logs were another one of my favorite toys as a child, I remember building my dream house over and over. These wooden farm and doll house sets reminded me of playing with my Lincoln Logs.

Wooden Farm

Wooden Doll House

Organic Dolls

Organic Doll with Two Outfits

Fair Trade Vegetable Rattles

Again, I would like to reiterate how important it is to know where and how something was made. It’s kind of like that old saying about how sausage is made, nobody wants to know. I think it would behoove all of us to be a little more conscious of what we are buying for ourselves and our children. If you saw where some of those plastic toys from China were made and who was making them, maybe you’d think twice about buying them. It’s just like sausage, if we all saw how it was made, I don’t think too many people would still eat it.

Good Vibrations and The Law of Attraction

Debbie — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 04:05:01 +0000

There is an unwritten law of the Universe that states whatever you ask for it is given. There are a plethora of books and teachings that tout this philosophy, The Secret, is probably the most popular and well known at this moment in time. There are slogans such as, “Thoughts become things”, that lead a lot of people to believe just by merely changing their thoughts, they can change their life. I agree with that to a certain extent. I believe thoughts are the first step in changing one’s life, but it’s a little more involved then just thinking more positively. (more…)

Disposable Plates and Bowls Everyone Should Use

Debbie — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 20:46:31 +0000

This past September my Mom and I went to the New Jersey shore to stay with one of her friends for a couple days. All together there were four adults and three children so our meals were served with disposable plates and bowls. They were by far the nicest disposable bowls I had ever used. They were sturdy and thick, and when they got wet they didn’t fall apart or get flimsy. I was thinking what a tragedy that all these disposable plates were going to sit in a landfill for eons, when my eye caught the label on one of the packages. They are called EarthShell and they are made from corn, potatoes, and limestone. Not only are they 100% biodegradable, they can be composted too! They are moisture resistant, cut resistant, and microwavable. They are incredible and if you use disposable plates, bowls, or other products you must try these out! And they won’t hurt the environment, even in the manufacturing process they are a green choice.

More information about EarthShell

EarthShell Plates

EarthShell Bowls

More Green Gift Ideas

Debbie — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 21:16:19 +0000

All natural, soy candles are completely non-toxic and contain no petroleum by-products.

Environmentally Friendly Soy Candles

This journal is handmade by a family in a village in Bali, using forest litter. They even recycled the paper themselves in their kitchen!

Handmade Journal

Calendar printed on 100% post consumer recycled paper using soy based ink.

2008 Calendar

Towel set made from organically grown cotton in India.

Organic Cotton Towel Set

I love tea and I think this is a beautiful little set. It is made by artisans from China using purple clay.

Red Blossom Tea Set

There is nothing worse to me than waking up in the morning to an obnoxious buzzer or other loud noise. I recently purchased an alarm clock that has different bird noises on it such as seagulls, a rooster, and birds chirping. It’s so much easier to get out of bed! This alarm clock looks even better.

Zen Alarm Clock

Eco-Friendly and Organic Gifts

Debbie — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 20:54:30 +0000

With the holidays right around the corner I thought I would share some eco-friendly and organic gift ideas. Of course clothes can always be a real crowd pleaser too, so don’t forget to browse the men’s and women’s clothing I’ve posted as well.

I found some really beautiful Gift Baskets:

Gift of Health Gift Basket

Healthy Home Natural Gift Basket

Organic Watermint Deluxe Spa Gift Set

Deluxe Spa Gift Set

Organic Soap Gift Set

For the coffee lover in your life, we all have one!

Coffee Break Natural Gift Basket

And for those of us who prefer tea:

Tea Time Natural Gift Basket