Soy Candles

I have read information on soy candles and found out that regular candles regular scented candles are made from Paraffin and are made from non-renewable petroleum and inject soot and smoke into the air. Clean-burning soy candles are more environmentally friendly and burn longer than paraffin candles so you get more for your money. I've seen soy candles, but didn't know what the difference was. I think this is great to know and will buy soy candles in the future.

A thought for this week: Since paper products are such a huge percentage of our waste, and since it costs so much to run a dishwasher as far as water and electricity are concerned, which is the better choice?

I walked to school last week and was proud of myself for getting the exercise and for not using my car. I plan to do this more if the weather stays nice. So, doing something is better than doing nothing, right? I will continue to do little somethings and I will feel like I'm doing my part.

Here is a comment from Gina to go along with the article and website I posted about our ecological footprints. She is unable to post this comment because she does not have a google account. "Thanks! It will not let me post a comment as I don’t have a Google account or blog spot. I took the footprint quiz and I need to be better. It would take 5.06 earths if everyone lived like me. Yikes. Jeremy can you post this comment for me. Linda has inspired me to do and be better. Please post by footprint of 5.06 earths. I am not ashamed but can do better. Thanks!"

Green Toilet Paper

Thanks for your comments Chels, I really appreciate that someone is getting something from all this information besides just me. I went to the store and checked out recycled toilet paper. Because I have so much T.P. at home already, I didn't buy any, but I noticed two brands that are available: Scott Naturals and White Cloud Green Earth. They both sell for $2.68 at Wal-Mart for 4 mega rolls which are supposed to equal 10 single rolls. I'll try them next time I run out. They may not be as soft as what I usually buy, quilted northern, but I really do want to make all the changes I feel I comfortably can, and I want to at least try them out.

I have two garbage bags full of plastic containers to take to the recycling center, but I want to wait until I have a full bag of aluminum cans also. I'll let everyone know how that goes in another couple of weeks. Ben is doing a great job keeping the cans crushed for me!

To conserve water, I don't run the water while I'm brushing my teeth, and I don't let water continue to run when I'm loading up the dishwasher like I have in the past.

I really think I'm making some good changes, and will continue to work on more.

Additional things I am working on

I decided to start collecting my cans (especially since my son-in-law drinks almost a 12-pack of soda a day) and plastic containers. I have bags in my kitchen for both and my youngest son smashes the cans for me.

I should have enough to recycle by next week, and feel really good about my efforts to help the environment. It's certainly minimal extra effort to put the cans and plastic containers in separate bags. If anyone would like to join my efforts, I would be happy to take any items you would be willing to collect and take them to the recycling center by my home. Linda