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Origins welcomes, rewards recyclers

When it's time for your cosmetic tubes, eye cream jars and lipstick bottles to head to their final resting place, hand them over to Origins and they'll protect Mother Earth by keeping them out of the landfill.

Return to Origins Recycling Program encourages cosmetic connoisseurs to bring empty beauty jars, bottles, tubes and the like to any Origins location to be recycled or used for energy recovery.

The environmentally conscious beauty company will recycle products made by any manufacturer and rewards participants with a free skincare product sample. For further details and facts, click here.

Thanks to reader Sheila's tip, I brought three The Body Shop face lotion containers and an eye-cream jar to the Origins at 111 N. State St. (inside Macy's) and received a sample-size A Perfect World antioxidant moisturizer with white tea. It's perfect for my purse and I've been rubbing it around my eyes to calm myself after a long day.

When it's time to say goodbye to your favorite vixen-red lipstick, clean out the container and bring it to Origins. You'll help keep waste out of the landfill and get a nice thank-you treat!

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

It's up to you to keep Earth Week going

Earth Week has come to a close, but we're counting on you to keep in mind the green tips you learned here at LaidoffLadies.com and put them to good use throughout the rest of the year.

Couldn't get enough "Go Green" tips this week? Here's a few final tips to help you make your impact on saving the planet - they may seem tedious, but every little bit helps:

~ Keep your car tires full of air. Make sure to keep your tires inflated, that way your car will run more miles on less gas.

~ Turn off the water. Try sticking to showers and skipping the baths (this is going to be a challenge for me, but I'm looking for a new way to unwind) and keep the water off when brushing your teeth.

~ Put an end to paper bills. Cancel your mail statements and pay your bills online. Just think of the trees we can save!

~ Think before you toss anything. Make a conscious effort to think about what you're throwing out before you pitch it. Can someone else use it? Can it be used for a different purpose? Can it be recycled? Putting yourself in the habit of thinking twice will be a great service for our planet!

~ If you're not using it, turn it off. Turning off electronics, or simply unplugging them from the outlet can help cut down on your energy output. Even though your curling iron is turned off, if it's plugged in, it's still using energy and costing you money. Don't forget to turn off the lights when you leave a room, too.

~ Use reusable grocery bags. Help keep plastic bags out of landfills by bringing your own bags with you. You can also save money because some grocery stores take money off your bill if you bring your own bags.

The list goes on, but we'll check in from time to time to make sure you're staying green!

Did you learn a new tip this week? Did you come across a new favorite trick you've been putting to good use? We want to hear all about it! E-mail us at askthegirls@laidoffladies.com.

Stay green!

Kate

Green-over your diet

Happy Arbor Day!

Earth Week is coming to a close, but we're not out of tips yet!

You don't usually think of your food when you think of going green, but the truth is there are a couple things you can alter about your grocery list and diet that can help our environment.

1) Buy organic. You need to be careful because buying organic can be a little pricey, but if you catch organic produce when it's on sale it's a win for your body and the planet! You'll be helping keep fewer toxins in the earth and in your body.

2) Buy local produce. It makes a lot of sense when you think about it - the less time your fruits and veggies are on the road the better. Energy and gas will be conserved in the transportation (the ozone thanks you!) and the longer the food will stay fresh in your kitchen!

3) Go vegetarian one day a week. I know it might sound like a big commitment but hear me out. If you can just cut out meat for one day (or one meal) a week it'll save you some dough on your grocery bill and can help cut down the methane emissions from livestock which hurt our atmosphere.

See - that wasn't so bad!

Have any other ideas about going green with your food? E-mail us at askthegirls@laidoffladies.com with your tips - we're all ears!

Don't listen to Kermit - it's easy being green!

Kate

*Photo courtesy of One Healthy Life

Think green: Small changes with a big impact

It's proven to be scary, made me question my lifestyle and caused me to feel nervously ill more than once. The recession is a deep, dark cloud looming over us that has made me re-evaluate my choices and live more within my means.

Green efforts have had a similar affect on my life. I've learned that it's important to realize the overall impact of my choices today and in the future.

Here's a list of things you can do - some you may have already tried and some new - to make an impact on the environment and in most cases, your wallet, too.

- Energy Star provides tools online to help you evaluate which areas of your home can be more efficient. If you have utility bills from the last 12 months or a summary, log on and learn how to improve your energy use.

- Buy products you can reuse. Use coffee mugs and forget about the paper plates. Instead of using plastic baggies to carry food, use reusable containers and clean up with cloth towels and napkins instead of paper. When you buy, think of what will last the longest.

- Can you rent a DVD instead of shelling out cash for it? And the same with books. Buying books is one of my favorite past-times, but with access to a library like Harold Washington, there's no excuse - go visit the gorgeous library and borrow books from it.

- According to Whole Foods Market's newsletter, The Whole Deal, it's important to wash clothes in cold water because about 80 percent of washer energy is used to heat water.

- Think about what you're buying.Try to buy products made from recyclable materials and when possible, purchase from environmentally conscious companies. With the help of their customers, Seventh Generation has saved 310,802 trees and spared 691,817 gallons of petroleum. Per their site, if every household in the United States used one bottle of vegetable-based laundry detergent instead of a petroleum-based product, enough oil would be saved to heat and cool 27,000 homes for a year.

- Less packaging, less waste. Buy in bulk and avoid items that are individually wrapped. Also look for items that have recyclable packaging.

- Sew it or share it! Instead of trashing that shirt with a hole in it, sew it up or reinvent it. Take your favorite pair of worn boots to the shoe repair shop or swap unwanted clothes with a friend. Get creative, be innovative and you'll produce less waste.

- According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a bathtub requires about 70 gallons of water and a 5-minute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons. If you can jump in and jump out (I'll admit it, I tend to take long showers - I'm still working on it!), a shower's best. Even better, install a water-efficient showerhead.

- Before you toss things, ask yourself if you can reuse it. Keep a drawer to store items in and make note of the items for future use. You'd be surprised at how many things you can reuse and how much you'll save on reusing instead of buying new.

- Don't just use your reusable bags at the grocery store, carry one with you all the time. If you're prepared, you won't have to use plastic!

- To ensure that you'll start or continue a sustainable, environmentally friendly lifestyle, you can pledge to help the environment with the EPA.

Earth Day's over but you can continue it on your own. Watch your consumption and look for ways to reduce waste. In turn, you'll benefit from a cleaner, cheaper, healthier lifestyle!

You look good in green!
xoxo,
Lisa Marie

Conserve energy, shave money off your electricity bill

Discovering ways to create a more environmentally friendly lifestyle can be overwhelming. You have to unplug something here, add an efficient item there and search to determine what works best for you.

There is good news: when you take small steps to protect the planet, you can reap all kinds of rewards. According to Lisa Overwater, Best Buy media specialist, it's easier than it seems and you know more than you think.

"There's small tips, small changes people can make," Overwater said. "What do you have plugged in and how are you using it? Clean your appliances and when you're done, recycle them."

According to Overwater, who has worked at the electronics giant for three years, most recently at 2650 N Clark St., these are the most important things to remember when you're revamping your routine and conserving energy.

Overwater explains that it's important to unplug basic electronics when you're done charging them. These items include cell phone chargers, camera batteries, printers and other small items that continue to suck power when they aren't in use, an action that's been dubbed phantom or vampire power.

If you unplug items, you can expect to shave about 10 percent off your energy bill, but more importantly, you'll be reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"Once you get in the habit, as a whole, you'll be pushing toward a more environmentally conscious lifestyle." Overwater said. "These are small tips to save a little and increase longevity, too."

For items that take a lot of power to reboot, like computers and laptops, it's better to leave them on standby mode, which uses minimal power. Rebooting takes the most energy, Overwater explains, so even though phantom power will be in effect, you don't want to turn it off completely unless it won't be in use for a week or more.

For longevity's sake, it's also better to put items on standby because when you run electronics at the highest mode, they're more likely to get worn out faster.

Clean green! Save money while protecting the planet

I was in a cleaning kick today and it got me thinking: is it easy to clean green? Turns out it's simple, inexpensive and includes products you may have in your cabinets.

According to Planet Green, baking soda and vinegar are natural cleaning alternatives. Mix either with warm water and voila! You have an all-purpose cleaner.The site also has a list of green cleaning products to make at home, including a window cleaner, soft scrubber and furniture polish.

For dishes, I like Earth Friendly Products' natural lavender soap. Its smell relaxes me and it's free of harmful ingredients. I also use Seventh Generation laundry detergent and purchase dryer sheets free of perfume and dye. On Seventh Generation's site, you can join Seventh Generation Nation, which includes coupons, special offers, tips, forums and an e-newsletter.

To decrease waste use wash cloths, not sponges! Sponges can be a breeding ground for germs and when you're done, you have to toss them. Instead, use a wash cloth to clean dishes or wipe the counters, wash it and repeat.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution levels can be more than 100 times higher than outdoor levels. To reduce the risk of toxic air, open your windows and let the fresh air flow in. If you want to freshen up your space, Planet Green recommends boiling cinnamon or herbs instead of spraying air freshener. Kate and I bought cinnamon sticks to use as decoration and they add a light, natural aroma to the air. You also can get a house plant to promote air filtration.

It just takes a couple lifestyle changes and you're on your way to a cleaner, less-toxic environment indoors and outdoors. Plus, you can save some cash and avoid harmful chemicals. Do you clean green?

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

*photos courtesy of woodleywonderworks (NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center) & the EPA

Recycle on Freecycle.org

You know that chair you're throwing away when you move? The winter coat you've outgrown? Don't toss it - give it a new home and help the environment!

The Freecycle Network is a site that's decreasing the amount of waste sent to landfills by promoting a community of giving (thanks, Jake!). If you have an item in good condition that you're planning on sending to the garbage, see if someone else can enjoy it instead! All you have to do is join the Freecycle group in your area and you can give and get items free of charge.

There's a group for the city and several throughout the 'burbs. You must live in city limits to join Chicago's group, and before your membership's approved, you'll be asked to send your ZIP code to the moderator.

To keep out riff-raff, all items posted in The Freecycle Network must be free, legal and appropriate for all ages. If you're giving an item away or if you find an item you need, it's between you and the other member to coordinate pick up.

According to Freecycle's site, the organization keeps more than 500 tons of garbage out of landfills every day - you never know what treasure you'll find or who can use your unwanted items!

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

*photo courtesy of D'Arcy Norman

Go dark for Earth Hour

83 countries, 2,398 municipalities, 5,481 organizations and 18,783 businesses already have committed to supporting Earth Hour on Saturday, and it's easy for you to help the cause, too!

At 8:30 p.m. Saturday, turn off your lights and leave them off for one hour (or longer if you're feeling generous!). By doing so, you're helping the global conservation organization WWF take action against global warming. 

Earth Hour started in 2007 with 2.2 million participants and quickly jumped to 50 million in 2008. This year, the organization hopes to have 1 billion people participate, and those who turn off their lights and "vote" for earth will aid WWF's presentation to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference, which will determine government policies against global warming.

We all know how important it is to take care of our main lady, Mother Earth, and if you join Earth Hour, you'll be part of a much larger effort to save the planet.

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

Clear some space in your closet and spice up your room!

Have you laid-off ladies ever had a piece of clothing you just don't want to part with?

You're not alone! And now, I have a little trick to help you save your favorite well-worn clothes all while adding a little style to your room!

I had a bedside lamp that had only a white canvas cover, and a silk shirt that had a snag.

Who knew this combo could be a match made in interior design heaven?

As you can see (at left), I was able to make some room in my closet while adding a little color to my bedroom!

All I did was cut up the old shirt (which wasn't easy, trust me), and use fabric glue to attach the bottom of the former shirt to the bottom rim of the cover.

Once the bottom was secure, I brought the cloth to the top and folded it over every inch and a half.

Earn a couple bucks and save the planet, too!

Have any old mp3 players, computers or cell phones laying around?

Well here's a way to go green and make some money, too!

Gazelle.com is a Web site that takes your old electronics, sells them for you, and then sends you the money! You don't even have to pay for shipping!

All you do is go to the website and type in your product. They offer to buy mp3 players, cell phones, digital cameras, camcorders, GPS systems, etc. Once you answer a few questions about your product, you will be able to calculate the amount of money Gazelle.com is willing to offer you for your device. Once you accept the price, you send in your product (they will send you a box with prepaid postage) and they inspect the gadget to make sure it's in good condition. After they determine the product is OK to sell, they send you your payment within a few days, clear all personal data from the device and sell it to retail/wholesale markets.

The site not only helps the environment by reusing products that would be stuck in landfills forever, but if your electronic doesn't sell, they'll recycle it for you!

I'm excited to price an old digital camera, iPod, and cell phone that are wasting space in my apartment. I can't wait to make some extra cash, after all their average customer makes $115!

Have any of you laid-off ladies tried this yet? If not, check it out and let us know how much money you made!

Kate