Sacrifice

Some post-election analysis I have read has been asking if President-Elect Obama will really ask Americans to sacrifice for their nation, in terms of energy conservation and sustainability. When I hear the word "sacrifice," I think of young women in my grandmother's day, making dresses out of flour sack and working on the farm instead of attending school.

I don't think it is asking the nation to "sacrifice" anything if an Obama Energy Plan or Environmental Policy asks us all to fix leaky faucets, insulate properly and monitor efficiency. I also do not think it is sacrifice to ask us to buy organic cotton—one of the best ways consumers can walk-the-walk of living green—or to use alternatives to cement—one of the largest greenhouse-gas emitting industries. Encouraging participation in public transit is not encouraging sacrifice in my eyes—like democracy it works best when everyone participates and has a voice in its evolution.

Book Review: The Two-Income Trap

The Two-Income Trap: Why Middle-Class Mothers and Fathers Are Going Broke by Elizabeth Warren

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Absolutely everyone should read this book!



It provides valuable insight in uneasy economic times. I highly recommend this book. It is important information and I wish I had read it sooner.


View all my reviews.

Simple Tricks to Save on Cell Phone Charges

A good one from Real Simple magazine.

read more | digg story

Numbers of the bottoms of plastic containers

Hennepin County (MN) has a nice page describing the Resin Identification Code (or little recycling numbers on the bottoms of plastic containers) If the link is still good, it lists examples of common items and their recyclability.

Are you aware that #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7 have no recycling opportunties available and should be thrown out with solid waste? Only #1 and #2 bottles with a neck are commonly accepted for for recycling in Minnesota.

http://www.hennepinatoz.org/azguide/item/plastic-resin-identification-codes.html


According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), Minnesota's recycling rate is second-best in the nation, with about 41% of our trash being recycled.* The "Recycle MORE Minnesota" media campaign is trying to educate residents as to why there is value in recycling.

*A May 9, 2008 AP story on wcco.com also state that the state's recycling rate hasn't increased significantly for the past 10 years. http://wcco.com/local/statewide.push.groups.2.720325.html

Recycling Plastics in Minneapolis

I would like to know more about what the numbers on the bottom of plastic food containers mean, but I don't want to take chemistry class. I have read enough to know that they all are made from or contain chemicals that have reasonably unstudied effects on the human body. Let alone the landfills. So I was very surprised and happy to learn today that there is currently a pilot program for food container recycling in NE Mpls.

This program runs from May until September in the Eastside Food Co-op parking lot. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Fridays.

2551 Central Ave. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418

-- SAVE -- RINSE -- SORT --

For this pilot to be successful, the following MUST happen:

* Plastics MUST be sorted according to numbers #1 thru #6
* Plastics must be free of food waste. Please rinse out your containers before bringing them to the collection bins.
* Participation must be high
* NO "Styrofoam"
#1 PET
#2 HDPE
#3 PVC
#4 LDPE
#5 PP
#6 PS

Check for the recycling triangle on your plastics - #1 thry #6 are acceptable for the pilot program.

-- SAVE -- RINSE -- SORT --

Serenity

I titled this blog Serenity Jen for one reason. 'Serenity' is one of my favorite words. It is even prettier en Francais: Sérénité. The reason I have brought you here is to offer a outlet of peace and quiet on the blogosphere.

This is an exercise of my own serenity as well. If I can share an idea that saves you money or time (and time is money after all) I can share something you hadn't thought about before or didn't know. If I can save you some money or time (and time is money after all), while promoting green and simple living then I will have accomplished what I'm setting out to do.

Namaste

The 10-second rule

I see it all the time - drivers parked in grocery store parking lots with the engine idling, while talking on a cell phone. Or a driver waiting to pick someone up, engine idling. Ever wondered how long does a modern car have to idle before it makes more sense to turn it off? The surprising answer: only 10 seconds! Here is an interesting article describing "The 10-second rule."

http://www.slate.com/id/2192187/

How I lowered my electricity bill by over 10%

Simply by plugging my appliances into power strips and turning them off every night, I have reduced my electricity bill by over 10%! I have a surge-protecting power strip in the following rooms, supporting electronics that would otherwise drain power constantly even while turned off.

Kitchen
Microwave, electic hot water kettle, coffee maker.

Office
Computers, printer, router, lamp, paper shredder.

Living Room
TV, VHS/DVD player, stereo receiver, aromatherapy diffuser.

National Geographic has a video on these "Voltage Vampires." Make this simple change in your habits and save money while reduing your carbon footprint.

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/environment/green-guide/low-carbon-diet/voltage-vampires-env.html

The best commute is free

With escalating gas prices and complex schedules, many commuters would like to car pool but find it challenging. Family events, errands, and unexpected work hours can keep many from exploring carpooling or vanpooling because it can seem daunting. Carpooling once or twice a week can not only cut your carbon emissions, you may even have the opportuntiy to relax and enjoy the ride once in awhile. Here are a few tips to make the transition - and a free program to keep you from worrying about what you would do if a transportation emergency should arise.

Sources for carpool partners
Ask around at work to see if anyone lives in your area, and ask your neighbors around home where they work. Consider meeting at a park-and-ride a few times per week or alternating picking each other up at home. Going a few miles out of your way one day to pick someone up will be ultimately cheaper and more efficient than two seperate vehicles driving every single day. Take turns driving and you can take turns not having to stress out in traffic.

Your employer can coordinate a company-wide Commuter Challenge. If you work for a smaller company, contact neighborhing business and see if they have a carpool program that you can join in on. If you and your carpool partner plan well, you could even combine errands on the way home from work once a week or every-other week to save you both time, fuel and money.

Guaranteed Ride Home
If you live in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul area, and you ride the bus or train, carpool, vanpool, bicycle or walk at least three days a week to work or school - you are eligible for the Guaranteed Ride Home program. This free program is administered by Metro Transit, A service of the Metropolitan Council.

If something unexpected should arise on a day you have carpooled, for example you have to work late, or leave early unexpectedly, the Guaranteed Ride Home makes sure you have a ride. This program can help alieveate some of the fears a person may have about carpooling. Go to www.metrotransit.org to register. In the mail you will receive two coupons every six months good for free emergency bus or train fare, or taxi cab fare reimbursement up to $25.

The bus will take the coupon instead of paying the regular fare. With the train, you will have to purchase a ticket and then send it along with your coupon in for reimbursement. The reimbursement policy also pertains to taxis - simply get a receipt from the driver and then mail it, along with a coupon, in and you will get your money back. From personal experience - the Guaranteed Ride Home program works!