It's All in the Numbers

These numbers can help show what a difference re-using and recycling can make.

• If you use a printer at home or at work, don't discard the empty printer cartridges - they can be re-used and recycled. According to the office supply chain Office Depot, 2 1/2 pounds (1 kilogram) of metal and plastic plus half a gallon (2 litres) of oil goes into making each ink and toner cartridge. Simply recycling these items saves resources - and landfill space.
• According to Resourceful Schools, the equivalent of 185 gallons of gas (700 litres of oil) is saved for every one ton of paper that is recycled.
• Of course you're not using bottled water, are you? 25 million plastic bottles are discarded every HOUR! Many end up in the oceans and cause problems for sea life.
• When electronic devices are ready to be replaced, don't throw them out. Their toxic contents can seep out into the ground in landfills. Many non-profit organizations will gladly take them and re-distribute them where they are needed, or recycling companies will take them and re-use their components. (Or better still, hang on to it for a bit longer before buying new!)

Fun Green Weekend

Have Fun this weekend!

Do you sometimes need to find something to do at the weekend that doesn't cost the earth and is green too?

Walking tours of nearby cities are always interesting - but can be expensive, and the groups can sometimes be large. 

But now it's easy to get a guided tour cheaply (sometimes free) - and you can stop where you want for as long as you want.

To get your personal, private tour guide, use your smart phone or your computer.  You can find a walking tour, cuisine tour, gift shopping tour, or whatever takes your fancy. 

1. If  you have a smart phone, go to Google and type "phone app city tour" and add your city's name.  Many of the apps are free.
2. Or use your computer to Google "city tour" and the name of your city, and choose a tour that looks interesting.  

Print out the highlights, and then go (without the official tour) to the places they suggested, armed with all the facts.  You can go where you want, when you want, just as you wish.

Even if you've lived there all your life, you'll be sure to learn to learn new things.  And it's fun seeing your city with fresh eyes!

How to Get Awkward Things Clean and Sparkling Again!

Here are some green and eco friendly ways to care for things that can sometimes be awkward to clean!

Your computer keyboard becomes dirty after a while, but it's awkward to clean. There are commercial cleaners available but they're expensive and contain chemicals.

So here's a better, natural, easy and chemical free solution.

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a small bowl. 
2. Dip a clean rag or cloth into the solution, and wipe the keyboard clean - your computer should be switched off, of course! 
3. Use a Q-tip or cotton bud dipped in the solution to clean in between the keys.

If you practice Yoga and use a Yoga mat, it can become dirty after a while. Here's a lovely all-natural solution to keep it in top condition:

5 drops eucalyptus essential oil

10 drops Tea Tree Oil

15 drops lavender essential oil

¼ cup / 60ml witch hazel

1 cup / 250ml water

1. Mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle. 
2. Spray directly onto your mat - preferably immediately after your workout. 
3. Wipe it down with a clean rag or cloth.
4. Let it dry for a couple of minutes before rolling it up.