Goal For The Green

Living with the earth in mind doesn’t have to take a lot of money, years or even effort. In order to live a greener lifestyle in just two weeks, try these inexpensive earth-saving tips:

Reusable Shopping Bags

Paper or plastic? Choose neither — when running errands or grocery shopping, pack your own reusable bags. A cotton-mesh tote — which cost about $5-$20 — reduces waste, carries more and can be used over and over.

A Litter-less Lunch

Even if, it’s just once a week, pack your lunch (and not in a brown bag). Use reusable containers and plan on washing plastic utensils or packing your own silverware.

Eco-friendly Cleaning Products

A gallon of off-brand distilled white vinegar costs about $2-$5 and when diluted with water can cut through grease and clean messes just like other household cleaners. It’s non-toxic, anti-bacterial and effective at cleaning your house without chemicals.

No More Paper Towels

Stop buying paper towels and instead use washable rags to clean up messes around the house. Cut old T-shirts or buy a package of 10 heavy-duty wash cloths at the dollar store.

Switch to CFLs

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, fluorescent light bulbs use less energy, reduce light bulb changes and lower greenhouse emissions. In turn, this saves money and of course the environment.

Rethink the Thermostat

Instead of turning down the air conditioner to mediate the temperature in your home. Focus on variables in the room, such as air ventilation and natural lighting. Use roller shades that are energy efficient and made out of eco-friendly materials to block harsh rays that could be making you and the room feel hotter.

Use a Mug

Drink your coffee out of a mug instead of a paper cup. Try a reusable water bottle instead of buying and tossing plastic bottles.

Wash Clothes in Cold Water

Always wash clothes in cold water. According to EnergyStar.gov, 90 percent of the energy used to operate a washing machine goes to heating the water.

Recycle Electronics

Learn what can be recycled and stop tossing items that could be reused. For example, Best Buy recycles computers, print cartridges, radios, washing machines and other electronics and appliances. Some stores will even pick up items, so you don’t have to drop them off.

Buy Bulk

Stop buying individually packaged items at the grocery store and instead buy in bulk to save production and packaging waste.

Shorter Showers

Take a waterproof timer with you in the shower so you aren’t zoning out and taking too long. Invest in a low-flow shower head to save 2,900 gallons of water a year, according to the EPA.gov.

Line Dry When Possible

Rather than throwing your laundry in the dryer, hang them on the line to dry. If you don’t have a backyard, open your shower curtain and use hangers.

Lighten the Load

Remove unnecessary heavy items from your trunk to save gas. According to FuelEconomy.gov, an extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could be reducing your MPG by two percent.

Kill Energy Vampires

Use power strips to turn off unused appliances and stop wasting standby power easily. According to EnergyStar.gov, the average U.S. household spends $100 a year to power devices while they are turned off.

Borrow Instead of Buy

Instead of buying a New York Bestseller or the latest comedy on DVD, borrow it from the local library. After reading or watching your favorite books and videos, donate them to the library or a nearby shelter, thrift shop or school.

In the Valcucine Milan Brera space, during the Milan Design Week – April 9-13, 2013, 10:00Am-10:00PM, it will be possible to enjoy a direct experience of the elements that have always strongly distinguished Valcucine’s DNA: the handicraft expertise of the workmanship, the information that accompanies the company’s transparency, the research and analysis into materials and superior quality that make Valcucine special and unique.

In a previous post of mine, A 100% Recyclable Kitchen  you will notice the rigorous, minimalist, ergonomic design of the Invitrum kitchens. The attention to eco-sustainability lives in perfect harmony with natural materials and with precious handicraft workmanship, as you will notice in the video below.

No other company in the world can boast units as special as those produced by Valcucine. Technology and craftsmanship coupled together with the special attention to details are some of  the secrets that make Valcucine’s products fully resistant and reliable as years go by, guaranteeing their long life and use.

Wall units and those with coplanar, sliding doors are inspired by and designed following the concept of lightness. They offer a revolutionary interpretation of kitchen ergonomics and the Invitrum base units are the first 100% recyclable base units in glass and aluminum. The Living Valcucine base units make it possible to harmonize the design of the living room area with that of the kitchen. With the option to use the copious cupboard unit that has coplanar sliding doors, it is now possible to customize your kitchen and make it totally unique by means of an artistic and handicraft decor.

While the clean and ergonomic design may not suit everyone’s taste, one thing is certain, it is beautiful, and it is green.  You now have the option to purchase, assemble, disassemble and reuse your 100% recyclable kitchen. It is a wise investment to be able to take your kitchen with you when or if you move, making it money well spent and greenbacks in your wallet.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cooper Tire for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

You probably already know that Cooper Tire, has been crafting tires for life’s road trips, for nearly 100 years.They boast a full product portfolio, that fits most vehicles on the road today. Cooper Tires manufactures top quality passenger, light truck, sport utility, performance and winter tires.

As of today, March 22, Cooper Tires Facebook fans may submit their not-so-every day road trip stories on the company’s Facebook  fanpage. You can enter the Cooper Tire’s My Every Day Road Trip Contest, in one of the following ways: a written story, a photo or a video. Winners will be selected based on criteria such as originality, creativity,  your passion for Cooper tires as well as your own compelling content. You have until March 29th, to enter in this way or by photo.

The top written story will win a $100 gift card to use toward gas for one week, and the highest rated photo entry will receive a $500 gift card to use toward gas for one month.

Whether you enter the contest or not, you can visit Cooper Tire’s Facebook page, for complete contest and sweepstakes rules and submission guidelines. While you are there, you may also want to “like” the Cooper Tire Facebook fan page, perhaps enter the contest, and visit the Cooper Tire website.

If you need a little inspiration watch this video:

From the video enteries in the contest, the top five video finalists will each win a new set of four Cooper tires and advance to the final phase of the competition.

In the final phase of the competition, Cooper Tire Facebook fans will be encouraged to vote for their favorite Every Day Road Trip video, to help determine the final winner. Voting [for an opportunity to enter the sweepstakes] begins April 15).Then, the video with the combined highest score and most votes will be awarded a gift card for $5,000 toward gas for one year to fuel their daily drive. What a deal!

You even have an opportunity to Win, just by voting. Cooper Tire is also offering its fans a chance to win a “Road Trip Kit” just for voting during the “My Every Day Road Trip” sweepstakes. Beginning April 15, you can vote for your favorite top video to help determine the overall Cooper Tire Facebook video winner. Each time you vote (only once per day),you will automatically receive an entry to win a “Road Trip Kit.” The “Road Trip,” prize pack includes several items to keep you on-the-go, including a $100 Cooper Tire auto service voucher, a $50 gas card, $50 iTunes gift card and Cooper gear. Best of luck to all who enter, and remember, tires are for people and safety, NOT just for cars.