StashBuster Potholders

June 20, 2010 by moonbeads

Lorigami,  www.Lorigami.etsy .com has generously given Ecoetsy a tutorial from her blog.  I remember making pot holders in Girl Scouts that were similar to these.  So thanks again to Lorigami.  Here’s her tutorial. Y’all may recall the big Michigan House-clean-out project from last spring after my Uncle passed away? Well, one of the things I [...]

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Freecycle-More Than Just a Place to Recycle

June 13, 2010 by fashiongreentbags

Founded on May 1, 1993 by Deron Beal Freecycle has grown from a single location in Tuscon, Arizona to an international organization having chapters in 85 countries.  Whether you’re in need of  something or having something you need to get rid of that’s just too good for the landfill, Freecycle has a few guidelines in [...]

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Eco tips from the city

June 5, 2010 by moonbeads

I’m impressed by all you back to the land and off the grid people. But I was raised in a city and that is where I am happiest. I tried living on a farm. It made me very anxious. But I have found it pretty easy to use eco friendly practices here, as do many [...]

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How to Make Shipping Envelopes

May 30, 2010 by fashiongreentbags

Melody of Kindercotton shared her blog tutorial about how to make your own waterproof mailers from recycled store bags.  If you know someone who uses store bags instead of reusable totes, ask him/her to save them for you! I recently ran out of the Tyvek envelopes that I had been using to ship out my [...]

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{Eco Tips} Tradeaholics

May 23, 2010 by moonbeads

There is one activity on Etsy that I find has saved me a lot of money, and gotten me some exposure that I don’t think I would have had otherwise. I am a member of the Tradeaholics team. I have been to the Ecoetsy traders site, so I know some of you trade as well. [...]

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Make Your Own Business Cards

May 16, 2010 by fashiongreentbags

From Claire Baker (Montclairmade) here’s a tip for recycling materials to make your own business cards! 1). It’s fun and easy to create your own business cards that reflect your style and make a great impression! For this simple tutorial you will need a paper cutter, used manila file folders, mod podge, and whatever ephemera [...]

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Herb Pasta

May 9, 2010 by moonbeads

Sigh, late again. My excuse is that I had unexpected out of town company come to visit sat am. Here’s one of my spur of the moment pasta dishes that I make for unexpected company when I have fresh herbs in my garden. I like to make it as healthy as possible, so I use [...]

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Recipe for Eating Green

May 2, 2010 by fashiongreentbags

We eat a lot of leftovers at our house.  I frequently make “dump dinners” where I take the bits and pieces of a few days’ leftovers and cook them together in a new and sometimes delicious dish.  I hate throwing away food but despite my best efforts it still happens occasionally.  Unni, of  strandredesign has [...]

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Greening ‘Brown’ Bag Lunches

April 25, 2010 by moonbeads

I have been going gradually greener since the first Earth Day. I was engaged in college to an Environmental Engineering student. I learned from him a lot about pollution and efforts to stop it. I am proud to say that he is an EE at the Calif. air board. We’re friends, but we didn’t get married. [...]

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Introduction

April 18, 2010 by fashiongreentbags

Hi! I’m Linda Miles and my EcoEtsy shop is Fashion Green T Bags . I am very pleased to be able to bring you eco tips and tutorials for our blog. I’ve been eco-conscious since I was in the seventh grade and my teacher, Mrs. Truax (or Truex…I can’t remember) taught us to care. I’d [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Toilet Paper Roll Planters

April 4, 2010 by ecokaren

Tutorial submitted by LilFishStudios Toilet Paper Roll Planters Here’s a quick and easy way to get a jump on your spring planting by using a common household item, the empty toilet paper tube. What you’ll need: Empty toilet paper tubesSharp scissorsPotting soilSeeds or cuttingsA tray or lid to hold your plantings To begin, cut your [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Nutty Fruit Snack Bars

March 25, 2010 by ecokaren

Tutorial submitted by JanssendesignsNutty fruit snack bars prep time: 20 minutes yield: 12 snack bars These snack bars can be made with lots of different ingredients. The key is getting the right consistency so they don’t turn out too sticky or too crumbly. Here is my favorite version: 22 pitted organic dates½ cup organic raisins1 [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Carrot Biscuits

March 18, 2010 by ecokaren

This is a recipe submitted by Sheshanna of PieceuniqueThe measurements are converted from metric system. Carrot Biscuit 100gr butter – 7 tbsp100 gr sugar (I used brown sugar) – 7 tbsp50 gr grated carrots – 3 tbsp2 eggs275 gr buckwheat flour – 18 tbsp2g baking powder (or one small coffee spoon) – 1/4 tbsp1 coffee [...]

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Eco-Tip: The Good Guide App

March 14, 2010 by ecokaren

Eco-Tip Submitted by: KnitStorm The Good Guide App Here’s an easy way for smart phone owners to shop responsibly: The Good Guide app. This app allows you to scan a product’s bar code in order to determine how healthy it is for you and your family, how environmentally friendly the company that produces the product [...]

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Eco tip: eleven uses for used tea leaves and bags

March 7, 2010 by ecokaren

Submitted by: Ecokaren Last Thursday’s tutorial by Ojamiya on how to make reusable tea bags inspired me to think of posting this tip on what to do with used tea bags. I started to drink more tea during the day since there is so much information on how great tea is and how it’s with [...]

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Eco How To: Reusable Tea Bag

March 4, 2010 by ecokaren

Here is a great tutorial submitted by: Ojamiya Amy is the newest member of Eco Etsy Team and I am so delighted she took on this challenge even before she was inducted into the team. Thank You Amy!! Reusable Tea Bag Tutorial After seeing the delightful tutorial on DIY green coffee filters, it occurred to [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: What to do with used coffee grounds

February 28, 2010 by ecokaren

Eco Tip Submitted By Ecokaren Are you drinking vats of coffee like it’s going out of style after reading super greening tutorial by Winkydinks on how to make reusable coffee filters? I thought so. Well, what are you doing with all that used coffee grounds? I have just the tip for you. I provided this [...]

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Eco How To: Reusable Coffee Filters

February 25, 2010 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Tutorial submitted by winkydinks Here’s a simple way to reduce your daily waste stream: use reusable coffee filters! You can also use filterless systems, permanent reusable filters, or a french press, but some people prefer the taste of coffee that has been filtered. The great news…you can make one in less than 10 minutes with [...]

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Eco How To: Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls) Recipe

February 18, 2010 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Tutorial submitted by Herban Life Style While shopping at Hana Market in DC, I picked up some supplies to make onigiri, with the idea that I would try my hand at making these simple, delicious rice balls. This included short-grain brown sushi rice, large flat sheets of nori (dried seaweed), furikake (in this case, a [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Reusable Options

February 7, 2010 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco Tip Submitted by: Winkydinks Did you know: 80% of US products are used once and then thrown away. (from cenyc.org) If someone were to load all of the disposable wipes purchased by consumers in North America last year onto 18-wheel semis, the caravan would number 9,000 trucks and stretch for 68 miles (from greenhome.com) [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Reusable Options

February 7, 2010 by ecokaren

Eco Tip Submitted by: Winkydinks Did you know: 80% of US products are used once and then thrown away. (from cenyc.org) If someone were to load all of the disposable wipes purchased by consumers in North America last year onto 18-wheel semis, the caravan would number 9,000 trucks and stretch for 68 miles (from greenhome.com) [...]

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Eco How-to: Gluten-Free Graham Crackers

January 24, 2010 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Sharing this blog post by Carrie from the etsy shop, washmycloth. She was so kind to send a link to these yummy gluten-free graham crackers. Enjoy her lovely post and be sure to check out the Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef blog! One Recipe, One Boy, and a lot of Yum! Amazing gluten free graham [...]

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Eco Tip of The Week: Eczema and Food Allergies

January 17, 2010 by chakrap

Eco tip submitted by ecokaren Sharing a link to ecoetsy member, ecokaren’s blog. Karen recently wrote a wonderfully informative and personal piece about her children and their struggles with Eczema and food allergies. She has received a large response to the post. After reading this piece, be sure to check out the entire blog. Karen [...]

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Eco tip of the Week: For the Dogs

January 10, 2010 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by PicnicBasketCrafts Tiffany of Picnic Basket Crafts submitted this wonderful tip right after the holidays. I am a bit late posting it but feel that it is so useful and versatile for the whole year round. Thanks so much, Tiffany! No matter how many turkey and cranberry-horseradish sandwiches and pots of turkey [...]

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Eco Tip of The Week: Cleaning With Lavender

January 3, 2010 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by OffTheHooks After getting back from a very refreshing holiday on the coast of British Columbia, I once again started wishing I lived in such a place that grew so lush! I saw tons and tons of lavender growing, I loooove the smell, and so I started thinking about how I could [...]

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Eco Tip of The Week: Green Tips For After Christmas

December 27, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by ecokaren Now that you are done with Christmas parties, family gatherings, meals, and exchanging gifts, think about these tips for greening your after- Christmas clean up. 1. Recycle your Christmas tree. 2. Recycle Christmas lights if they are broken and if you don’t have LED lights, buy them now (they are [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Holiday How-to!

December 18, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Submitted by ChakraPennywhistle There are so many wonderful, eco-friendly tutorials this season! Below, you will find links to everything from green gift wrap ideas to the sweetest recycled cereal box houses. Green Your Holiday Gift Wrapping by Sweet Greens 18 Days of Festive Freebies by Creature Comforts Alternative Wrapping by Furious Shirley Cereal Box Houses [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Replacing Plastic Baggies

December 13, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by winkydinks Reusable Cloth Sandwich Bags by RosyUndPosy Did you know you don’t need to use a handful of Ziploc baggies every time you pack a lunch? There are LOTS of options out there to replace them. My son recently started bringing his lunch to preschool, and I’ve gotten quite a few [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Can it!

December 6, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by FunkyMonkeyCompany Recycled Tin Jewelry by Wearwolf I save empty cans (coffee cans & veggie cans), interesting bottles and old cigar boxes for different things. 1. I use coffee cans and bottles as organizers. I make cozies out of old or orphaned socks. If they are interesting and colorful I don’t cover [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Can it!

December 6, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by FunkyMonkeyCompany Recycled Tin Jewelry by Wearwolf I save empty cans (coffee cans & veggie cans), interesting bottles and old cigar boxes for different things.  1. I use coffee cans and bottles as organizers. I make cozies out of old or orphaned socks. If they are interesting and colorful I don’t cover [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Saving Energy with Dinner

November 29, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by FashionGreenTBags Turn on EVERY electrically operated object in your house then drive around for 3 hours in an old SUV (getting only 9-10 MPG) while leaving all of the lights and electrically operated object in your house to run/operate while you’re gone. “WHAT?” you ask, “Why would ANYONE do THAT?” Especially [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Homemade Remedies

November 27, 2009 by ecokaren

Submitted by bululustudioVisit the Bululu Studio blog I’m all about tips, I enjoy using and learning new tips and especially if they are Eco friendly. I found a huge list of remedies that we all can make at home to treat insects and diseases on plants. This time I’m going to share them with you [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Homemade Remedies

November 27, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Submitted by bululustudio Visit the Bululu Studio blog I’m all about tips, I enjoy using and learning new tips and especially if they are Eco friendly. I found a huge list of remedies that we all can make at home to treat insects and diseases on plants. This time I’m going to share them with [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: For Your Health

November 22, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by SimplyNu With flu season just starting to hit, here’s an article you can find useful. Enjoy! 14 Ways to Prevent Swine Flu posted by Dr. Frank Lipman Oct 20, 2009 5:03 pm Care2.com Don’t know whether or not to get the H1N1 vaccination? You might want to read some of these [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: For Your Health

November 22, 2009 by ecokaren

Eco tip submitted by SimplyNu With flu season just starting to hit, here’s an article you can find useful. Enjoy! 14 Ways to Prevent Swine Flu posted by Dr. Frank Lipman Oct 20, 2009 5:03 pm Care2.com Don’t know whether or not to get the H1N1 vaccination? You might want to read some of these [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Upcycled Garbage Box

November 20, 2009 by ecokaren

Submitted by EcoKaren Visit the EcoKaren website Do you have a garbage can or a bag in the car? Try using an empty garbage bag box. It’s little bigger than a tissue box and when it fills up, you can throw away the whole box or if it’s still in shape and not wet, you [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Upcycled Garbage Box

November 20, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Submitted by EcoKaren Visit the EcoKaren website Do you have a garbage can or a bag in the car? Try using an empty garbage bag box. It’s little bigger than a tissue box and when it fills up, you can throw away the whole box or if it’s still in shape and not wet, you [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Custom Stamps

November 20, 2009 by chakrap
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Eco Tip of the Week: Save those broken crayons!

November 15, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by FunkyMonkeyCompany I Melted My Crayons Scarf by A Second Chance Have creative little artists at home or are you yourself a crayon hoarder? What to do with those little broken crayons you toss to the side and don’t use? Don’t throw them away, here are a couple fun things to do [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Save those broken crayons!

November 15, 2009 by Myra @ HerbanLuxe

Eco tip submitted by FunkyMonkeyCompany I Melted My Crayons Scarf by A Second Chance Have creative little artists at home or are you yourself a crayon hoarder? What to do with those little broken crayons you toss to the side and don’t use? Don’t throw them away, here are a couple fun things to do [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Cereal Box Storage Unit

November 13, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Tutorial submitted by Uncorked Now I know we shouldn’t be eating this stuff, but some of us do have a collection of cereal boxes from overnight guests and for days when the kids really need to fend for themselves. And I have to admit I especially love the little mini assortment packs! To make this [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Cereal Box Storage Unit

November 13, 2009 by Polarity

Tutorial submitted by Uncorked Now I know we shouldn’t be eating this stuff, but some of us do have a collection of cereal boxes from overnight guests and for days when the kids really need to fend for themselves. And I have to admit I especially love the little mini assortment packs! To make this [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Saving Resources

November 8, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by TanjaSova I would love to share one tip, that might help parents to explain to their kids the importance of saving resources: in the mountains of Serbia, where my mother was born and where I spent as many summers as I could, electricity was very weak, barely enough to sustain a [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Saving Resources

November 8, 2009 by ecokaren

Eco tip submitted by TanjaSova I would love to share one tip, that might help parents to explain to their kids the importance of saving resources: in the mountains of Serbia, where my mother was born and where I spent as many summers as I could, electricity was very weak, barely enough to sustain a [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Natural, Non-toxic Cleaning

November 6, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Tutorial submitted by infusion Visit the Infusion Fibers blog Natural, Non-toxic Cleaning Tip… There are certain things that can be very difficult to clean when you keep a solvent-free, chemical free home. A few of the kinds of things I’m referring to are permanent marker, tar,pitch and gooey sticker residue.   As a cleaner, safer alternative [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Natural, Non-toxic Cleaning

November 6, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Tutorial submitted by infusion Visit the Infusion Fibers blog Natural, Non-toxic Cleaning Tip… There are certain things that can be very difficult to clean when you keep a solvent-free, chemical free home. A few of the kinds of things I’m referring to are permanent marker, tar,pitch and gooey sticker residue.   As a cleaner, safer alternative [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Healthy Stuff

November 1, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by SewnNatural HOW HEALTHY IS YOUR STUFF? Find test results for toxins in our everyday gear When we embarked on a search for a bigger carseat for my daughter last week, we were unpleasantly surprised to find out most car seats for children are incredibly toxic. Now we do use our bicycle [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Healthy Stuff

November 1, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by SewnNatural HOW HEALTHY IS YOUR STUFF? Find test results for toxins in our everyday gear When we embarked on a search for a bigger carseat for my daughter last week, we were unpleasantly surprised to find out most car seats for children are incredibly toxic. Now we do use our bicycle [...]

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Eco Eats: Curried Long Island Cheese Pumpkin Soup

October 30, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Curried Long Island Cheese Pumpkin Soup Recipe submitted by ecokaren I love everything pumpkin. The soups, pies, carved faces, the seeds, and even mashed pumpkin. So when I needed a warm soothing soup in this dreary and raining weather like today, I searched my good friend at Copywriter’s Kitchen to find a good Pumpkin Soup [...]

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Eco Eats: Curried Long Island Cheese Pumpkin Soup

October 30, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Curried Long Island Cheese Pumpkin Soup Recipe submitted by ecokaren I love everything pumpkin. The soups, pies, carved faces, the seeds, and even mashed pumpkin. So when I needed a warm soothing soup in this dreary and raining weather like today, I searched my good friend at Copywriter’s Kitchen to find a good Pumpkin Soup [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Dilute to Save Money & Resources

October 25, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by Winkydinks Here’s an easy, simple trick to stretch your dollar – and have an impact on the environment. Use a foamer bottle for your hand soap dispensers. (You can buy them online) Fill 1/3 with liquid soap, and the rest with water. It produces a great foamy lather (which kids love!). [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Dilute to Save Money & Resources

October 25, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by Winkydinks Here’s an easy, simple trick to stretch your dollar – and have an impact on the environment. Use a foamer bottle for your hand soap dispensers. (You can buy them online) Fill 1/3 with liquid soap, and the rest with water. It produces a great foamy lather (which kids love!). [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Little Authors

October 23, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Tutorial submitted by FunkeyMonkeyCompany I have three girls – one in college, one in high school and one in elementary, I have to admit I’ve never been active in PTA (just not my bag), instead I volunteer to work with the teachers helping them with special projects. Over the past 10 years, I have been [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Little Authors

October 23, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Tutorial submitted by FunkeyMonkeyCompany I have three girls – one in college, one in high school and one in elementary, I have to admit I’ve never been active in PTA (just not my bag), instead I volunteer to work with the teachers helping them with special projects. Over the past 10 years, I have been [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Good Health is Skin Deep

October 18, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Submitted by KnitStorm We have lots and lots of cosmetic products being constantly marketed to us, but how often do we really think or know which ones are safe for us or not? It’s definitely not very easy to tell by the lengthy, unpronounceable ingredients list on most items. And the companies making them rarely [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Good Health is Skin Deep

October 18, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Submitted by KnitStorm We have lots and lots of cosmetic products being constantly marketed to us, but how often do we really think or know which ones are safe for us or not? It’s definitely not very easy to tell by the lengthy, unpronounceable ingredients list on most items. And the companies making them rarely [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Green Halloween

October 11, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by EcoKaren I confess. I don’t like Halloween. There. That wasn’t so bad. I guess you can call me Mrs. Halloween Scrooge. I just don’t like all the waste that this “unusual” holiday creates. Plastic pumpkins, candy wrappers, paper bags, plastic bags, and so on. Also, what other country in the world [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Green Halloween

October 11, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by EcoKaren I confess. I don’t like Halloween. There. That wasn’t so bad. I guess you can call me Mrs. Halloween Scrooge. I just don’t like all the waste that this “unusual” holiday creates. Plastic pumpkins, candy wrappers, paper bags, plastic bags, and so on. Also, what other country in the world [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Ordering Stamps Online

October 4, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by joonbeam The beauty of online ordering: It is pleasant & simple. Takes mere minutes. You have every selection & option your heart desires. You can do this in your jammies. While eating lovely bon bons. The shipping is a mere $1.00 NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU ORDER. The stamps arrive in [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Ordering Stamps Online

October 4, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by joonbeam The beauty of online ordering: It is pleasant & simple. Takes mere minutes. You have every selection & option your heart desires. You can do this in your jammies. While eating lovely bon bons. The shipping is a mere $1.00 NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU ORDER. The stamps arrive in [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Green Print

October 2, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Tutorial submitted by fmcetsyshop Visit the Chicky Lounge blog. Over the past few months I’ve been using a tool called Print Green. It allows me to control the pages I print by giving me the ability to eliminate text, images and pages before printing. It also keeps track of your dollar savings and the eco-impact. [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Green Print

October 2, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Tutorial submitted by fmcetsyshopVisit the Chicky Lounge blog. Over the past few months I’ve been using a tool called Print Green. It allows me to control the pages I print by giving me the ability to eliminate text, images and pages before printing. It also keeps track of your dollar savings and the eco-impact.  You [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Ditch Shaving Cream

September 27, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by Winkydinks After my husband’s robe and our towels started getting bleach spots, we finally discovered the culprit – Nivea Sensitive skin shave gel! Thinking to myself, “if its bleaching our things, what’s it doing to our bodies??” I looked at theCosmetics Database (which breaks down each ingredient and its known hazards) [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Ditch Shaving Cream

September 27, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by Winkydinks After my husband’s robe and our towels started getting bleach spots, we finally discovered the culprit – Nivea Sensitive skin shave gel! Thinking to myself, “if its bleaching our things, what’s it doing to our bodies??” I looked at theCosmetics Database (which breaks down each ingredient and its known hazards) [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Disposing CFL bulbs

September 25, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Tutorial submitted by ecokaren I changed all my incandescent bulbs to CFL bulbs when they first came out. Luckily, I haven’t broke any but I know they contain mercury, albeit, very little but wondered how to dispose of them if they break. The instruction says not to just throw them away with the regular trash [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Good to be Green

September 20, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by SpaGoddess My Hippie Father instilled in us kids the mantras pack your trash & reduce and recycle We’d pack up the VW Bus every few weeks with the sorted recyclables and drive them to our local Recycling Center. This was back in the 70′s well before recycling became a household word. [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Repurposed Containers

September 18, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Tutorial submitted by GoodToGoEcoVisit the GoodToGoEco blog Have you started a collection of those large plastic containers that held fruit & snack mix? We get ours from the membership clubs that sell in large quantity. We end up collecting those jars, but we were never sure what to do with them. So I took on [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Limiting Plastic Bags

September 13, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by Juani1 I have really been trying to find ways of limiting my plastic bag consumption. Here are a few ways I found helpful. 1) instead of always buying bread(in a plastic bag) I make my own and reuse the old bags.2) I try not to buy items that have a lot [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Tags and Thank You Cards

September 11, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Tutorial submitted by StrandRedesignVisit the StrandRedesign blog Fabric scraps and card board are perfect for making tags and your eco-friendly products. You can also use them as thank you cards or business cards. Find some used card board. I was lucky and found some that were white on one side.  Another way to add a [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Crafty Mom Make

September 6, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by EcoKate I love this racetrack that Mindful Momma made for her son to play on. I can remember loving old boxes and the like when I was a kid because they had limitless play-time possibilities. It’s so cool that she nudges her kids in the direction of reusing things for more [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Free and Eco Friendly!

September 4, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Submitted by ecokaren Visit the ecokaren blog How to get FREE fabric and be eco friendly! That’s right. FREE! Read what I did recently. I stopped by a local upholstery fabric store last week. I can never afford anything in there but I like to peruse the aisles hoping something will be on, like, 90% [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Eco-Friendly Menstrual Choices

August 30, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by Lil Bees Just a note right here to all the male readers: the eco-tip today delves candidly into the world of eco-friendly menstrual choices.Consider yourself warned. There are two eco-friendly options when it comes to menstrual products: the first is to buy organic, dye-free disposable tampons and pads; the second is [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Trying Out Tofu

August 28, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Recipe submitted by GoodtoGoEco Visit the Good to Go Eco blog A friend and I were discussing tofu the other day. We both ordered tofu frequently when eating out, but had never ventured to prepare any at home. After pondering this for awhile, I decided it was time to branch out and try something new. [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Return Envelopes

August 23, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by Fashion Green T Bags Most of us probably know that we can save energy by paying our bills online. Unfortunately, most companies do not bill online opting instead to send paper bills and return envelopes through the mail. Since I’m not returning the paper bill I have no immediate need for [...]

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Eco Tutorial: eco Friendly Greetings

August 21, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Tutorial submitted by KinderCotton It’s been a particularly eventful year for me and I have particularly thoughtful friends and family. So far this year, I have received at least 50 greeting cards, each with an envelope. Most of these cards have a complete greeting on the front and the inside flaps have not been written [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Go Green Baby!

August 16, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by Leatherwood Designs Go Green Baby If you are a mom, you realize just how many disposable products are marketed to you! And if you are a nursing mom there are the disposable nursing pads that get thrown out every day – money and resources into the landfill. An eco-friendly solution is [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Go Green Baby!

August 16, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by Leatherwood Designs Go Green Baby  If you are a mom, you realize just how many disposable products are marketed to you! And if you are a nursing mom there are the disposable nursing pads that get thrown out every day – money and resources into the landfill. An eco-friendly solution is [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Coconut Brown Rice with Raisins and Cinnamon

August 14, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Recipe submitted by Iris1980 My 3 year old son loves to eat this for a healthy morning snack or lunch. Coconut Brown Rice with Raisins and Cinnamon Ingredients: 1 cup brown rice 1 can coconut milk little less than 1 cup water 3/4 cup organic raisins cinnamon 1 pinch of salt – combine ingredients (besides [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Coconut Brown Rice with Raisins and Cinnamon

August 14, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Recipe submitted by Iris1980 My 3 year old son loves to eat this for a healthy morning snack or lunch. Coconut Brown Rice with Raisins and Cinnamon Ingredients:1 cup brown rice1 can coconut milklittle less than 1 cup water3/4 cup organic raisinscinnamon1 pinch of salt – combine ingredients (besides cinnamon)in a pot- bring to a [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Too Many Phonebooks?

August 9, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by Chakra Pennywhistle My friend sent me a link to yellowpagesgoesgreen.org. I was so happy to explore the link and find out that I could stop the overwhelming amount of phonebooks that land on my sidewalk. I am excited to share this site! If you haven’t stopped the delivery of unnecessary books [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Too Many Phonebooks?

August 9, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by Chakra Pennywhistle My friend sent me a link to yellowpagesgoesgreen.org. I was so happy to explore the link and find out that I could stop the overwhelming amount of phonebooks that land on my sidewalk. I am excited to share this site! If you haven’t stopped the delivery of unnecessary books [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Cleansing (and delicious) Beet Soup

August 7, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Recipe submitted by SewnNatural CLEANSING (and delicious) BEET SOUP Awhile back, I shared a chocolate cake recipe from my new favorite cookbook “Feeding the Whole Family – Recipes for Babies, Young Children and Their Parents” by Cynthia Lair. When I contacted her to ask about reprinting the recipe, Cynthia told me about a new cooking [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: What to do with cardboard

August 2, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by Wren So you go out and spend (as consumerism requires) and you get home to unpack, what in my case was a washing machine, through layers of cardboard, polysterene and plastic. The washing machine is a dream but now what do I do with the packaging? Here are some options: 1. [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: What to do with cardboard

August 2, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by Wren So you go out and spend (as consumerism requires) and you get home to unpack, what in my case was a washing machine, through layers of cardboard, polysterene and plastic. The washing machine is a dream but now what do I do with the packaging? Here are some options: 1. [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Business Card Holder

July 31, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Tutorial submitted by LolanessVisit the blog Pixel Boutique I recently had a featured interview through EcoEtsy, where I spoke about the idea of sending things like business cards in business card holders so that the packaging could be reused over and over – cutting back on waste, preventing the need to recycle or reuse in [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Business Card Holder

July 31, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Tutorial submitted by Lolaness Visit the blog Pixel Boutique I recently had a featured interview through EcoEtsy, where I spoke about the idea of sending things like business cards in business card holders so that the packaging could be reused over and over – cutting back on waste, preventing the need to recycle or reuse [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Stop Junk Mail

July 26, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by Fashion Green T Bags Small gestures add up to grand gestures when lots of people “tune in” and participate. I am always looking for ways to save money and the environment. Recently my mail carrier asked me why we don’t receive all the massive junk mailings that others receive. She didn’t [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Stop Junk Mail

July 26, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by Fashion Green T Bags Small gestures add up to grand gestures when lots of people “tune in” and participate. I am always looking for ways to save money and the environment. Recently my mail carrier asked me why we don’t receive all the massive junk mailings that others receive. She didn’t [...]

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Eco Tutorial: 7 Layer Bean Dip Recipe

July 24, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Recipe submitted by ecogeneration Visit the ecogeneration blog Third Ring of Hell Seven Layer Bean Dip Summer is a great time for cookouts and family reunions. Bring this healthy appetizer with bags of organic tortilla chips for a great-marriage-made-in-heaven kind of snacking pleasure. This recipe is from a talented friend’s blog, Copywriter’s Kitchen, where she [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: A Natural Home

July 19, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by SimplyNu Nontoxic suggestions for cleaning your home naturally with basic household ingredients, for a clean, safe home that doesn’t expose your family and guests to toxic chemicals. * Baking soda: An all-purpose cleaner; especially effective on glass coffee pots and glassware; removes red-wine stains from carpeting. A paste (made with water) [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: A Natural Home

July 19, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by SimplyNu Nontoxic suggestions for cleaning your home naturally with basic household ingredients, for a clean, safe home that doesn’t expose your family and guests to toxic chemicals. * Baking soda: An all-purpose cleaner; especially effective on glass coffee pots and glassware; removes red-wine stains from carpeting. A paste (made with water) [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Great Gift Packaging

July 17, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Tutorial Submitted by Good to Go Eco Visit the Good to Go Eco blog With the economy in a slump and the commercial use of recycling on the decline, reusing is becoming more and more critical to reducing waste. One great reuse of cardboard boxes is to upcycle them into gift packaging. In just a [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Great Gift Packaging

July 17, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Tutorial Submitted by Good to Go EcoVisit the Good to Go Eco blog With the economy in a slump and the commercial use of recycling on the decline, reusing is becoming more and more critical to reducing waste. One great reuse of cardboard boxes is to upcycle them into gift packaging. In just a few [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Fridge Refresher

July 12, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by Chakra Pennywhistle I found this great tip in Issue 41 of ReadyMade Magazine. ReadyMade is a wonderful magazine full of DIY treats. Their tag line is “Instructions for Everyday Life”. This is my go-to magazine and I recommend it to everyone. According to ReadyMade, you can “nip a stinky produce drawer [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Fridge Refresher

July 12, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by Chakra Pennywhistle I found this great tip in Issue 41 of ReadyMade Magazine. ReadyMade is a wonderful magazine full of DIY treats. Their tag line is “Instructions for Everyday Life”. This is my go-to magazine and I recommend it to everyone. According to ReadyMade, you can “nip a stinky produce drawer [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Easy Product Packaging

July 10, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Tutorial submitted by Picnic Basket Crafts Today I have a no-sew, no-glue, no-tape, no-staple alternative utilizing some simple folds to make a self-locking envelope. You can use it to package soap, jewelry, potato chips, a book, pretty much anything! The decorative paper and glue stick are optional. Frankly, you don’t even really need the scissors. [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Go Native

July 5, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by Leatherwood Designs Native plants are those that existed within your state or local area prior to the arrival of settlers. They are great for the environment because they have evolved and adapted to the hot, dry summers and/ or icy cold winters of the local climate over thousands of years. Incredible [...]

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Eco Tutorial: Dryer Balls

July 3, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Tutorial submitted by ecogeneration Visit the ecogeneration blog If you are the one who does the laundry in your house, you know the age old mystery – what happened to the other sock? You are sure you put both socks in the washer and dryer but when you start to fold the laundry, you have [...]

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Eco Tip of the Week: Be a Locavore!

June 28, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Eco tip submitted by Sand & Sky Creations When shopping for your groceries check out what is available from local farmers first. The farmer’s market is a great place to start! The food will be much fresher and more nutritious because it hasn’t had to travel a long distance to reach you, the consumer. Plus [...]

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Eco Tutorial: DIY Deodorant

June 26, 2009 by Kate @ KnitStorm

Tutorial Submitted by PierogiPicnic Also visit the Sprout Chicago blog for even more wonderful tutorials! Over the years I’ve tried every natural deodorant imaginable….Tom’s, Jason, Dr. Hauschka, Burt’s Bees, Lush, crystals, lotions, and good ole’ soap. All left me either stinky and slimy, or red and rashy. Determined to win the battle, I began to [...]

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