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

Disposable Paper Products

After trying to find the brands that they listed, I discovered the easier thing to do would be to look at the brands that we use, and then next time we go to the store, check out which ones have the recyled symbol on them. I also discovered that even though the package says the product is recycled, it could actually only be the inside toilet roll that is recycled, not the toilet paper. Here are some tips from Greenpeace.

Here are a few more ways you can
help protect ancient forests every day:
• Rethink your use of disposable paper products like facial tissue,
paper towels and napkins. Consider using cloth napkins to wipe
your hands and cloth towels to wipe up spills. Think about
purchasing and using a washable handkerchief to blow your nose
instead of facial tissue.
• Buy Recycled. When you buy paper products such as toilet paper
and office paper make sure they have a high level of post-consumer
recycled content – 100% recycled is best.
• Look for the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
logo on wood and paper products. If you cannot
find FSC-certified products, then ask your
retailer to stock them. FSC is the only guarantee
of sustainably managed forests.

I will definitely check the content of my disposable paper products next time I go to the store. How about you?

For some reason, I was unable to publish a post on my blog earlier in the week. I just kept getting error messages, but it's working today, hooray!

This week I discovered a "green" web site that lists paper products that are "green products" and those that are not. Please go to http://www.nrdc.org/land/forests/gtissue.asp#towels. This site lists the brands of toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, etc. that we use and if they are made from recycled products and if they are recyclable, and thus "green products". It is very interesting and I plan to find out where I can buy some of these green products because the products that I use are "to be avoided". I'll let you know what I find out. Good luck in your continued efforts to make our world a greener place!

Household Hazardous Waste

Hey friends, I found another cool site to look at, and am attaching a document that explains what household hazardous waste is and offers safe handling tips. This comes from the site: www.hazardouswaste.utah.gov. What things are you willing to change or do differently to reduce the threat that hazardous waste presents?


Household Hazardous Waste Fact Sheet
Utah Department of Environmental Quality
Promoting a Healthy Environment

What is Household Hazardous Waste?
Many hazardous products and chemicals such as cleaners, oils and pesticides are used in the home
every day. When discarded, these products are called household hazardous waste. To be
considered hazardous they must be ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic or otherwise listed as
hazardous by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Products used and disposed of by a
typical residence may contain more than 100 hazardous substances including:
 Batteries
 Cleaners
 Cosmetics
 Fluorescent light bulbs
 Glues
 Heating oil
 Insecticides and pesticides
 Ink
 Medicines
 Motor oil and automotive supplies
 Paints, thinners, stains and varnishes
 Polishes
 Swimming pool chemicals
 Smoke detectors
 Thermometers

Household Hazardous Waste is a Serious Threat
The average American household generates 20 pounds of household hazardous wastes yearly,
according to EPA estimates.
Since chemicals found in household hazardous wastes can contaminate soil and groundwater,
generate hazardous emissions at landfills and disrupt water treatment plants, it is important to
dispose properly dispose of them. Many solid waste treatment facilities are required to screen for household hazardous wastes to avoid operating under restrictive hazardous waste laws. Many communities also are required to establish household hazardous waste collection programs to qualify for storm water permits.

Safe Handling Tips
The best way to handle hazardous household materials completely using the product before
disposing of containers. The next best alternative is returning unused portions on your
community’s household hazardous waste cleanup day. Keep products in original packages with all
labels intact. If the container leaks, put it in a thick plastic bag. Pack the products in a plasticlined
cardboard box to prevent leaks and breakage.
Household hazardous waste cleanup days are for household wastes only. No industrial or
commercial wastes and no containers larger than five gallons are accepted. Explosives,
radioactive material and medical wastes are unacceptable.

Household hazardous wastes can be dangerous to people and pets who come in contact with them.
They also can pollute water supplies, damage sewage treatment systems and cause other
environmental damage. Use the products as directed.
DO NOT:
 Flush down the toilet
 Pour down the sink
 Pour down storm drains
 Pour on the ground
Contact your local health department or the Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste to determine
whether your community has a household hazardous waste collection program.
Identify Household Hazardous Waste
Reduce the amount of potentially hazardous products in your home and eliminate what you throw away by following these easy steps:

1. Before you buy:
 Read labels and be aware of what they mean
 Look for these words on labels. They tell you what products may need special handling or disposal:
Caution
Combustible
Corrosive
Danger
Explosive
Flammable
Poison
Toxic
Volatile
Warning
 Select product best suited for the job
 Buy only what you need

2. After you buy:
 Read label precautions and follow directions for safe use
 Recycle or dispose of empty containers properly
 Share what you can’t use with friends or neighbors
 Store properly
 Use recommended amounts. More is not necessarily better
 Use the child-resistant closures and keep them on tightly

For More Information, Contact:
Division of Solid & Hazardous Waste - (801) 538-6170
Environmental Hotline - 1 (800) 458-0145
Pollution Prevention Coordinator - (801) 536-4477