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St. Patrick’s Day is one of those holidays where it doesn’t really seem to matter whether you are of true Irish decent or not. People from all across the globe love to join in the celebration when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day. Of course there are people who have their Irish traditions, handed down from generation to generation, while there are others who are fully content to go hopping from bar to bar in search of the greenest beer in town.

In order to give you a little head start on your holiday plans, and to instill a bit of the Irish spirit in you, here are a few green St. Patrick’s Day traditions:

1) Drinking green beer. Although Guinness beers are not commonly dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day, mostly because their dark color doesn’t allow the green dye to show through, Guinness does have a fairly “green” beer in that their Guinness Extra Stout – North America is vegan-friendly. That makes it a nice addition to one of your St. Patrick’s Day meals.

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2) Planting shamrocks. One of the more traditional symbols of St. Patrick’s Day is the shamrock. Legend has it that St. Patrick used to use the shamrock, also known as a clover, in illustrating The Holy Trinity. Today the Irish, and many others around the world, consider the shamrock (especially the four-leaf clover version) to be a symbol of good luck.

3) Eating your greens. Bacon (nowadays corned beef) and cabbage is a tasty Irish meal that is often served on St. Patrick’s Day. If you haven’t eaten it yourself, I’m sure you know of someone who has has eaten it. For those meat-lovers, it is a great way to combine meats with your greens and have a relatively well-balanced meal. For those of you who would rather have a vegetarian or vegan option, here are 10 Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes for St. Patrick’s Day.

4) Last but definitely NOT least, getting outdoors. People love an excuse to celebrate and if you’re going to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, regardless of whether or not you are Irish, what better place to do it than outdoors? The backyard, a local park, the beach, a campground, or another outdoor destination of your choice.

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Whatever you decide to do, I hope your day is filled with green from morning to night. Here’s to a happy and truly green St. Patrick’s Day!

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Now that Christmas is over and many people have completed their inventory of the gifts and presents they received, it is time to discuss returns. If you are like most people you have probably already returned some of those gifts you either have no use for or don’t really want. However, there are other ways to “return” your gifts too.

Well, I guess technically I shouldn’t say return. Let me go over a smart green way to exchange those presents you don’t really want or need: trade them. Trade them with someone who has something you want, or trade them with someone who wants something you have.

It is kind of like the gift exchanges done in many businesses and companies these days, where each person gets to pick a wrapped gift, then once you open it you can either choose to keep the gift or take someone else’s unwrapped gift and give them yours.

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Whether you trade with friends, family, neighbors or via a trading website like Craigslist or any of these barter sites, doesn’t matter. What matters is that you find a way to breathe new life into an item that would otherwise be discarded or left unused.

Having a garage sale or taking your items to a consignment store could work as well, but in many cases it takes a lot more effort than you may want to invest. Of course anything is better than simply throwing the gift away.

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If you are determined you don’t want the gift, and that you don’t know of anyone else who does, why not donate it? It is one less thing that goes into the local landfill and one more thing that is available for someone else to use and enjoy.

After the holidays, and throughout the entire year, anytime you want to acquire something ‘new’, take a few minutes and find out if there is anything you can trade. It is a green and relatively simple way to get the things you want and get rid of the things you don’t, without anything making its way to the landfill. Sounds like a win-win to me!

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The holidays are here and if your life is anything like mine, you’re pretty busy right about now. I still have gifts to buy, presents to wrap, packages and cards to send, e-cards to put together and send out, and a whole slew of activities, parties and events to attend. Between all the hustle and bustle though, I wanted to share a few simple and eco-friendly ways to brighten your holiday mood.

1) Open those windows. Whether or not it’s cold where you live, opening your windows will help bring in some fresh air and get rid of the stale indoor air pollution lingering inside your home. If you are worried about getting cold, bundle up for a little bit while you air things out. The fresh, clean air will do wonders to help brighten your day and your overall mood.

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2) Get outdoors every day. Why? Because fresh air is good for your energy. Letting the fresh air into your home is a smart idea, but spending some time outdoors is even smarter. Go for a walk, a run, or perhaps a bike ride. Take the kids to play in the park. Even stepping outside to enjoy the day will help brighten your mood and give you a little burst of energy.

3) Indulge in a few foods that will help lift your spirits and brighten your mood. Walnuts, chocolate (fair trade chocolate, of course), and blueberries are just some of the foods you can eat during the holidays to help brighten your mood.

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4) Speaking of foods…eat natural. Stay away from foods which contain a lot of sugar and opt for more natural foods like fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. This will help level out your sugar levels and prevent you from riding the sugar-induced roller coaster. Just a quick stop at your local Farmers’ Market and you’ll be set.

5) Give to someone in need. Whether you volunteer at your local food bank, homeless shelter, animal shelter or any other organization which helps those in need, you will find that helping others is a terrific way to brighten your mood. Even helping out a friend in need, or doing some random act of kindness, can put a smile on both their face and yours.

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6) I’ve said it before and I’m going to say it again. Smile. Even if you are feeling a little down, brighten your holiday mood with a smile. Studies have shown that smiling helps activate happiness. Start smiling and before you know it, you’ll be feeling as happy as the smile on your face!

“The world always looks brighter from behind a smile” – Unknown Author

I hope you found these eco-friendly ideas useful and that you too can add them to your daily schedule in order to help brighten your holiday mood. Remember, sometimes it is the little things that can make the most difference. Here’s to a happy and eco-friendly holiday season!

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Thanksgiving is upon us. While some consider the day as a holiday to take time off work, enjoy a hearty meal, and spend time with family, Thanksgiving can and does mean so much more. With the state of the world, and the environment in the condition it is currently in, why don’t you take a little time and green up your day. Here are a few tips for greening your Thanksgiving:

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1) Opt for fresh food and avoid the canned goods. BPA is found in the lining of many canned products. Why put you and your family at risk of BPA exposure, when you can have better tasting and healthier food by going fresh? Let’s face it, BPA is an uninvited Thanksgiving guest.

2) Cut down on food waste by making less food in the first place. I know there are a lot of people who dream of tables filled with turkey, rolls, stuffing, yams, cranberry sauce, gravy, salad, and other foods, when they think of Thanksgiving. But take a moment and think about how the table traditionally looks AFTER the big meal. Is there a lot of food left over? If you actually need all that food, then fine, but the key is not letting any of it go to waste (or is that not letting it go to your waist). Either way, take a look at some of these facts on food waste if you need help cutting down.

3) Give up the traditional holiday candles, that are commonly known to cause indoor air pollution, and opt for more environmentally-friendly candles. If you want to use candles to add to your holiday atmosphere, that is fine, but it is safer to use beeswax or soy candles. Indoor air pollution is a problem most people are unaware of or ignore. Learn more about indoor air pollution and candles before you add candles to your holiday decor.

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4) Remember to air out your home the natural way. Over the holidays, homes can get stuffy and dry. Opening the windows and letting some fresh air in will help let the indoor air pollution out. Don’t forget to also turn your thermostat down. There is no reason to pay to heat your home when your guests will generate additional warmth. Natural heat/air is better for the environment anyway.

5) For those of you who like to drink a little wine during the holidays, check out some of these inexpensive, eco-friendly wines for Thanksgiving.

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6) Take steps to reduce, reuse, and recycle over Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season. According to the EPA, the volume of U.S. household waste increases by 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Here are some tips to help you recycle, reduce and reuse.

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I hope that each of you will be able to incorporate at least one, or more, of the above tips during the holidays. They are simple things designed to help you green your Thanksgiving and your life. Then keep in mind, there are so many people and things to be thankful for in this world. Let each of us do our part to show our gratitude through our actions, not just words.

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy

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Halloween is traditionally known for tricks and treats. However, individuals looking to save energy, during the holiday season or perhaps throughout the entire year, can try some tricks and get some treats of their own. From shining a light on sources of vampire energy, to hunting down ghost power leaks and more, now is the time to uncover all the energy skeletons lurking in your closets.

1) The trick is to use as much natural light as possible to light your home. During the fall and winter months there are fewer hours in the day when the sun is shining. Take advantage of those hours and let the light shine in. The treat lies not only in the money you will save, but natural light is beneficial to your health as well. It helps reduce eyestrain and the headaches which often result.

2) The trick is to hunt out energy vampires and stab them where it hurts. By now, most people are aware of the fact that energy vampires will bleed you dry. The question is how many people are doing something about it? A couple of simple steps and you’ll find you are not only saving money, but you will probably have more time on your hands as well. Remember, being “connected” 24/7 isn’t all people make it out to be.

3) Rather than paying for an energy audit, the trick is to try a do-it-yourself home energy assessment. You may be surprised at the number of ways energy is being wasted. Simply finding and reducing drafts in your home, can potentially save you between 5-30% on your energy costs. Now that’s quite a treat.

4) The trick is to get your appliances working for you, rather than against you. Appliances are some of the worst culprits when it comes to sending your energy bill through the roof. The amount of energy large appliances use is enough to make even a ghost’s face turn white. Opting for energy efficient appliances will, of course, save you money. The treat comes in the energy-efficiency and savings.

5) The trick is to set your thermostat for comfort and to save energy. While it may be awesome to have a Nest Learning Thermostat in your home, until that time, you can set/adjust your own thermostat to suit your needs. Turning down the temp if you are going to be away from home, or when you go to bed at night, could save 1% per degree. That is a definite treat in my book. (Oh, and don’t forget to close doors and vents into rooms that aren’t in use.)

An added trick, for those of you who use home heating oil during the colder months, is to use a little Green Plus® in order to significantly reduce your home heating costs. It’s green, certified safe, effective and inexpensive. Treats all around.

As with most issues, there are many other tricks you can use to save energy and give yourself a little treat. Hopefully you can use at least one, or all, of these particular tricks. I’m sure you’ll see the treats beginning to surface in very short order when you do.

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The year is moving along so quickly. Although it may not seem like it, the holidays will be upon us before we know it. Of course, when it comes to holiday planning, now is the time to get started. Waiting until the last minute simply means you’ll be scrambling, paying more and probably missing out on many eco-holiday options.

So, for those of you looking to get a head-start on your holiday planning, here are 20 eco-holiday tips and suggestions:

1 – Give time instead of gifts. Most people have plenty of material objects. What they don’t have is the quality time to spend enjoying friends and family. Try spending a little less money and a little more quality time.
2 – If you are going to give gifts, shop early and shop at second-hand stores, yard sales or consignment stores. In most cases, there is no reason to buy new when you can find great used gifts.
3 – Make your own holiday decorations. Autumn leaves, pine cones, and more can all be gathered up and brought inside to make wall and table decorations, holiday cards, centerpieces and more.
4 – Do you have a family member who can’t live without their coffee or chocolate? If so, make your purchases from companies who sell fair trade products.

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5 – If you plan to do any shopping online, look for green packing and shipping options before you buy.
6 – Instead of buying cut flowers to decorate your home or give as gifts, opt for potted plants or flowers. They’re a more eco-friendly option and can be either kept in your home year-round or planted in your garden after the holidays.

Image by Kevin Phaines / Creative Commons

7 – Plan your holiday meals ahead of time. If you plan enough ahead of time, you may be able to grow your own produce. There is nothing like the taste of fresh fruit or vegetables over the holidays. Anyone up for some apple or pumpkin pie?
8 – Having family over for the holidays? Make some natural cleaning solutions and do a little spring cleaning, I mean fall cleaning, during the days and weeks before they arrive.
9 – Open your windows regularly in order to naturally air out your home. Don’t let indoor air pollution ruin your holidays.
10 – Recycle bags, boxes and other items you can use to wrap holiday gifts. It’s better than buying a bunch of wrapping paper that is only going to get one use then head off to the landfill.

Image by Mike Willis / Creative Commons

11 – Spend some time enjoying the great outdoors at least once every day. Go for a walk, breathe in the crisp air, relax and take a moment to freshen your heart and mind.
12 – If you are planning a holiday event, how about a good old potluck where each person brings a different dish, along with their own reusable dishes, silverware and more.
13 – Speaking of holiday events, encourage your guests to carpool or set up eco-friendly transportation options that will help them cut costs and lower CO2 emissions.
14 – When having lots of guests over to your home, remember to turn down the thermostat by a couple degrees. Body heat from your guests will help keep your place warm.
15 – Before you end up shorting out the entire neighborhood in an attempt outdo the Griswold house from the movie “Christmas Vacation“, you might want to check out solar lighting.

16 – If you have a lot of driving you need to do over the holidays, combine errands and other activities into one trip.
17 – Add a little Green Plus® gasoline fuel saver and you’ll be able to reduce the pollution coming from your car, while at the same time improving your fuel economy throughout the holidays and into the new year.
18 – Make donations of time, goods or money. If you don’t know what you want to do, check out the Pay It Forward Foundation: 1 Act of Kindness Can Change Everything.
19 – Go simple. Holidays don’t have to be difficult. Going simple could be the simplest way to make your holiday season a lot more eco-friendly.
20 – Throughout the holidays make the decision to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Holidays should be a time where we can enjoy the company of friends and family. A time when we can unplug from our digital lives and enjoy a little time outdoors, soaking in the beauty of nature. Holidays shouldn’t be the commercial, consumer-driven activity they seem to have evolved into, don’t you agree? What is your favorite eco-holiday activity? What tips do you have for making the holidays less consumer-driven and more eco-friendly? I’d love to hear them!

Well, the weekend has arrived. Many of you may be heading off for a holiday getaways or perhaps you have plans to spend time with family. Hopefully each of you will get a little time to log off and enjoy the great outdoors this weekend too! It’s going to be a scorcher here, but we’re looking forward to being unplugged and enjoying the fun and sun!

Image by Rupert Ganzer

However, before we all head out, take a look at this week’s Weekly Greens – the holiday weekend edition:

1) Urban Water Transportation: Introducing the CAT, City Aquatic Transportation. Designed for seaside cities, these vehicles are geared to travel along the waterways in order to help relieve congestion on the roads. To top that off, they are driven via auto-pilot. What do think of these?

2) New Air Powered Car Will Soon Be Floating Around India’s Streets: Here’s another one I thought was pretty cool. This car would have a range of about 300km (186 miles) and would only cost around $2 for “refueling”. It’s no sports car, but when you need a vehicle to get around, run errands, commute to work, etc. it seems like a great option. Oh…it goes up to 65mph too!

3) Stop Idling And Turn Off Your Car: This one is something anyone can do, well anyone with a car that is. If you expect to be idling for more than 15-30 seconds, turn off your engine. If you are sitting waiting for someone, turn off your car. If it gets too warm inside, roll down the windows.

Bonus tip: To further improve your fuel economy and lower your vehicle’s emissions, use a proven fuel additive.

4) Humans Dwarf Volcanoes for CO2 Emissions: Speaking of the subject of emissions, this one definitely gives us something to ponder. No question we can make some changes in our lives, don’t you agree?

5) Wrapping Your Mind Around a Personal 20-20-20 Action Plan: Here’s an idea. Very simple in concept and something that everyone should look at doing. Cutting emissions by 20%, increasing use of renewables by 20% and decreasing energy consumption 20% all by 2020. Are you up for it?

6) Start Growing Your Own Food and Gardening: This one will eventually sink in with everyone. Not only does fresh food taste much better, it’s safer to know what you are eating and it’s fun too. Which reminds me, I need to get some more supplies. The kids and I have some gardening to do!

7) How to Repel Mosquitos Naturally: This one I thought was perfect for the holiday weekend. With temperatures rising, it’s good to know how to stave off those pesky mosquitoes without using strong chemicals and toxic sprays.

So there you have it. I hope you enjoyed this week’s Weekly Greens! One last note, remember to keep these tips in mind when you attend or throw any 4th of July parties. Have a happy and biofriendly weekend!

Image by Joel Mann

Fourth of July (and Canada Day) are almost upon us. Millions of people will be enjoying their weekend by spending some time at local parks, beaches, lakes and even enjoying the great outdoors found right in their own backyards. BBQing and grilling are both a Fourth of July and Canada Day past time and for many people ending the night with their own personal fireworks show is a given.

So before you head out for your weekend, here are a few eco-friendly tips to help you enjoy Canada Day or the Fourth of July even more:

1) Fresh fruits and vegetables: Summer is here and there is nothing quite like fresh fruits and vegetables on a hot summer day. This Lime Avocado Quinoa Salad recipe is one of my new favorites! Now, unless you’ve been growing your own for awhile, getting fresh produce from your local growers or Farmers’ Markets is the way to go. And if you plan on grilling, here is a video with some simple tips:

2) BBQ: Now, when it comes to barbecuing, the debate has gone back and forth as to which is the greener way to BBQ, gas or charcoal. While it boils down to a choice of taste for many, here is a video with some smart green tips should you choose to BBQ this weekend (or any weekend).

3) Picnics and partyware: If you plan to have a picnic or party this weekend, whether it be in the park or the backyard, your choice of dinnerware is key. Of course opting for reusable items rather than paper plates and plasticware is the best way to go. You can even ask guests to bring their own dinnerware. That way after the party, everyone can bring their items home to wash and reuse. If you do intend to supply plates, cups, forks, etc. take a look at this video for a few tips that may help you have a greener picnic:

4) Leave no trace: No matter where you decide to celebrate your Fourth of July or Canada Day weekend, if you are going to spend some time outdoors, be sure you do so responsibly. Leave no trace. Protecting nature is something we all need to do. In order to protect and preserve it for the next generation or even the next visitor, it is key that you leave no trace that you were even there. Here is a video with tips to help you do that:

5) Fireworks: If you must incorporate fireworks into your holiday weekend, attend a local fireworks show (and encourage them to switch to eco-friendly fireworks). However, be sure you stay upwind from the celebration so you don’t end up inhaling the smoke from the fireworks. Smoke from fireworks is harmful to health, especially for people who have asthma or other health problems. Don’t bother setting off your own fireworks (even if they are legal in your state). Besides the smoke you could inhale, fireworks can be dangerous and could easily spark damaging fires.

If you have young children or pets, a safer option would be to watch a televised fireworks show from the comfort of your own home. For those of you who love fireworks shows, here is last year’s Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show to tide you over:

But however you choose to enjoy your Fourth of July or Canada Day, please remember there are choices you can make which will allow you to enjoy your time while still being a friend to the environment. I’d love to hear what eco-friendly tips you are incorporating into your holiday weekend! May each of you have a safe, fun and biofriendly time!

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Happy Earth Day! It is estimated that over a billion people in 190+ countries around the world are participating in Earth Day events and activities every year.

Some are attending city-wide or local events while others are working on a more personal level to contribute their small part to A Billion Acts of Green. No matter how you plan to celebrate Earth Day, I thought it would be good to share some tips/ideas that could help you stretch Earth Day from one day into every day.

So here is a special Earth Day Edition of the Biofriendlyblog Weekly Greens:

1) 13 Green Lifestyle Experts Tell Us Their Earth Day Plans – TreeHugger has always been great for spreading green news, tips and information. So if you are looking for some good, but simple ideas for Earth Day (and every day), you should check out what these experts have to say.

2) Arizona State Recycles Trash into Fashion for Earth Day! - Yes, you read that right. Two students have decided to take the concept of refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle into the fashion world. And why not, right?  The idea apparently came from the disposable paper clothing that was once worn in the 1960s. Pretty cool!

Take a look at another example of recycled fashion, Trashion image by Mary Anne Enriquez

3) “Have a Ball” on Earth Day! – As of right now, it’s the only planet we’ve got, so it’s best to take care of. So on this Earth Day, have a ball!

4) 7 Fun Ideas for Screen-Free Week – Earth Day falls in the middle of Screen-Free Week this year, so I thought it would be smart to share a few ideas to help you and your family go screen-free. Many of these ideas are perfect for Earth Day and every day!

5) 5 Earth Day Lessons to Raise Green Kids – For all you parents out there, here are a few simple ways you and your family can put Earth Day values into use every day.

6) Earth Day Is Not A Holiday For Shopping – But whatever you do this Earth Day, please keep in mind that Earth Day is not about consumerism. It’s not about finding the best deals or the “greenest” and most eco-products. There are many things you can do this Earth Day (and every day) to take care of, clean up and protect the Earth. Without spending money on new products.

Image by Paul Swansen

7) 6 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day Everyday – On that same line, instead of going out and buying things on Earth Day, why don’t you make some changes in your life? Adopt some new habits that will take you way beyond Earth Day!

Of course you can also use these 10 Simple Earth Day Do’s and Don’ts to help jump-start your beyond Earth Day living.

As a final message for all you Glee fans out there, here’s Fox’s “Glee Earth Day Tips”:

Take Earth Day beyond just one day and figure out how you can make your daily habits and routines more Earth-friendly. Remember, it is YOUR Earth!

Image by Madmoiselle Lavender Lou

Valentine’s Day will be upon us before you know it. Just a few short weeks ago, now is the time to start plotting and planning for a fantastically romantic Valentine’s Day. One of the nice thing about Valentine’s Day (as with most holidays), there is no reason you can’t incorporate biofriendly ideas into your plans. So many of the “usual” Valentine’s Day activities and ideas come with green or greener alternatives.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways you, and your loved one, can enjoy a wonderfully biofriendly Valentine’s Day:

1) Opt for a homemade meal: Making a meal for your loved one is not only a perfect way to show them how much you care, but it’s also healthier and usually has a smaller impact on the environment.

Image by Ned Raggett

You can do some shopping at your local farmer’s market to get fresh fruits and vegetables. Then either make one of their favorite dishes or try a new dish they might enjoy. Green Wine Guide has a lot of great information on organic wines and recipes that might be perfect for a romantic evening at home.

Here are a few more foods and delectable recipes that can also help get you in the mood.

2) Plan a little “alone time”: By this I simply mean, take some time for yourselves. These days people tend to be so busy with work, kids and all kinds of other activities, they don’t always take the time to just enjoy each other’s company.

Image by JLStricklin

Whether this means planning a date night or watching a romantic movie at home or simply making dinner together, the key is to use the time for just the two of you. Make it time you can spend together, talking, relaxing and taking a breather from the rest of the world for a few hours. Remember, it’s not only about food or a romantic evening. Of course whatever happens later is up to you.

3) Do a little DIY at-home spa: For even further relaxation, you and your loved one can enjoy a little at-home spa with some simple DIY spa recipes.

Image by George Chou

For the most part, all of the recipes listed can be done using all-natural and/or organic materials. Then after your homemade spa treatments, you can indulge by giving each other relaxing back rubs and/or foot massages. A great way to unwind together.

4) Give an Eco Valentine’s Day card: Instead of going to the grocery store and buying a $2, $3 or $4 card for your loved one, try something a little more biofriendly. Get them a plantable Valentine’s Day card. That’s right, get them a card with seeds embedded in the card itself. Often these types of cards are made on recycled paper and by having the seeds added directly into the paper, you get two gifts in one: a card and flowers.

If you’re up to it, you can even make plantable paper yourself. Just take a look at this DIY video:

For a few more tips, check out last year’s Valentine’s Day post on “6 Eco-Friendly Ideas for Valentine’s Day“. While some of the tips may be similar, good green ideas never go out of style. I hope you and your loved ones have a fantastic Valentine’s Day. If you have any especially biofriendly plans for Valentine’s Day, please share them. We always love hearing new ideas!