Green on the Green, Worthington, Ohio - Saturday May 22, 2010

WHERE – WHEN

In conjunction with Worthington’s outdoor Farmers Market, Saturday, May 22nd 10 am-1 pm, on the southwest corner of The Village Green.

WHAT is Green on the Green?
  • Bring environmental awareness to Worthington residents, businesses, schools, civic groups, etc. and to reinforce the notion that we can make an impact both locally and globally.
  • Showcase businesses and groups that are local, may offer green services, products or educational opportunities.
  • Reinforce the big and small efforts that Worthington is making to reduce its environmental impact.
  • Offer motivation and information on how we can do even better by supporting local businesses, reducing our waste, decreasing our carbon footprint and taking care of our planet, etc.
  • Highlight the areas in our community that need improvements (i.e..: downtown recycling, recycling at the high school sports fields, support local businesses, walk and bike more, etc.)

WHO is behind Green on the Green?
  • BigGreenHead.com 
  • Worthington Schools
  • Worthington Libraries
  • Leadership Worthington
  • Various volunteers, including Symhomemom!

Sustainable Saturday - How do you take your morning OJ?

Sometimes I read things that scare me.  I suppose that is why I am on the quest I am to green my family's life.  The Environmental Working Group found that 58 percent of nonorganic orange juice samples tested contained traces of the pestisides used in orange groves.

This Sustainable Saturday is all about Orange Juice.  So, we now know that Organic Orange Juice contains less pesticides and is superior in nutrients, including 30 percent more Vitamin C, according to National Geographic's Green Guide.  But, what is the most eco-friendly OJ option out there? 

There are several ways you can take your morning OJ:  frozen concentrate, from concentrate (in carton), not from concentrate (in carton), from concentrate (in recyclable plastic jug) or not from concentrate (in plastic carafe).  Basically to sum up the research done by National Geographic's Green Guide, the most eco-friendly option from several standpoints in frozen concentrate.  From a nutritional only standpoint, from concentrate (in carton) or from concentrate (in plastic jug) are the most rich in Vitamin C.  (Although the frozen concentrate follows closely behind).

Environmental reasons to purchase frozen concentrate (orange, apple, grape, mixed berry) include lowest transportation costs (to get the product from the manufacturer to your store), container manufacturer (how much energy is used in the manufacturing process) and typical price per gallon of juice. 

So, next time your contemplating which option to purchase, think (Organic) frozen concentrate! 

Today's Earth Day emphasizes the home Home Energy Audits

Today's Earth Day emphasizes the home
Thursday, April 22, 2010 11:41 AM
By Carl E. Feather
Star Beacon


Today is Earth Day, the 40th anniversary of a movement that is even more timely today than it was in 1970, when a horse-drawn funeral carriage led by marchers traveled from North Park to Kent State University Ashtabula.

Reporters from ABC's network news and a Japanese film crew covered the city's observance of the first Earth Day. The event also attracted reporters from Life and Look magazines.

Citizens for Survival organized the event. Both turned out to be a flash in the pan, and environmental fever took a couple of aspirins and went to bed. The problems didn't go away, however, and the county went on to tackle a number of Super Fund sites, including the massive task of remediating Fields Brook and dredging the lower reaches of the Ashtabula River.

These days, Earth Day is much more personal. It has become an opportunity for consumers to assess the way we use energy, consume resources and leave our footprints on the planet, often with the assistance of "green" products and businesses.

One of the trends is to have a home energy audit performed. There are private companies that can perform this work, or if you qualify for assistance through the Weatherization Program, the audit is performed as part of the service.

Carmen Kuula, director of housing for Community Action, said the qualifying income point is 200 percent of the federal poverty level -- for a household of two, that's $29,140.

The local program received $5 million from the federal stimulus package and is nine months into the 21-month grant. Kuula said there's still money available for home weatherization work, and she encourages residents to call for qualification information (998-4996).

Points are assigned to each case and are used to prioritize the order in which the work is done.

Kuula said two big issues that energy audits reveal over and over are light bulbs and air sealing. Incandescent bulbs suck up a lot of electricity and are inefficient at turning that power it into light. Compact fluorescent bulbs, while more expensive initially, use less electricity, operate at cooler temperatures and last longer.

The energy audits often reveal loss of heat/cooling from places home owners don't normally think about when they attempt to seal up their homes, such as around baseboards, ceiling lights and outlets.

If you're too wealthy to qualify for the Weatherization Program, there are private firms who will help you go green in exchange for your greenbacks. GreenStreet Solutions in Cleveland is a start-up company that both audits the home and educates the consumers who live there.

You can read the rest of the article here.

Live in Ohio and interested in a Home Energy Audit? sym-home is a local company who can provide you with that service.  Want to learn more in person, visit our booth at Green on the Green, Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on the Village Green in Worthington, OH

Earthday 2010 - Columbus, OH Celebration @ Franklin Park Conservatory

THE UPDATE Earthday '10

Working Together & Playing Together

After a weekend of community service, it’s time to celebrate! Earth Day 2010: The Update keeps the green going with a festival at Franklin Park on Thursday, April 22 from 3pm to 10pm. Admission is FREE to all. Worksite volunteers enjoy special benefits at the celebration (like a free scoop of ice cream or a free beer).
The celebration, like the worksites, offers something for everyone:
  • Great music and entertainment
  • Speeches by Mayor Michael B. Coleman and Governor Ted Strickland*
  • Columbus’ first Upcycled Fashion Show
  • Booths for environmental groups and businesses with green products or services (from 3pm to 8pm)
  • Screening of the winning video from our video contest
  • Announcement of the Earth Day Challenge Cup winners
  • Children's activities:
    • construct an instrument from recycled materials! (courtesy of ProMusica)
    • author’s reading of a new children’s book
    • a parade, and more
  • Zero waste. Nothing goes to the landfill: everything is recycled or composted
  • Viewing of the winning photos from our photo contest
  • A People’s History of Earth Day (record your favorite memory now!)
  • Improv comedy
* Mayor Coleman has spoken the past three years, Governor Strickland has tentatively agreed to speak.

Symhomemom's Earth Day Deals

There have been many advertised deals of interest in celebration of Earth Day (Today, Thursday, April 22nd)!  Here are a few of my favorites:

Get all the info about Kroger's Design a Reusable Shopping Bag contest here. After you design a bag you will be eligible to receive a coupon for a FREE Reusable Shopping bag that will be loaded directly to your Kroger card and a change to win $1000! 


Burt's Bees® Natural Toothpaste Sample Request or $1/1 Coupon available here.

$2/1 Method Laundry Detergent (25 or 50 loads) Coupon available here.
$1/1 Method Laundry Detergent (25 or 50 loads) Coupon available here.
Method is on Sale! this week at CVS for $5.99 and Target for $6.99 making this a really good deal.

Buy one coconut + creme moisturizing hand wash online, and get the cucumber + aloe scent for FREE!  Just enter the code DOUBLEYOURPLEASURE at checkout. 

Method's spring clean kit is on sale for $24!  This is a great price for these products.  

you'll get:

  • — method laundry detergent, 25 loads - fresh air
  • — all surface wipes - cucumber
  • — multi-surface spray - cucumber
  • — dish soap - cucumber
  • — best in glass cleaner
  • — window + glass microfiber cloth
  • — daily shower spray
You can order one here.
  • Method's website says with a purchase of $75 shipping is FREE, however it appears that if you spend $40, shipping is also FREE!  
  • It also appears that there is no limit to the number of FREE hand wash. 

$1/1 Biokleen Coupon available here.

EarthBound Farm - Win a Reusable Bag!

Take the Earth-Bound Kitchen Quiz for money saving coupons or a chance to win a fabulous reusable shopping bag! 

Method: Spring Clean Kit for $24!

spring clean kit

everything you need to tackle every room.

yours at $9 off full price.

the calendar says it’s time to clean house. so we put together this spring cleaning kit to get the job done. there’s all purpose cleaner, dish soap, laundry detergent, cleaning wipes, daily shower spray, glass cleaner and a reusable microfiber cloth – all the non-toxic, biodegradable goodness you need in one kit that cleans like heck and smells like heaven.

you'll get:
  • — method laundry detergent, 25 loads - fresh air
  • — all surface wipes - cucumber
  • — multi-surface spray - cucumber
  • — dish soap - cucumber
  • — best in glass cleaner
  • — window + glass microfiber cloth
  • — daily shower spray
You can order your here.

Green on the Green, Worthington, Ohio - Saturday May 22, 2010

WHERE – WHEN

In conjunction with Worthington’s outdoor Farmers Market, Saturday, May 22nd 10 am-1 pm, on the southwest corner of The Village Green.

WHAT is Green on the Green?
  • Bring environmental awareness to Worthington residents, businesses, schools, civic groups, etc. and to reinforce the notion that we can make an impact both locally and globally.
  • Showcase businesses and groups that are local, may offer green services, products or educational opportunities.
  • Reinforce the big and small efforts that Worthington is making to reduce its environmental impact.
  • Offer motivation and information on how we can do even better by supporting local businesses, reducing our waste, decreasing our carbon footprint and taking care of our planet, etc.
  • Highlight the areas in our community that need improvements (i.e..: downtown recycling, recycling at the high school sports fields, support local businesses, walk and bike more, etc.)

WHO is behind Green on the Green?
  • BigGreenHead.com 
  • Worthington Schools
  • Worthington Libraries
  • Leadership Worthington
  • Various volunteers, including Symhomemom!

Sustainable Saturday - Uses for frozen fruit

For years I have been taking overly ripe bananas and placing them in my freezer. Sometimes they go in as a whole banana, sometimes just the banana itself in a freezer bag. What do I do with these bananas . . . use them for breakfast! A common weekend breakfast is banana pancakes or waffles sometimes with chocolate chips or even blueberries. Those who have tried them, love them! A really great batch of banana pancakes or waffles are judged by whether or not they have enough banana flavor to not require maple syrup!

Banana Pancakes

1 cup Unbleached All Purpose Flour
1/2 cup Whole Wheat Flour
3 Tbsp Sugar
1 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/4 tsp Salt

2 eggs
3 frozen bananas (defrosted and mushed, they will be like liquid if they were super ripe) or 2 fresh bananas
1 tsp vanilla (optional)
2% Organic Milk (enough to make the consistency right . . . I just use my best guess)
Chocolate Chips or Blueberries

Combine dry ingredients in large mixing bowl.  Combine remainder of ingredients in a separate bowl.  I usually mash the bananas first, then add everything else.  Pour wet mixture into dry mixture and add milk as needed for the right consistency.  Cook on griddle for a couple of minutes each side.  Serve warm.

Organic Valley Contest

Enter for the chance to win a free membership to Slow Foods USA, free cookware from cooking.com, or a free year of Organic Valley products. When you enter, we'll donate $1 to Slow Foods USA in your honor!
Drawing ends June 30, 2010. See rules here for complete details.

PRIZES

By a random drawing, 1,000 entrants will receive a one-year electronic membership to Slow Foods USA. Five (5) entrants will be receive a year of FREE Organic Valley products (in the form of 52 free product coupons.) Three (3) entrants will be drawn from the five (5) Organic Valley free product winners to receive a $500 gift certificate from Cooking.com.

CVS: $0.50 off Reusable Bag coupon thru 4/18

Looking to grow you reusable bag collection?  Thru 4/18 you can get a coupon for $0.50 off any CVS/pharmacy Reusable Bag!

RecycleBank - Earn 15 FREE points!

Love magazines? Love the environment?
Hearst and the eBay Green Team want you to pledge to recycle your magazines (after you've read them, of course!). Grab your magazines, recycle them, and visit recyclebank.com/30daysofgreen with the code RECYCLEYOURMAGS to earn 15 RecycleBank Points.


Haven't registered with RecycleBank yet?  Check out my previous post here on the details on how to get started.  

Target: Go Green!

Target has launched a Go Green portion of their website.  On this Go Green website there is information about their Drive Home Sweepstakes in which you can WIN a GRAND PRIZE 2010 FORD FUSION HYBRID.

You can also get a FREE reusable bag


In collaboration with Tide, GE and Coca-Cola, Target stores will give away 1.5 million reusable bags with purchase on April 18, the first day of Earth Week.

In addition:
  • $0.05 savings off your total purchase for each reusable bag you use.
  • Target partners with Next- Worth to offer hassle-free recycling for used electronics. Send in your old device and get a GiftCard in return.
  • Every Target store now offers the convenience of recycling kiosks for everything from plastic bottles and bags to ink cartridges.
  • Turn five plastic bags into Terracycle and get $1 toward a reusable one.
  • See your printed Circular on April 18th for details:
    Or send 5 bags to: Terracycle 121 New York Avenue Trenton, NJ 08638

Whole Foods Market® - Half Pint Club

Ollie pollie.bmp 

Saturday, April 17th
Half Pint Club: Celebrating Earth Week
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.     Free

Join us in the celebration as we meet Jason Burke, local author of children’s book Recycled Again. Jason will conduct a live reading at 12:30 p.m. Autographed copies will be available for sale. We’ll also plant seeds to take home and make your very own craft apron made from reusable shopping bags.  Can’t wait to see you there !!!!
 
Ollie-Pollie

Whole Foods Market® - One Day Sale


On Friday, April 16th Only

Air Chilled Chicken Breast Boneless & Skinless Sale $3.99 (Reg. $6.49)

Whole Foods Market® - This Week's Hot Deals




You can check out all of Whole Foods Market® Hot Deals here.  These prices are valid from April 14th thru April 20th.

You can read all about the current coupon deals available in both the whole deal and available to print online here.

Be sure to check out Whole Foods Tax Relief Week Specials available here.  Sale valid at these locations: Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey (Marlton and Princeton only) Whole Foods Market locations.

Whole Foods is offering a FREE cup of coffee on Wednesday, April 14th. See your store for details. Info is available here.  (Available in Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey (Marlton and Princeton only) Whole Foods Market locations.)



Wild Caught Raw Shell-On Shrimp, 16–20 count
Sale! $11.99 lb
Reg. $15.99 lb

Zevia Diet Soda (6x12 oz pack)
Sale! $3.99 ea
Reg. $5.99 ea

Whole Foods Market® Boneless Beef Sirloin Steak
Sale! $6.99 lb
Reg. $9.99 lb

California Artichokes
Sale! $1.99 ea
Reg. $2.99 ea

Mexico Blackberries (6 oz)
Sale! 2 for $5
Reg. $3.99 ea

Whole Foods Market® Fried Chicken
Sale! $4.99 lb
Reg. $6.99 lb

Local Green Events - Columbus, Ohio

I am always reading something, learning and sharing.  Here are some local events of interest:

Let's Retake Our Plates Film Series

Every Thursday in April, 9:30 p.m.
Cost:  $5
At Studio 35, 3055 Indianola Avenue

Every bite has a story. Whether it's a plate of pasta, a T-bone steak or a banana, your conscious food choices can make a world of difference. Let's support sustainable food choices. Let's retake our plates. Our goal is to get people to think about the "life" of the food on their plates, be it a piece of chicken or a can of beans. We want people to think about the creation of food and how many elements it touches during the course of its production. The fact that we ALL have a choice and we need to get educated about the food we eat so we can make choices that support our values.

4/15: Fresh

4/22: The Garden

4/29: Soylent Green

Cleaning Up our Kids' Diet Workshop & Store Tour
Saturday, April 17th, 2010
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Whole Foods Market
Free, Registration Required

With Patty Canton, HealthSmart! Consulting

It's no secret that kids today are facing health, learning and behavior challenges at epidemic levels and the role of healthy eating is often overlooked when addressing these concerns for children. The foods we eat affects how we think, feel and behave. This workshop will focus on moving away from the Standard American Diet (SAD) toward more healthful alternatives to promote good health, behavior and learning for our kids. The session will also include some ideas for lunchbox-makeovers that provide kid-friendly, healthy alternatives followed by a walking tour through our store.

Half Pint Club: Celebrating Earth Week
Saturday, April 17th, 2010
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Whole Foods Market
Free

Join us in the celebration as we meet Jason Burke, local author of children's book Recycled Again. Jason will conduct a live reading at 12:30 p.m. Autographed copies will be available for sale. We'll also plant seeds to take home and make your very own craft apron made from reusable shopping bags.

Vase Recycling Weekend
Friday, April 23rd - Sunday, April 25th, 2010
Whole Foods Market
All Weekend Free

Spring cleaning is the perfect time clear out your cabinets of all those extra vases and floral containers! Bring in your cleaned vases to the floral counter and receive a free pack of certified organic Autumn Beauty Sunflower Seeds to grow at home. Make it a fresh, uncluttered start to spring!

Friday, April 30 - Sunday, May 2, 2010
Camp Oty’Okwa in the Hocking Hills

EcoWeekend brings you the best, affordable, fun, family-friendly, educational nature weekend in Central Ohio!  EcoWeekend offers a variety of programs about birds, animals, arts and crafts, wildflowers, astronomy, nature, and much more.

Youth Program (Pre-K—Grade 8) Keeping The Wonder Alive
Saturday Evening Program “Close Encounter” with the Cincinnati Zoo

EcoWeekend Registration Fees:
$40/ Adult
$25/ Pre-K - 8
Lodging and Meals:
$65/ Adult
$45/ Pre-K - 8
Meals Only:
$45/ Adult
$25/ Pre-K - 8
Non Audubon Member Household Surcharge: $20.00

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  April 8, 2010!

Eating Green
Tuesday, May 4, 2010 @ 7 p.m.
Old Worthington Library, 820 High Street, Worthington

Representatives from Local Matters, a central Ohio non-profits group, will share their expertise and discuss how our food choices not only affect our own health, but also that of the planet.  Presented in partnership with the Healthy Worthington Coalition as part of their Being Green = Being Healthy series.

Cleaning Up our Kids' Diet Workshop & Store Tour
Wednesday, May 6th, 2010
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Whole Foods Market
Free, Registration Required

With Patty Canton, HealthSmart! Consulting

It's no secret that kids today are facing health, learning and behavior challenges at epidemic levels and the role of healthy eating is often overlooked when addressing these concerns for children. The foods we eat affects how we think, feel and behave. This workshop will focus on moving away from the Standard American Diet (SAD) toward more healthful alternatives to promote good health, behavior and learning for our kids. The session will also include some ideas for lunchbox-makeovers that provide kid-friendly, healthy alternatives followed by a walking tour through our store.

Green on the Green
Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Worthington Green, Worthington 

WHERE – WHEN

In conjunction with Worthington’s outdoor Farmers Market, Saturday, May 22nd 10 am-1 pm, on the southwest corner of The Village Green.

WHAT is Green on the Green?
  • Bring environmental awareness to Worthington residents, businesses, schools, civic groups, etc. and to reinforce the notion that we can make an impact both locally and globally.
  • Showcase businesses and groups that are local, may offer green services, products or educational opportunities.
  • Reinforce the big and small efforts that Worthington is making to reduce its environmental impact.
  • Offer motivation and information on how we can do even better by supporting local businesses, reducing our waste, decreasing our carbon footprint and taking care of our planet, etc.
  • Highlight the areas in our community that need improvements (i.e..: downtown recycling, recycling at the high school sports fields, support local businesses, walk and bike more, etc.)
WHO is behind Green on the Green?
  • BigGreenHead.com 
  • Worthington Schools
  • Worthington Libraries
  • Leadership Worthington
  • Various volunteers, including Symhomemom!

Green on the Green, Worthington, Ohio - Saturday May 22, 2010

WHERE – WHEN

In conjunction with Worthington’s outdoor Farmers Market, Saturday, May 22nd 10 am-1 pm, on the southwest corner of The Village Green.

WHAT is Green on the Green?
  • Bring environmental awareness to Worthington residents, businesses, schools, civic groups, etc. and to reinforce the notion that we can make an impact both locally and globally.
  • Showcase businesses and groups that are local, may offer green services, products or educational opportunities.
  • Reinforce the big and small efforts that Worthington is making to reduce its environmental impact.
  • Offer motivation and information on how we can do even better by supporting local businesses, reducing our waste, decreasing our carbon footprint and taking care of our planet, etc.
  • Highlight the areas in our community that need improvements (i.e..: downtown recycling, recycling at the high school sports fields, support local businesses, walk and bike more, etc.)

WHO is behind Green on the Green?
  • BigGreenHead.com 
  • Worthington Schools
  • Worthington Libraries
  • Leadership Worthington
  • Various volunteers, including Symhomemom!

Babies R Us Sale!

We stopped in Babies R Us to pick up a few clearance items that were part of Babies R Us/ Toys R Us Sale 4/9 - 4/22.

This is what we bought:

Method Laundry Detergent - Clearance $4.98
Honest Kids Organic Juice - Reg. $3.99 (less 20% off coupon, less $0.75/1 coupon) = $2.44
Seventh Generation Dish Cubes (7 total) - Clearance $1.98 each (less $1/1 coupon) = $0.98 each
Seventh Generation Rinse Aid - Clearance $1.98 each (less $1/1 coupon) = $0.98 each
Jason's Foaming Kids Hand Soap - Clearance $1.98
Method Bathroom Scrub - Clearance $0.98
Method Toilet Bowl Cleaner (2 total) - Clearance $0.98

After I submit for the $5 Seventh Generation Rebate, my total out of pocket will be approximately $11!

Sustainable Saturday - Want to go green? Ask Grandma.

You'll want to check out in the next few weeks as I explore doing things Grandma's way.  This new blog series will explore a lot of things we can learn from our grandparents and even great-grandparents about living frugal and living green.  During a recent visit to my husband's grandmother's home, I noticed a compost bin, the old makings of a huge garden and learned how she used to feed her family of 12 from their garden.
While your making your list for Spring Cleaning, you might want to check out this article from Mambo Sprouts that is right along the lines of this new blog series:  Would Your Pantry Make Great-Grandma Proud?

As for our garden update, our plants are growing and the weather will hopefully get warmer to stay soon.  I am hopeful that we will have an early harvest again this year of green beans.  My kids love to eat them right in the garden! 

Giveaway: Seventh Generation Disinfecting Kit!

You can sign up to WIN this Seventh Generation Disinfecting Kit by visiting Stretching A Buck!

Babies R Us & Toys R Us - Sale April 9 - 22, 2010 - UPDATE!


Sale April 9 - 22, 2010

You can check out the entire online ad here.

A few Green Products highlights:
  • ALL BornFree 2-pk. bottles  - Buy 1, Get 1 50% off
  • ALL Avent 2-pk. bottles - Buy 1, Get 1 50% off
  • SAVE $5 ALL Dreft, Tide and Earth's Best detergent 40 load or higher
  • SAVE $2 ALL Seventh Generation (Reg. 10.99), Huggies Pure & Natural (Reg. 11.99), gDiapers (Reg. 19.99 - Varies) and Earth's Best diapers (Reg. 11.99)
    • Combine with Seventh Generation $1/1 coupon here or here.
      • $1 OFF One (1) Package of Seventh Generation Diapers or Wipes
    • Combine with Huggies Pure & Natural $3/1 coupon here.
    • Combine with Earth's Best $1.50/1 coupon here.
        • Scenario:  Buy 1 Huggies Pure & Natural @ 10.99
        • Use $2/1 Babies R Us coupon
        • Use $3/1 Manuf. coupon
        • Total:  $5.99
  • ALL BabyGanics items - Buy 1, Get 1 50% off (Reg. 2.49-15.99)
  • SAVE $2 on ANY two Yes to baby carrots items (Reg. 7.99-12.99) 
  • SAVE $2 on ANY two California Baby items (Reg. 11.49-19.99)
  • SAVE $2 on ANY Plum Organics purchase of $10 or more items (Reg. 1.19-3.49)
  • SAVE $5 on ANY four Earth's Best organic baby food variety packs
    • Combine with Earth's Best organic baby food coupon here.
  • ALL Seventh Generation cleaning & laundry items - Buy 1, Get 1 50% off (Reg. 4.99-24.99)
    • Combine with Seventh Generation $1/1 and $2/2 coupons here and here.
      • Save $1 when you buy any ONE (1) Laundry Product
      • Save $2 when you buy any TWO (2) Seventh Generation Products
      • $1 OFF Any One (1) Seventh Generation Feminine Care Product
      • $1 OFF Any One (1) Seventh Generation Product
    • Combine with Seventh Generation $1/1 coupon available from Wegmans Nature's Marketplace Magazine or Publix Greenwise Magazine.
    • Submit for $5 Seventh Generation Rebate here.
        • Scenario:  Buy 4 Seventh Generation Items @ 4.99 ea.  
        • Use 4 - $1/1 Seventh Generation coupons
        • Apply for $5 Rebate
        • Total:  $5.87 for 4 Seventh Generation Items
This deal may be IS even better if you purchase items that are also on clearance.  I've seen reported online that many Seventh Generation Items have been I have confirmed that many Seventh Generation Items are on clearance for $1.98.  

The items included:  Dishwasher dish cubes, Dishwasher powder, Dishwasher Rinse Aid, 50 oz. Laundry detergent and fabric softener, Dryer Sheets and Tampons.  

If you purchase 4 @ 1.98 = 7.92 
less BOGO 1/2 off = 5.94 
less 4 - $1/1 coupons = 1.94 
less $5 Rebate = ALL Items FREE plus 3.06 Money Maker!

ALSO, there are many other items throughout the Store that are also on Clearance.  A few examples:
  • Method Laundry Detergent - 4.98-7.98
  • Method Toilet Bowl Cleaner - 0.98
  • Method Bathroom Scrub - 0.98
  • Jason's Kids Shampoo, Conditioner and Hand Soap - 1.98

    Whole Foods Market® - This Week's Hot Deals




    You can check out all of Whole Foods Market® Hot Deals here.  These prices are valid from April 7th thru April 13th.

    You can read all about the current coupon deals available in both the whole deal and available to print online here.

    Ground Beef 93% Lean
    Sale! $4.49 lb
    Reg. $5.49 - $5.99 lb

    Wellshire Kid’s Chicken Bites Dinosaur Shaped (10 oz)
    Sale! $3.99 ea
    Reg. $5.49 ea

    California Minneola Tangelos 3 lb. bag
    Sale! $2.99 ea
    Reg. $3.99 ea

    Canada European Cucumbers
    Sale! 99¢ ea
    Reg. $1.99 ea

    Wild Caught Raw Shell On Shrimp 16/20 ct. (Previously Frozen)
    Sale! $11.99 lb
    Reg. $15.99 lb

    Whole Foods Market® Grilled Deli Chicken Breast
    Sale! $2.49 ea
    Reg. $3.49 ea

    Near East® Pilaf, Couscous, Meal Kits (5.1 - 6.75 oz)
    Select Varieties
    Sale! 3 for $5
    Reg. $2.29 ea

    Yogi Granola Crisps (10.4 oz)
    Select Varieties
    Sale! 2 for $6
    Reg. $4.99 ea

    Steaz® Organic Iced Teas (16 oz) Select Varieties
    Sale! 5 for $4
    Reg. $1.19 ea

    Imagine Organic Soups & Broths (32 oz) Assorted Varieties
    Sale! 2 for $6

    Michael Angelo's Italian Entrees (10-12 oz) Assorted Varieties
    Sale! 2 for $7

    Naked Juice Green Machine (15.2 oz)
    Sale! 2 for $5

    Mambo Sprouts $10 Gift Cards to 40 Lucky Fans! & Money Saving Coupons!

     
    To celebrate Earth Day’s 40th anniversary, we’re giving away $10 gift cards to 40 lucky fans! Become a Facebook Fan for your chance to win. Winners will be randomly selected on Earth Day, April 22nd!
     
    Also be sure to check out Mambo Sprouts E-Coupons!
     
    A few of the coupons currently available:
    •  $1/2 Lifeway ProBugs Drinkable Yogurt (Whole Foods)
    • $1/1 Newman's Own Thin & Crispy Pizza
    • $1/1 Seventh Generation Diapers or Wipes (All Seventh Generation Items are on Sale! this week at Kroger thru 4/25/10.  Diapers are priced at $11.99 and Wipes at $3.49 before coupons.)

    Local Green Events - Columbus, Ohio

    I am always reading something, learning and sharing.  Here are some local events of interest:

    Environmental Lobby Day 2010 is your chance to "green up" the Ohio Statehouse.
    Wednesday, April 14, 2010
    8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Lawmaker Meetings & Activities - YWCA & Ohio Statehouse

    4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Cocktails & Conversation Reception  - Hyatt on Capitol Square

    Join the Ohio Environmental Council's environmental-conservation network to bring environmental concerns and priorities directly to state lawmakers and officials from environmental and regulatory agencies. The OEC will arrange appointments for you with lawmakers as well as give you tips and information to make your meetings as productive as possible.

    The day includes lunch at the Statehouse Atrium with lawmakers and staff, and an evening "Cocktails & Conversation" reception from 4-6 pm to network and share the day’s experiences.
    Cost:

    • Non-refundable fee includes continental breakfast, lunch, evening reception, and materials. 
    • $25 each for OEC members (free for OEC Legacy Club and President’s Club members)
    • $30 each for non-members (includes 1-year OEC membership)
    For group discounts, please call (614) 487-7506 to register.

    Register by March 31! Details available here. 


    Friday, April 30 - Sunday, May 2, 2010
    Camp Oty’Okwa in the Hocking Hills

    EcoWeekend brings you the best, affordable, fun, family-friendly, educational nature weekend in Central Ohio!  EcoWeekend offers a variety of programs about birds, animals, arts and crafts, wildflowers, astronomy, nature, and much more.

    Youth Program (Pre-K—Grade 8) Keeping The Wonder Alive
    Saturday Evening Program “Close Encounter” with the Cincinnati Zoo

    EcoWeekend Registration Fees:
    $40/ Adult
    $25/ Pre-K - 8
    Lodging and Meals:
    $65/ Adult
    $45/ Pre-K - 8
    Meals Only:
    $45/ Adult
    $25/ Pre-K - 8
    Non Audubon Member Household Surcharge: $20.00

    REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  April 8, 2010!

    Eating Green
    Tuesday, May 4, 2010 @ 7 p.m.
    Old Worthington Library, 820 High Street, Worthington

    Representatives from Local Matters, a central Ohio non-profits group, will share their expertise and discuss how our food choices not only affect our own health, but also that of the planet.  Presented in partnership with the Healthy Worthington Coalition as part of their Being Green = Being Healthy series.

    Green on the Green
    Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
    Worthington Green, Worthington 

    WHERE – WHEN

    In conjunction with Worthington’s outdoor Farmers Market, Saturday, May 22nd 10 am-1 pm, on the southwest corner of The Village Green.

    WHAT is Green on the Green?
    • Bring environmental awareness to Worthington residents, businesses, schools, civic groups, etc. and to reinforce the notion that we can make an impact both locally and globally.
    • Showcase businesses and groups that are local, may offer green services, products or educational opportunities.
    • Reinforce the big and small efforts that Worthington is making to reduce its environmental impact.
    • Offer motivation and information on how we can do even better by supporting local businesses, reducing our waste, decreasing our carbon footprint and taking care of our planet, etc.
    • Highlight the areas in our community that need improvements (i.e..: downtown recycling, recycling at the high school sports fields, support local businesses, walk and bike more, etc.)

    WHO is behind Green on the Green?
    • BigGreenHead.com 
    • Worthington Schools
    • Worthington Libraries
    • Leadership Worthington
    • Various volunteers, including Symhomemom!

    Green on the Green, Worthington, Ohio - Saturday May 22, 2010

    WHERE – WHEN

    In conjunction with Worthington’s outdoor Farmers Market, Saturday, May 22nd 10 am-1 pm, on the southwest corner of The Village Green.

    WHAT is Green on the Green?
    • Bring environmental awareness to Worthington residents, businesses, schools, civic groups, etc. and to reinforce the notion that we can make an impact both locally and globally.
    • Showcase businesses and groups that are local, may offer green services, products or educational opportunities.
    • Reinforce the big and small efforts that Worthington is making to reduce its environmental impact.
    • Offer motivation and information on how we can do even better by supporting local businesses, reducing our waste, decreasing our carbon footprint and taking care of our planet, etc.
    • Highlight the areas in our community that need improvements (i.e..: downtown recycling, recycling at the high school sports fields, support local businesses, walk and bike more, etc.)

    WHO is behind Green on the Green?
    • BigGreenHead.com 
    • Worthington Schools
    • Worthington Libraries
    • Leadership Worthington
    • Various volunteers, including Symhomemom!

    Sustainable Saturday - Gardening with Children: A Series Documenting our Garden 2010 - Composting

    Composting is an integral part of gardening and one of the easiest Green tasks at our house!  When I first began composting our food scraps several years ago, I thought it was going to be a daunting task. Many times I joked about how I had added yet another task around the house by attempting to compost.

    Turns out composting actually reduces our weekly waste by quite a lot. We put all of our fruit and vegetable waste, coffee grounds, coffee filters, egg shells, dryer lint, dryer sheets (Seventh Generation), leaves and select other yard waste in our compost. We have built a outside compost bin using wood from recycled pallets. We use this compost to fertilize our garden and lawn.

    Here are two articles from Organic Gardening which explains the basics of Composting:  Compost 101 and  Build a Compost Pile.

    How do I get started and where can I purchase the necessary items to begin Composting?

    You can build a compost bin like ours using a recycled pallet.  Instructions on how available here, here and here.

    You can also purchase compost crocks and compost bins from a variety of resources including:

    Garden's Alive
    Gardener's Supply Company
    Greenfeet
    The Home Depot
    Generation Green (Columbus, Ohio)


    Another item that will contribute to the success of your compost pile is a Compost Aerator.  You can find one here
    What do we put in our Compost?

    We compost our dryer lint and dryer sheets (Seventh Generation):
    We purchase sponges by Twist (Whole Foods, on Sale $3.59 for 2) and Rubbits (Available in Columbus at Generation Green, Whole Foods also carries their own version, Regular Price $0.99).  The Twist Sponge and the Rubbits (basically a scouring pad without harmful chemicals) are both compostable. 

    Their are many items that claim that they are compostable and/ or biodegradable.  Examples of such products are trash bags, earth-friendly diapers, wet wipes (like Method), dryer sheets and even new SunChips bags.  These items are compostable and/or biodegradable however if you are not actually composting them, they will take a long time to compost or biodegrade if placed in a plastic bag and go to a landfill.  You can read my previous post here on trash bags.

    March Grocery Budget Update

    In March we continued to purchase as much Organic and Earth-friendly products as possible, however we once again exceeded our $250.00 monthly grocery budget.  The month of March brought our son's 2nd birthday, an Alexia Dinner Party which we hosted courtesy of House Party and several play dates with multiple kids and parents.  Our freezer is full and our panty is plentiful!
     
    For April, I am going to try something different.  I am going to take a coupon clipping and deal seeking sabbatical.  I am going to purchase only produce, dairy and meat over the coarse of the next month.  We will keep lower our budget to $150.00 and see how we do! 

    Here's the master list of what we bought in March 2010: