Saving Family Green: May 2011

Whole Foods Market® - $10 OFF when you spend $40 in the Meat Department! (Ohio)

Whole Foods Market® - One Day Deal! (Ohio)

One Day Deals!

Wholly Guacamole - $1/1 Coupon!

Wholly Guacamole $1/1 Coupon available here! (Expires 6/30/11)

Buca di Beppo - FREE Buca Small Pasta! (w/ purchase on 5/30)

You can print your coupon here!

Environmental Working Group's 2011 Sunscreen Guide!

Environmental Working Group's 2011 Sunscreen Guide

The best sunscreen is a hat and a shirt. No chemicals to absorb through the skin, no questions about whether they work. But when you can’t get away from exposing your skin to the sun, use EWG’s top-rated sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB-sunburn) protection with fewer hazardous chemicals that penetrate the skin. Sunscreen and sunblock makers are awaiting FDA approval for a wider selection of UVA-blocking chemicals. In the meantime, all top-rated products contain either zinc or titanium minerals to help cut UVA exposures for sunscreen users.

Check out the Environmental Working Group's 2011 Sunscreen Guide.

Whole Foods Market® - This Week's Hot Deals (Ohio)

These prices are valid from May 25 thru May 31.

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

Sales appear to be regional or even by State. Please confirm with your store their coupon policy as some stores will allow you to use one manufacturer coupon + one Whole Foods coupon per item.

UPDATE: Whole Foods (Dublin) is no longer accepting stacked coupons due to a change in store management.

One Day Deals!

This Week's Hot Deals!

These Hot Deals! are local to Whole Foods Market - Ohio locations.

Check out even more Whole Foods Market deals by visiting Your Green Helper.

Spark up the grill and invite a crowd. We always sell pristine cuts of beef, poultry and more, but this great sale is only once year. Spend $40 in our meat department; save $10 at checkout. It’s that easy — see in-store coupon for details.

Offer good Memorial Day weekend from Friday, May 27 through Monday, May 30, 2011, only.

GEORGIA Organic Blueberries
We get these sweet, juicy berries fresh from Georgia. Perfect for your pies, cobblers and pancakes, or just eating right from the box.
(6 oz)
2 for $7
Reg. $4.99 ea

FLORIDA Bi-Color Corn
Our extra-sweet bi-color corn is selectively bred, so each kernel is bursting with flavor — ready to be
grilled or broiled. Serve it with butter, mixed with some lime and cayenne for a spicy treat.
6 for $2
Reg. 50¢ ea

Made In Our Kitchens Carolina BBQ Short Ribs
Leave the grilling to us!
$8.99 lb
Reg. $10.99 lb

Dr. Praeger’s Veggie Burgers
(11 oz)
2 for $7
Reg. $4.39 ea

Mexico Champagne Mangoes
10 for $10
Reg. $1.50 ea

Ciao Bella Sorbet or Gelato
(16 oz)
$3.69 ea
Reg. $4.99 ea

Honest Tea Bottled Tea
(16 fl oz)
5 for $5
Reg. $1.39 ea
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available RecycleBank.com (60 points)
FREE after coupon

Inglehoffe Mustard
(10 – 10.25 fl oz)
2 for $7
Reg. $4.49 ea

Green Mountain Gringo Tortilla Strips
(8 oz)
2 for $4
Reg. $2.99 ea

Hyland’s Muscle Therapy Gel with Arnica
Topical relief for muscle soreness.
(3 oz)
$6.49 ea
Reg. $8.49 ea

CleanWell Foaming Hand Soap
Kills germs without harsh chemicals.
(9.5 oz)
$4.69 ea
Reg. $6.69 ea

Costa Rica Whole Trade™
Pineapple
$2.99 ea
Reg. $3.99 ea

Crave Brothers Mozzarella Ball
Perfect with tomatoes and basil!
(16 oz)
BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE
Reg. $7.99 ea

Cholula Hot Sauce
(5 fl oz)
$2.79 ea
Reg. $3.99 ea

Women Changing the Way We Eat: A Farm Dinner Benefiting Local Matters

Women Changing the Way We Eat: A Farm Dinner Benefiting Local Matters

Saturday, June 25, 2011 from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (ET)

Jorgensen Farms, 5851 East Walnut Street, Westerville, OH 43081

Cost: approximately $100 per person

Join Local Matters for an evening celebrating the women working to change the food system in Central Ohio. Special guest Temra Costa, author of Farmer Jane: Women Changing the Way We Eat will share her thoughts on the unique role that women are playing in leading the charge for a sustainable food system around the country.

Ten Ohio women will join us as honored guests to share their own experiences around the table. Women farmers, chefs, and producers will showcase their talents and wares while we enjoy a delicious meal of Ohio foods prepared in the beautiful setting of Jorgensen Farms.

Local Matters is a not-for-profit based in Central Ohio whose mission is to transform the food system to be more secure, prosperous, just and delicious!

Ohio State Buckeyes Go Green!

Ohio Stadium will be the site of a bold project this fall to divert 90 percent of gameday waste from the landfill.

By Katy Ricchiuto

greenguide1

Ohio State football fans will see a big difference in their Ohio Stadium surroundings this season.
For the first time in the Horseshoe’s history, there will be no trash cans on the premises — the evidence of an ambitious green effort to make the entire stadium a Zero Waste zone.

“The idea has been floating around for a couple of years,” said Corey Hawkey, sustainability coordinator for Energy Services and Sustainability. “We first started seeing significant movement toward Zero Waste at stadiums from the University of Colorado, where they started something called Ralphie’s Green Stampede.”

Read the rest of the article here.

Thanks! Eco-Friendly Family

MorningStar - $1 OFF Veggie Burger Coupon!

With your flair for flavor on the grill, we know you want delicious burger ideas and lots of them. So this summer on MorningstarFarms.com, we're bringing you a different delicious, meatless burger recipe every week. Use your $1.00 coupon to give one a try!

$1/1 Morningstar Veggie Burger Coupon available here.

The Hills Market - FREE Reusable Bag! (w/ $50 purchase)

The Hills Market is a locally-owned, specialty grocer located at the bottom of Worthington Hills - 7860 Olentangy River Road.

Open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

FREE REUSABLE HILLS MARKET BAG

When you spend $50 or more at The Hills Market between now and May 31, 2011, you'll receive one free reusable Hills Market Bag. Coupon not required for free bag.

Offer Expires: May 31, 2011.

Annual Salmon Roast

Saturday, May 28th | 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Our Salmon Roast marks the beginning of summer. On Saturday, May 28th, we'll be grilling 1000 pounds of salmon in our parking lot while the steel drum band music from The Winchester Steel Company plays in the background. Jeni's Ice Cream will be on location, selling scoops of ice cream, and local food vendors (such as Zapico and El Campo Authentic Argentinean Empanadas) will line the sidewalk, offering samples to folks waiting in line.

Each year, the event doubles as a fundraiser for a local organization. This year, we're partnering with Wild Goose Creative.

We will serve our classic Hills Own Salmon Sandwich with a side of Hills Own Cole Slaw for $8.50. We'll have beer, wine, Boar's Head hot dogs, chips and cookies, as well. No reservations are required.

This year, we're working with Eartha Limited to make recycling easier at our store's largest event.

The Andersons - 20% OFF! any one item (May 23rd thru May 26th)

Sustainable Saturday - A Truly Sustainable Day!

This Saturday we did something that I'm not sure we have done many times before, at least intentionally anyways. We didn't drive anywhere. And it's not to say that we didn't go anywhere, we just chose other means of transportation. In our community every Saturday morning we have a terrific Farmer's Market in the downtown area which is approximately two miles from our home. This week the Farmer's Market was joined by an event called 'Green on the Green' (the town square is called "The Green"). Local high school students were offering a "bike check", so we loaded up our children and rode our bikes to the events. Our 5 year old rode her own bike and our 3 year old rode in the bike carrier.

After we returned from our adventure we did some yard work, played, cooked and ate dinner. We didn't drive our car anywhere and it felt good. It made me wonder if this should become a weekly event. What if everyone took one day each week and didn't drive anywhere? It would help preserve our natural resources and save on your budget (especially with gas hovering $4 per gallon). We live in a large suburb of Columbus, Ohio which is not exactly the most pedestrian or bicycle friendly place, but we have schools, a grocery store, our church and downtown all within a few miles.

What do you think? Could your family not drive anywhere on one designated day per week?

RecycleBank - Earn 10 Points!

The Future Friendly Neighbors - Earn 10 RecycleBank Points

What is RecycleBank?

Earn RecycleBank points for all kinds of actions including home recycling, refering friends, participating in Green Your Home Challenge and many more opportunities you can learn about here.

Get Rewards in the form of money saving coupons for a variety of products.

Earn Rewards like $2/1 Coupon for Kashi! (125 Points)

Gardening: How to Grow Asparagus

I have been wanting to grow asparagus for several years and this article has inspired me to get started! Knowing that asparagus can take several years before it produces a harvest seems like a long time to wait (especially with small children who want instant gratification!), but I didn't realize that once planted asparagus will produce a crop every spring for 20-30 years! That's a great return on your initial investment!

By Kathy LaLiberte

If you love asparagus and want to grow some yourself, waste no time in getting started. Even with the best of care, an asparagus bed won’t hit its stride for several years. But once that happens, the bed will produce an abundant crop of spears spring after spring for at least the next 20 to 30 years.

You can read the remainder of the article here.

Shutterfly - Earn $10 off your next order!

Just ordered invitations to a graduation party for our daughter's preschool graduation! I love Shutterfly, have I mentioned that before?

Embed project and earn $10 off your next order!

Embed your project on a blog or website you own and earn $10 off your next order. Email your active link to shareproject@shutterfly.com. Shutterfly will confirm placement and reply to your email with discount code.

Promotional codes expire August 31, 2011 and are good for a one time $10 credit towards a $10 or more purchase (excluding shipping, handling and taxes) at shutterfly.com

UPDATE: Whole Foods Market® - This Week's Hot Deals (Ohio)

These prices are valid from May 18 thru May 24.

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

Sales appear to be regional or even by State. Please confirm with your store their coupon policy as some stores will allow you to use one manufacturer coupon + one Whole Foods coupon per item.

UPDATE: Whole Foods (Dublin) is no longer accepting stacked coupons due to a change in store management.

One Day Deals!

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available RecycleBank.com (60 points)

This Week's Hot Deals!

These Hot Deals! are local to Whole Foods Market - Ohio locations.

Check out even more Whole Foods Market deals by visiting Your Green Helper.

FLORIDA, GEORGIA & TEXAS Seedless Watermelon
Sweet, seedless watermelon that ’s perfect for any picnic or party. Eat as a snack, blend and strain for juice, or add feta and mint for a salad.
$4.99 ea
Reg. $6.99 ea

COSTA RICA Whole Trade™ Pineapple
$2.99 ea
Reg. $3.99 ea

GEORGIA Organic Vidalia Onions
(3-lb bag)
$2.99 ea
Reg. $3.99 ea

PRODUCT OF THAILAND Raw Shrimp
Already peeled and deveined — just stir-fry, sauté or simmer and serve. Farm raised according to our strict standards for aquaculture and previously frozen.
(26 – 30 count)
$9.99 lb
Reg. $12.99 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER Buffalo-Style Chicken Wings
Wings make the ultimate finger food. From chicken raised on vegetarian feed with no antibiotics ever, and then airchilled.
$1.99 lb
Reg. $3.49 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER Boneless, Center-Cut Pork Chops or Roast
$5.99 lb
Reg. $7.99 lb

NATURE’S RANCHER Beef Hot Dogs
(16 oz)
$3.99 ea
Reg. $5.49 ea

KOCH’S All-Natural Peppered Turkey Breast
From Tamaqua, PA.
$7.99 lb
Reg. $9.99 lb

OIKOS Organic Greek Yogurt
Selected varieties.
(4 oz or 16-oz multipack)
$3.99 ea
Reg. $4.99 ea
$0.50/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

SIGGI’S Yogurt
Selected varieties.
(6 oz)
2 for $3
Reg. $2.19 ea
$1/1 Whole Food Coupon available here

ALEXIA Frozen French Fries
Selected varieties.
(20 oz or 22 oz)
2 for $6
Reg. $3.99 ea
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here or here

ANNIE’S NATURALS Salad Dressing
Selected varieties.
(16 oz)
$4.69 ea
Reg. $5.99 ea

GARDEN OF EATIN’ Tortilla Chips
Selected varieties.
(16 oz)
2 for $6
Reg. $4.49 ea
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available 5/1/11 SmartSource Insert

VOLVIC Natural Spring Water
(1.5 liter)
2 for $3
Reg. $2.69 ea

GNU FOODS Natural Food Bars
Full of flavor and healthful fiber.
(1.6 oz)
99¢ ea
Reg. $1.99 ea

JARROW FORMULAS Vitamin D3 1000 IU
An excellent D supplement that supports bone health. No unnecessary fillers or artificial colors.
(100 caps)
$4.99 ea
Reg. $7.99 ea

Sustainable Saturday - Dishwasher Detergent Greenwashing!

I realized today that I have fallen victim to "Greenwashing". As much as I may try to read labels and make sure that I am purchasing a product that is truly better for my family, Palmolive pulled a fast one on me or I never took the time to validate what I thought was a green product.

I have been using their Palmolive eco+ Dishwasher detergent periodically for the last year. After Method discontinued their Dishwasher cubes (which they are now making again), I began looking for another product. For awhile I used Seventh Generation Dishwasher Liquid, but became frustrated because my dishes where not clean and my glasses were spotted. So, I was excited when I discovered Palmolive eco+ which promised to be phosphate free and a more green alternative to the average dishwasher detergent.

I discovered my unfortune tonight when my almost two year old son was helping put the soap in the dishwasher after supper. He got some on the floor (he does a pretty good job for a two year old) which I wiped up. A little while later I noticed his socks were bleached, then his pants, then a spot on my husband's sweater and my shirt. My husband went and grabbed the bottle and was reading the ingredients including chlorine bleach and do not come into contact with mouth, eyes, clothing etc! But wait, this is the same detergent that is currently cleaning my dishes most likely leaving some sort of film and then in turn we will place our food and drink in these dishes. So much for being environmentally friendly! I haven't used chlorine bleach (We use Seventh Generation chlorine free bleach) in my laundry washing machine and here I unknowingly placed chlorine bleach in my DISHWASHER! In addition, I now have one ruined pair of socks, one ruined pair of jeans, one ruined sweater and one ruined shirt.

Do NOT buy this product! ALWAYS read your labels!

Partial Damage:

On to some great Green alternatives:

Method smarty dish go naked available at Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Babies R us, Toys R Us, Whole Foods, The Andersons (Columbus) and Big Lots (depending on availability).

powerful cleaning punch, earth friendly pouch.

just when you thought smarty couldn’t get any smarter, it does. still a super powerful detergent that cleans dirty dishes without resorting to dirty chemicals like phosphates and bleach, but now in a lightweight pouch that uses 87% less plastic than the original. same clean, smaller footprint.

Seventh Generation available at Target, Babies R Us, Toys R Us and Whole Foods.
Automatic Dishwasher Detergent Pacs
These concentrated automatic dishwasher pacs deliver our phosphate and chlorine free formula in a convenient single-use pac.

Free & Clear Automatic Dishwasher Powder

Our Phosphate- and Chlorine-Free Automatic Dishwasher Powder gets your dishes sparkling clean. Free & clear of perfumes and dyes.

Citrasolv - Available at Whole Foods, Raisin Rack (Columbus), Clintonville Community Market (Columbus) and Alice.com

Citra Dish Automatic Dishwasher Gel & Powder

• Chlorine bleach-free
• Contains no synthetic perfumes or dyes
• Safe for septic systems
• Contains no phosphates, EDTA or NTA

Sun & Earth Products

Sun & Earth Automatic Dishwasher Detergent Pacs

Our Automatic Dishwasher Detergent is tough on grease and baked-on foods yet safe to use for baby bottles, utensils, and dishes. Use (1) pre-portioned pac per load. No measuring, unwrapping or mess. Safe to use around kids - no danger of splashing or airborne powder. If you are looking for a 100% biodegradable, phosphate-free dishwasher detergent that works and is gentle on the environment, Sun & Earth Automatic Dishwasher Detergent is the one you want! Safe for septic systems. It will leave dishes streak-free and squeaky-clean.

No animal testing. Vegan. Gluten-free. Soy-free. Casein-free. No tree nuts. No peanuts.
Ingredients: Sodium citrate, sodium percarbonate, disodium silicate, natural enzymes, orange oil.

Ecover available at Whole Foods and Bexley Co-Op (Columbus).

Dishwasher Tablets, Automatic Dishwashing Powder, Rinse Aid

plant based ingredients

quick and complete biodegradability
(OECD-test 301F, full product)

minimum impact on aquatic life
(OECD-test 201 & 202, full product)

no animal testing

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day available at The Andersons (Columbus), Giant Eagle, Whole Foods and Raisin Rack (Columbus).

Automatic Dish Packs and Automatic Dishwashing Liquid

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Automatic Dish Packs help your dishwasher create sparkling dishes, glasses and flatware. Each pack of oxygen bleach formula loads easily in the dishwasher's soap cup. Removes stains like coffee and tea without phosphates or chlorine.

Wave available at The Hills Market (Columbus), Giant Eagle, Raisin Rack (Columbus) and Beechwold Natural Foods (Columbus).

Wave Gel Auto Dishwasher HP and Wave Gel Free and Clear.

High Performance Wave Gel has been rated as the most effective natural auto dish product. Now with Lavender oil for fragrance. Wave is free of phosphates, chlorine and caustics. This plant-based product has a neutral pH and is fully biodegradeable.

OR you could make your own if you are concerned about the cost of the cleaners listed above. It cost less than a penny a load to make, or 50 loads of dishes for just 50 cents. Now, that's frugal!

Here is a recipe courtesy of planet green:

Recipe for Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

1 cup Washing soda
1 cup Borax
½ cup salt
½ cup citric acid

Mix together and store tightly covered in a Mason Jar. Use one tablespoon per load. Add vinegar to the rinse dispenser for the best results.

Sustainable Saturday - Dishwasher Detergent Greenwashing was originally published by Saving Family Green in February 2010.

Local Green Events (Worthington, OH) - May 2011

Worthington Farmers Market – Saturdays 9am-Noon

The summer market is in full swing on the sidewalks of Downtown Worthington. Take a Saturday morning stroll to stock up on fresh produce, baked goods and other delicious food items and homemade crafts. The Farmers Market takes place every Saturday through October.

Worthington Walks to the MAC – Sunday, May 15th from 1pm-5pm

Bring the family and lace up those walking shoes for a leisurely stroll through Worthington’s beautiful tree-lined neighborhoods. Creative surprises will be waiting along the route… then end up at the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center for more hands-on fun with art activities and demonstrations, live music and more. Walkers should meet at the Griswold Center beginning at 1pm. The Walk takes place rain or shine.

Green on the Green – Saturday, May 21st – 9am-2pm

Explore ways you can go green at the Green on the Green festival on Worthington’s beautiful Village Green. The event includes a number of participants who will share innovative ideas and opportunities for you to recycle, reuse, and help keep our environment green. There is also an electronic waste recycling drive going on at the same time. Drop off your old computers, TV’s etc… at the drive thru located at Thomas Worthington High School.

Nature's Bounty - Enter for a chance to win over $200 in FREE products!

"Like" Nature's Bounty on facebook for a chance to win over $200 worth of FREE products! Six winners will be chosen (starting on Monday 5/16). Sweepstakes ends May 22.

Soap.com - YES TO Products Sale! - Buy One, Get One 50% off!

Buy any YES TO product with a value greater than $9.99, and get the 2nd for 50% off. Offer expires 5/15/2011. Valid while supplies last.

FREE Shipping (1-2 day) when you spend $39.

Whole Foods Market® - This Week's Hot Deals (Ohio)

These prices are valid from May 11 thru May 17.

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

Sales appear to be regional or even by State. Please confirm with your store their coupon policy as some stores will allow you to use one manufacturer coupon + one Whole Foods coupon per item.

One Day Deals!

This Week's Hot Deals!

These Hot Deals! are local to Whole Foods Market - Ohio locations.

Check out even more Whole Foods Market deals by visiting Your Green Helper.

CALIFORNIA Navel Oranges
Supersweet and easy to peel.
Our buyers are experts at locating the best citrus groves in the country.
4 for $3
Reg. 99¢ ea

FLORIDA
Seedless Watermelon
$4.99 ea
Reg. $6.99 ea

FLORIDA Blueberries
(1 pint)
$3.99 ea
Reg. $5.99 ea

GEORGIA Vidalia Onions
99¢ lb
Reg. $1.49 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER Boneless Chicken Cutlets
Nothing beats these juicy, lean cutlets for delicious, economical weeknight meals. Air chilled for great flavor; no antibiotics, ever.
$5.99 lb
Reg. $7.49 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHERS Gourmet Beef Burgers
Selection will vary at each store.
$4.99 lb
Reg. $5.99 lb

PRODUCT OF USA MSC-Certified, Wild-Caught Sockeye Salmon Fillet
Full flavor, rich texture and loads of omega-3s. Just add your favorite condiment. Previously frozen.
$11.99 lb
Reg. $14.99 lb

STARFISH Gluten Free Battered Haddock
Wild-caught and previously frozen.
(10 oz)
$5.99 ea
Reg. $8.99 ea

STUBB’S BBQ Sauce or Marinades
Selected varieties.
(sizes vary)
2 for $6
Reg. $3.99 ea

NAKED 100% Coconut Water
Selected varieties.
(11.2 oz)
3 for $4
Reg. $1.99 ea

IZZE Sparkling Juice
Naturally sweet. Real fruit juice, sparkling water and nothing artificial. Try as a mixer or with sorbet as a dessert. Available in selected varieties.
(4 pack)
2 for $8
Reg. $5.49 ea

NATURE’S PATH Organic Cereals
Selected varieties.
(sizes vary)
2 for $6
Reg. $4.49 ea

ICU EYEWEAR Sunglasses
Fun or fancy summer styles.
$13.99 ea
Reg. $18.99 ea

BIONATURAE Organic Fruit Spread
Selected varieties.
(9 oz)
2 for $7
Reg. $4.39 ea

Back to Nature Cookies
Selected varieties.
(sizes vary)
2 for $5
Reg. $3.99 ea

BLUEBONNET NUTRITION Calcium Magnesium
Supports bone health.
(180 caps)
$15.99 ea
Reg. $21.99 ea

Sustainable Saturday - What's in Your Reusable Bag?

I have many reusable bags. They vary from freebies, bags purchased at a store (Grocery, Target, etc.) or received as a gift (Envirosax). I use them faithfully and constantly am moving them from the house to the car, making sure there are some in each of our vehicles. For awhile I even carried one in my purse and diaper bag. We use them at the grocery store, the drug store and even at the mall.

I was recently at a new store in my town that specializes in green products. They had quite a selection of primarily Envirosax in their store and it made me wonder, how green are these bags really? How much are people willing to pay for them? Do people actually remember to use them faithfully to truly reduce their plastic bag consumption? If you're not keeping them clean, choosing sustainable materials, or finding smaller sizes for produce, then you might not be making as much of an impact as you think.

Here are 6 Ways to Make Reusable Bags Work for You courtesy of plant green:

1. Choose Your Materials Carefully

If you're on a mission to give up plastic bags, then shouldn't you make sure that your replacement totes are made from sustainable materials? Reusing the plastic bags you already have at home is one solution; also, look for bags made from recycled plastic, organic cotton, hemp, or even polyester or polypropylene (as Pablo pointed out on TreeHugger, the difference in the impacts of canvas, polyester, and polyproylene are minimal compared to the positive difference they make compared to plastic). And make sure you find a grocery tote that's durable enough to haul home all your food on trip after trip—so you don't wind up needing to replace them after just a few uses.

2. Make Your Own

Even better than buying new, try your hand at refashioning materials you already have at home into carryalls with a one-of-a-kind look. From ridiculously simple solutions, like using a pillowcase as a bag, to patterns that require a bit more sewing (like turning an old tank top into a tote), there are dozens of ways to DIY your own bags. Bonus: you'll be upcycling instead of recycling, saving carbon—and money—at the same time.

3. Keep them Safe

Make cleaning your bags part of your regular housekeeping routine to prevent mold, yeast, and bateria from building their own little homes in your foodspace with a few simple tips: bring bins or boxes to keep milk, frozen foods, and dairy from getting your bags wet; keep meat and fish apart from your fresh fruits and veggies to prevent cross-contamination; and wash or rinse your bags when you get home. It's also important to make sure the bags dry completely, since the dark, moist insides are a favorite spot for germs to breed.

If you want to read more about a study that was done by Sporometric's, "the foremost experts in many aspects of fungal and environmental bacterial testing in Canada", you can check out treehugger's Greenwash Watch: "Reusable Bags are a Health Threat"

The study concluded:

The moist, dark, warm interior of a folded used reusable bag that has acquired a small amount of water and trace food contamination is an ideal incubator for bacteria.
The strong presence of yeasts in some bags indicates the presence of water and microbial growth substrate (food). The yeasts are thus a 'canary in the mine' confirming that microbes are growing in the bag.
There is a potential for cross-contamination of food if the same reusable bags are used on successive trips.
In cases of food poisoning, experts are now going to have to test reusable bags in addition to food products as the possible sources of contamination.

4. Remember the Produce

Bringing a canvas, hemp, cotton, or recycled plastic bag to the store and then filling it with fruits and veggies in their own individual plastic bags isn't exactly a perfect solution. The easiest alternative? Don't bag your fruits at all; unless you're buying huge quantities, it's not difficult to run them across the scanner one at a time. And if you really need to keep your apples, lemons, onions, and peppers separate, then use old sports jerseys to make produce bags; the mesh lets air circulate while protecting delicate produce.

OR try Buying 'Naked' in a Grocery Store with Zero Packaging courtesy of planet green. Basically skip the produce bags and put the produce directly in your cart . . . you're going to wash it anyways!

You can read the rest of the article here.

Sustainable Saturday - What's in Your Reusable Bag? from Saving Family Green was originally published in February 2010.

the whole deal coupons - NEW! May, June & July 2011

If you like to shop at Whole Foods Market® you definitely need to check out the whole deal for recipes and money saving coupons.

Whole Foods has began offering a lot more printable coupons on their website. They are also featuring Sure Deals and Three Under $3 which are everyday values on quality products.

Depending on your local store policy, some stores will allow you to use one Whole Food coupons + one Manufacturer Coupon per item. The corresponding manufacturer's coupons are listed below in addition to the Whole Foods coupon.

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Whole Foods™ brand supplement (excludes travel, trial and individual-serving sizes)

1 free side buy 1 whole rotisserie chicken, get a free family-size side of cole slaw, potato salad or macaroni salad (designated varieties only)

$1.00 off any ONE (1) package The Original Brat Hans Sausages

$1.00 off any ONE (1) package Wellshire Bacon, Turkey Bacon, Sausages, Hot Dogs, Franks or Sandwich Slices (selection varies by store)

$1.00 off any ONE (1) bottle 365 Everyday Value^® Canola Oil (organic variety excluded)

$1.00 off any ONE (1) jar 365 Everyday Value^® Organic Roasted Red Peppers

$1.00 off any ONE (1) 12-oz squeeze bottle 365 Everyday Value^® Organic Wildflower Honey

$1.00 off any ONE (1) bottle 365 Everyday Value^® Organic Soy Sauce

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Back to Nature Product

$3.00 off any TWO (2) cans of Batter Blaster Organic Pancake and Waffle Batter

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Ben & Jerry's Pint

$1.00 off any TWO (2) 32-oz bottles of Lifeway Organic Lowfat Kefir

$1/2 Manuf. Coupon available here

$5.00 off any ONE (1) Garden of Life Vitamin Code 120 ct or 240 ct (Excludes Vitamin Code Liquid, Vitamin Code Kids or Single Nutrient Formulas)

$1.00 off any TWO (2) flavors/varieties LÄRABAR^® or JOCALAT^® Bars

$1/4 Manuf. Coupon available here

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Cascadian Farm Organic Cereal or box of Granola Bars

$1.00 off any TWO (2) bags of DeLallo Pasta (Organic Whole Wheat or Organic)

$1/2 Manuf. Coupon available here (IE) or here (FF)

50¢ off any ONE (1) 1-liter vitaminwater^® or vitaminwater zero™

$3.00 off any ONE (1) case (12 bottles) 1-liter bottles smartwater^®

$1.00 off any ONE (1) 4-pack of Siggi's Probiotics Drink

$1.00 off any TWO (2) Kashi Whole Planet Foundation^® cereals: Simply Maize, Indigo Morning or 7 Whole Grain Flakes (mix or match)

$1.00 off any ONE (1) 8-oz bag of Kettle Brand TIAS! Tortilla Chips

$1/2 Manuf. Coupon available here

$1.00 off any ONE (1) method item

+$2/1 Method Laundry Detergent Manuf. Coupon available here

50¢ off any ONE (1) 4-pack of Lifeway Probugs

$1.50 off any TWO (2) Nature's Path Organic Granola or boxes of Granola Bars

$1.50 off any TWO (2) Nature's Path Organic Eco Pacs Cereals or Waffles

50¢ off any ONE (1) Package of Newman's Own Organics Pop's Corn

$0.50/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

55¢ off any ONE (1) 12-oz Odwalla Beverage

$0.35/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Stonyfield Organic Oikos Greek Yogurt 16-oz cup or 4-pk 4-oz cups

$0.50/1 Manuf. Coupon available here or here

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Organic Valley 8-oz Cheese

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

50¢ off any ONE (1) 16-oz Organic Valley Creamer

$0.50/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

$0.75/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

55¢ off any ONE (1) bottle of San-J Gluten Free Cooking Sauce or Salad Dressing

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Seventh Generation Product

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here or here

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Stonyfield Organic Frozen Yogurt Pint, Quart or package of Novelty Bars, or Ice Cream Pint

50¢ off any ONE (1) bottle of Tazo Iced Tea

50¢ off any ONE (1) thinkThin or thinkThin crunch Bar

$0.50/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Traditional Medicinals Smooth Move^®, EveryDay Detox^®, Lemon EveryDay Detox^® or Nighty Night^® herbal tea

$1.00 off any ONE (1) So Delicious^® item (excluding frozen items)

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

75¢ off any ONE (1) 32-oz tub of Stonyfield Organic 0% fat, Low Fat or Whole Milk Yogurt

$0.50/1 Manuf. Coupon available here