Casa de Rayitos Alegres Heating & Air-Conditioning Policy

In light of today's sudden arrival of Fall and Tom Skilling's forecast of upper 40's inland (meaning Arlington Heights), I thought it would be useful to dust off the (previously unpublished) Casa de Rayitos Alegres Heating & Air Conditioning Policy (I got the Spanish from Craig, my high school debate partner. He always was pretty smart.). Of course, this is not to be confused with the Little Merry Sunshine Public Appearance and Speaking Policy, which I hope you're well versed in, because it's far stricter than the Heating & Air Conditioning Policy.

The Reader's Digest Version of the Heating & Air Conditioning Policy is this: No one shall turn on the heat prior to November 1 or the air-conditioning prior to June 15.

My reasons are simple, straightforward, and entirely cheap. Heat and air-conditioning are expensive and I refuse to pay Nicor or ComEd any more money than I absolutely have to.

More specifically, with regards to the heat, come February, we'll all be running around Chicago in shorts and flip-flops when it hits 45 and half-naked when the mercury rises to 65. It is ridiculous to think that simply because we're all currently accustomed to 95 degrees and 100% humidity that we might freeze to death at 48. Layer up, people. Even as I type this, I've traded in my capris, t-shirt, and flip-flops for cozy blue fleece pj's and slippers with the windows open so I can feel the breeze. I'll probably pull out an extra blanket tonight and I advise you to do the same.

Our ancestors didn't have air conditioning or heat. You know what they did to keep warm in the winter? They snuggled with the nearest person. Fine advice, if you ask me. Speaking of which, I'm taking applications for a Snuggle Buddy this winter. Seriously. Want to apply? Email or text message me. There will be interviews.

At the other end of the thermometer, there is no earthly reason to flip on the AC in May. So it hits 90 one day. Big deal. It's one day. The next day it will be 69 again (if we're lucky). Put on a t-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops, pour yourself an icy beverage, and turn on a ceiling fan. If you're still too hot at night, sleep naked and put an ice pak (wrapped in a towel) at your feet in bed. Oh, and close the blinds on the west and south sides of your house to keep the sun from heating up your house and prevent the neighbors from seeing your nekid ass running around all night with the lights on. Enjoy the breeze and remember how we suffer all winter long.

In summary, there is no reason to send Nicor extra money because you have it within your power to stay warm on your own (or with a buddy). But if you have a deep-seated desire to just hand out money unnecessarily, I'll be happy to send you my address.

Oh, and make sure that before you flip on the heat you have your furnace checked and you have a working carbon monoxide detector. I highly recommend Douglas Heating & Air Conditioning if you're anywhere near Arlington Heights. I LOVE them. Use my name. Not Little Merry Sunshine, but my real name.

"Waste-Wise" Shopping - The Smart Way to Shop!

I received this from the moderator of the Arlington Heights Freecycle Group on Tuesday night. She did not credit anyone as having written it and I don't know her name, so I don't who to thank for these tips. All I can do is pass them onto you.

Here are some tips to change the way you shop to reduce waste, help our environment and even save money!

Waste-wise shopping why should I do it?
Currently all of the rubbish that we throw out is sent to the tip (landfill) and buried. However, we are quickly running out of space. As a result, the cost of getting rid of our rubbish is increasing every year, and it is important to try and find more ways of reducing the amount of waste that ends up in our rubbish bin.

"Waste-wise" shopping is a great way of reducing the amount of waste you create before you even bring your groceries home. And don't be surprised if it saves you money!

Before starting on your shopping trip, try to keep in mind ways that you can REFUSE, REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE!

1. REFUSE
Say "NO" to plastic bags! Take your own calico shopping bags, basket, box, backpack or even a laundry basket!

TIP: Calico bags can be reused over and over again simply wash them when they get dirty. Calico bags often hold more groceries and are stronger than plastic bags, which means no more "double bagging". You could even make your own or give them as presents instead of using wrapping paper!

What's the problem with plastic bags?
Plastic bags are a convenience, however they also cause many waste and environmental problems.

• Plastic bags are a litter problem which not only looks ugly, but can harm and kill our wildlife.
• Plastic kills up to 1 million seabirds, 100 000 sea mammals and countless fish each year worldwide. When the animal dies and decays the plastic is free again to repeat the deadly cycle.
• Plastic bags take a long time to break down, which can be anywhere between 20 and 1,000 years.
• Plastic bags are a common contaminant in council curbside recycling bins, which results in recyclables that are inside the bags being sent to the tip as rubbish.
• Plastic bags can be recycled through many supermarkets which have special plastic bag recycling bins. Despite alternatives such as calico or string bags being available, people keep using plastic bags. In fact, Australians use around 10 billion plastic bags per year, nearly 7 billion of which are supermarket plastic bags!

Question: What is one thing you could do to reduce the amount of plastic bags that you use? Use reusable bags!

What would make this easier for you?

Some examples could be:

• keeping calico bags or boxes in the trunk of your car;
• keeping a spare calico bag or plastic bag rolled up in your handbag for any unexpected purchases;
• getting into a routine and returning bags/boxes to the same place after unloading your groceries.

2. REDUCE
Buy goods with less packaging. Buy fruit and vegetables loose, not wrapped. Avoid products that are individually wrapped, or with multiples layers of packaging (e.g., biscuits in a cardboard box which is also wrapped in plastic; bars of soap individually wrapped in plastic). Many fruit and vegetables have their own "packaging, so why buy them in a plastic bag or wrapped on a foam plate (e.g., corn and bananas)?

Buy economy sized products, concentrates and refills. Save both money and packaging. Less packaging means less rubbish. This could include goods like detergents, juices, cordials and cleaning products. For example, if you are buying potato chips for your kids, don't buy the multi-
packs. Buy large single packs of chips and put individual servings into reusable plastic containers.

TIP: Why not join a food co-operative where you can bring your own refillable containers?

3. REUSE
Reuse plastic bags and choose items that can be reused many times. Choose durable and reusable products instead of disposable ones.

For example:

• pens with replaceable refills
• razors with replaceable blades
• refillable lighters
• using reusable utensils and plates/cups instead of throwaways
• using rechargeable batteries instead of single-use ones
• sponges instead of paper towels
• cloth nappies and bottom wipers instead of disposable ones

Reuse and repair products, or buy quality second-hand goods. Why throw something out if it can be repaired? Many repairs and secondhand goods come with a warranty.

TIP: Next time you buy any second-hand goods (especially electrical items) check to see if they have a warranty.

4. RECYCLE
Choose products with recyclable packaging. Learn what can be recycled and choose as many products as possible made from recyclable packaging. Recyclable packaging which is then recycled means less waste being sent to landfill!

For example, why not buy:

• Toilet paper wrapped in paper instead of plastic
• Dishwashing detergent in a recyclable bottle
• Yogurt in recyclable HDPE containers (marked with a 2 on the bottom) instead of non-recyclable Polystyrene containers (marked with a 6).

TIP: Take the next step and "close the recycling loop" by buying products made from recycled materials (e.g., paper products like toilet paper and tissues, materials made from glass, PET and aluminum). This will also help to make recycled products cheaper.

Waste Wise Tips for Buying Presents
Christmas is getting close, so here are some ideas on how to shop smart to save waste and money!

• Give "experiences" as presents - Massage vouchers, dinners out, or even your time, make great presents, and they don't need any wasteful wrapping.
• Give presents in reusable "wrapping" - Instead of wrapping presents in throwaway paper, calico bags and tea towels make great wrapping, which is waste-wise and a great gift! Colorful ribbon will "dress up" your present, and can be used instead of sticky tape.
• Buy long-lasting presents and ones that can be repaired if they break (e.g., Wooden toys for children).
• Make your own presents - Home-made presents can be cost-effective yet thoughtful with minimal or no packaging.
  
• Why not make reusable shopping bags as gifts!

20 Steps to a Waste-Wise Christmas

1. "SNUB" - Say No to Unwanted Bags. Try to take reusable shopping bags or a basket with you and decide whether or not you really need a new bag for every purchase.
2. Compost vegetable peelings and food scraps except meat, seafood and dairy products.
3. Try to buy Christmas decorations that can be used for several years.
4. Close the loop buy recycled Christmas cards, wrapping paper, tags, diaries and calendars.
5. Avoid buying presents with excess packaging.
6. Make your own cards and presents if possible with reusable materials it could be a lot more fun and more personal. Have a go at making your own gift labels by recycling last year's Christmas cards.
7. When shopping, make a list! Don't buy unwanted presents! You may be creating unnecessary waste. Before you buy, think whether it will be a welcome gift.
8. If you receive a present that you don't like, why not give it to the charity shop and give someone else a chance to enjoy it rather than throwing it away.
9. Email electronic Christmas cards saving money, paper and the environment. (LMS Note: Not to mention expensive postage!)
   
10. Don't waste paper wrap creatively! Use tea towels, cloth, wool, ribbon, reusable bags or Christmas stockings.
11. Reuse old Christmas wrapping paper (and open your presents carefully!).
12. Recycle paper, cardboard and recyclable containers from your Christmas cheer (glass bottles and jars, soft drink bottles and other recyclable plastics, aluminum and steel cans) through kerbside collections. Even the corks can be recycled by dropping them off at any Body Shop stores or Girl Guides.
13. Recycle your old Christmas cards by taking them to Planet Ark drop off boxes at Coles, Video Ezy or Body Shop stores in January and February. (LMS Note: I cut off the pictures on the front - assuming there's not personal note on the back of the picture - and use them as gift tags on future Christmas gifts. This saves me money in buying gift tags and dresses up gifts.)
    
14. Buy 'live' Christmas trees which still have soil around the roots ready for potting. After Christmas you can replant it in your garden. Or artificial trees can be re-used year after year.
15. Choose gifts and products which are long lasting, repairable, refillable, reusable or recyclable for when they eventually reach the end of their life.
16. Avoid purchasing items which are non-functional and gimmicky. Avoid buying gifts which need batteries.
17. If you are throwing a party, avoid using disposal items such as cups, plates and napkins. For example, why not hire out glasses. (LMS Note: I assume this means to rent glasses, but I would recommend going to a resale shop and buying glasses cheaply. It doesn't matter if the glasses match or not and you can use them again and again.)
    
18. If goods are packaged, choose items which are made from recycled materials, and that can be easily recycled by you after use, such as glass and paper products.
19. Christmas gifts don't necessarily have to be material items. Treat somebody to a day out, buy cinema or theater tickets, open a children's savings account, make a donation to charity, or arrange a year's subscription to a society such as The National Trust, or magazine such as Habitat, ECOS or Amnesty International.
20. Plan meals wisely. Think ahead when buying food and plan for left-overs - after a big roast dinner for example. This will help minimize the amount of waste you throw away and avoid wasting money.

What are your favorite ways to recycle, reuse, and reduce at this time of the year?

Real Simple Recycling A to Z

I've been meaning to post this for a month or so, but with all the election posts, I thought it might get a little lost and decided to hold it until things calmed down a bit.

Real Simple Recycling A to Z
A Comprehensive Primer on Recycling Nearly Everything, Often for a Good Cause
Oct. 10, 2008 from Real Simple and reprinted on ABCNews.

Each water bottle you recycle may seem like a drop in the bucket, but don't undervalue your efforts.

America is recycling nearly 33 percent of its waste -- almost twice as much as 15 years ago. But sometimes it can be tough to tell what can go in the bin, what can't and what your recycling center does and does not accept.

To help you navigate the often murky recycling waters, check out Real Simple magazine's A to Z guide to recycling.

These tips were first published in the September and October issues of Real Simple and written by Natalie Ermann Russell.

For more tips like these, a new lifestyle makeover series called "Real Simple, Real Life," hosted by Kit Hoover, premieres on the television channel TLC on Oct. 17, at 8 p.m. ET.

AEROSOL CANS. These can usually be recycled with other cans, as long as you pull off the plastic cap and empty the canister completely.

ANTIPERSPIRANT AND DEODORANT STICKS. Many brands have a dial on the bottom that is made of a plastic polymer different from that used for the container, so your center might not be able to recycle the whole thing (look on the bottom to find out). However, Tom's of Maine makes a deodorant stick composed solely of plastic No. 5.

BACKPACKS. The American Birding Association accepts donated backpacks, which its scientists use while tracking neotropical birds.

BATTERIES. Recycling batteries keeps hazardous metals out of landfills. Many stores, like RadioShack and Office Depot, accept reusable ones, as does the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. Car batteries contain lead and can't go in landfills because toxic metals can leach into groundwater, but almost any retailer selling them will also collect and recycle them.

BEACH BALLS. They may be made of plastic, but there aren't enough beach balls being thrown away to make them a profitable item to recycle. If a beach ball is still usable, donate it to a thrift store or a children's hospital.

BOOKS. "Hard covers are too rigid to recycle, so we ask people to remove them and recycle just the pages," said Sarah Kite, recycling manager of the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corp., in Johnston, R.I. In many areas, paperbacks can be tossed in with other paper.

CARPETING (NYLON FIBER). The Carpet America Recovery Effort estimates that 5 billion pounds of carpeting went to landfills in 2003. Go to www.carpetrecovery.org and click on "What can I do with my old carpet?" to find a carpet-reclamation facility near you, or check with your carpet's manufacturer. Some carpet makers, like Milliken, Shaw (www.shawfloors.com), and Flor (www.flor.com), have recycling programs.

CARS, JET SKIS, BOATS, TRAILERS, RVS AND MOTORCYCLES. If these are unusable -- totaled, rusted -- they still have metal and other components that can be recycled. Call junkyards in your area, or go to www.junkmycar.com, which will pick up and remove cars, trailers, motorcycles and other heavy equipment for free.

CELL PHONES. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, less than 20 percent of cell phones are recycled each year, and most people don't know where to recycle them. The Wireless Foundation refurbishes old phones to give to domestic-violence survivors. For information on other cell-phone charities, log on to www.recyclewirelessphones.com. In some states, like California and New York, retailers must accept and recycle old cell phones at no charge. (LMS Note: The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation works with Access Computer Products to recycle these and benefit research into cancers that affect women and putting an end to domestic violence. Call 1-888-490-7635 for pre-paid envelopes.)

COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS. CFLs contain mercury and shouldn't be thrown in the trash. Ikea and the Home Depot operate CFL recycling programs; you can also check with your hardware store or recycling center to see if it offers recycling services.

COMPUTERS. You can return used computers to their manufacturers for recycling. Check www.mygreenelectronics.com for a list of vendors or donate them to a charitable organization, such as www.sharetechnology.org or www.cristina.org. Nextsteprecycling.org repairs your broken computers and gives them to underfunded schools, needy families, and nonprofits.

CRAYONS. Send them to the National Crayon Recycle Program, which melts down crayons and reforms them into new ones. Leave the wrappers on: "When you have black, blue and purple crayons together without wrappers, it's hard to tell them apart," said the program's founder, LuAnn Foty, aka the Crazy Crayon Lady.

CROCS. The manufacturer recycles used Crocs into new shoes and donates them to underprivileged families. Mail them to: Crocs Recycling West, 3375 Enterprise Ave., Bloomington CA 92316.

DVDS, CDS AND JEWEL CASES. If you want to get rid of that Lionel Richie CD because "Dancing on the Ceiling" doesn't do it for you anymore, you can swap it for a disc from another music lover at www.zunafish.com. But if you just want to let it go and not worry about it ending up in a landfill, send it (along with DVDs and jewel cases) to www.greendisk.com for recycling.

EMPTY METAL CANS (CLEANING PRODUCTS). Cut off the metal ends of cans containing powdered cleansers, such as Ajax and Bon Ami, and put them in with other household metals. (Use care when cutting them.) Recycle the tubes as you would any other cardboard.

EMPTY METAL CANS (FOOD PRODUCTS). Many towns recycle food cans. If yours doesn't, you can find the nearest steel-can recycling spot at www.recycle-steel.org. Rinse out cans, but don't worry about removing the labels. "Leaving them on doesn't do any harm," said Marti Matsch, the communications director of Eco-Cycle, one of the nation's oldest and largest recyclers, in Boulder, Colo. "When the metal is melted," she said, "the paper burns up. If you want to recycle the label with other paper, that's great, but it's not necessary."

EYEGLASSES. Plastic frames can't be recycled, but metal ones can. Just drop them into the scrap-metal bin. However, given the millions of people who need glasses but can't afford them, your frames, broken or not, will go to better use if you donate them to www.neweyesfortheneedy.com. Sunglasses and plastic frames in good condition can also be donated. Or drop off old pairs of glasses at LensCrafters, Target Optical or other participating stores and doctors' offices, which will send them to www.givethegiftofsight.org.

FAKE PLASTIC CREDIT CARDS. They're not recyclable, so you can't just toss them along with their paper junk-mail solicitations. Remove them first and throw them in the trash.

FILM CANISTERS. Check with your local recycling center to find out if it takes gray film-container lids (No. 4) and black bases (No. 2). If not, many photo labs will accept them.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. There are two types of extinguishers. For a dry-chemical extinguisher, safely relieve the remaining pressure, remove the head from the container and place it with your bulk-metal items (check with your local recycler first). Alternatively, call fire-equipment companies (listed in the phone book) and request that they dispose of your extinguisher. Carbon dioxide extinguishers are refillable after each use.

FOOD PROCESSORS. Some communities accept small household appliances for recycling -- if not in curbside collection, then in drop-off locations. (New York City will even pick up appliances left on the sidewalk.) "If an appliance is more than 50 percent metal, it is recyclable," said Kathy Dawkins, director of public information for New York City's Department of Sanitation. Most appliances are about 75 percent steel, according to the Steel Recycling Institute. So unless you know something is mostly plastic, it will probably qualify.

FORMAL WEAR. Finally, a use for that mauve prom or bridesmaid dress: Give it to a girl who can't afford one. Go to www.operationfairydust.org or www.catherinescloset.org.

GADGETS. There are many ways to recycle PDAs, MP3 players and other devices so that any money earned from the parts goes to worthy causes -- a win, win, win scenario (for you, the environment and charity). Recycleforbreastcancer.org, for example, will send you prepaid shipping labels, recycle your gadgets, then donate the proceeds to breast cancer charities.

GLUE. Many schools have recycling programs for empty containers of Elmer's glue and glue sticks. Students and teachers rinse out the bottles, which are then sent to Wal-Mart for recycling. Find out more at www.elmersgluecrew.com.

GLUE STRIPS AND INSERTS IN MAGAZINES. Lotion samples and non-paper promotional items affixed to glue strips in magazines should be removed because they can jam up recycling equipment (scented perfume strips, on the other hand, are fine). "One of the biggest challenges we get is pages of promotional stickers and stamps," said Matsch, "which can adhere to the machinery and tear yards of new paper fiber."

HANGERS (PLASTIC). These are not widely accepted at recycling centers because there aren't enough of them coming through to make it worthwhile. However, some cities, such as Los Angeles, are equipped to recycle them. You might consider donating them to a thrift store.

HANGERS. Some dry cleaners and Laundromats will reuse them. Otherwise, they can be recycled with other household metals. But be sure to remove any attached paper or cardboard first.

HEARING AIDS. The Starkey Hearing Foundation recycles used hearing aids, any make or model, no matter how old. Lions Clubs also accept hearing aids (as well as eyeglasses) for reuse. Log on to www.donateglasses.net/hearingaids.html to find designated collection centers near you.

HOLIDAY CARDS. After they've lined your mantel for two months, you could throw them into the recycling bin, or you could give them a whole new life. St. Jude's Ranch for Children, a nonprofit home for abused and neglected youths, runs a holiday-card reuse program in which the kids cut off the front covers, glue them onto new cards and sell the result, earning them money and confidence.

IPODS. Bring in an old iPod to an Apple store and get 10 percent off a new one. Your out-of-date iPod will be broken down and properly disposed of. The catch? The discount is valid only that day, so be prepared to buy your new iPod.

JAM JARS. Wherever there is container-glass recycling (meaning glass jars and bottles), jam jars are eligible. It helps if you remove any remaining jam, but no need to get obsessive. They don't have to be squeaky clean. Before putting them in the bin, remove their metal lids and recycle those with other metals.

JUICE BAGS. Because most are a combination of a plastic polymer and aluminum, these are not recyclable. But TerraCycle will donate 2 cents for each Honest Kids, Capri Sun and Kool-Aid Drink pouch, and 1 cent for any other brand you collect, and send in to the charity of your choice. The organization provides free shipping, too. What does TerraCycle do with all those pouches? Turns them into colorful purses, totes and pencil cases that are sold at Target and Walgreens stores throughout the country. To get started, go to www.terracycle.net/brigades.

KEYS AND NAIL CLIPPERS. For many recycling centers, any metal that isn't a can is considered scrap metal and can be recycled. "There's not a whole lot of scrap metal we wouldn't take," said Kite. "It's a huge market now."

LEATHER ACCESSORIES. If your leather goods are more than gently worn, take them to be fixed. If they're beyond repair, they have to be thrown in the trash -- there's no recycling option. (A product labeled "recycled leather" is often made from scraps left over from the manufacturing process, which is technically considered recycling.) Donate shoes in decent condition to www.soles4souls.org, a nonprofit that collects used footwear and distributes it to needy communities.

MAKEUP. Makeup can expire and is none too pretty for the earth when you throw it in the trash (chemicals abound in most makeup). Some manufacturers are making progress on this front. People who turn in six or more empty MAC containers, for example, will receive a free lipstick from the company in return; SpaRitual nail polishes come in reusable, recyclable glass; and Josie Maran Cosmetics sells biodegradable plastic compacts made with a corn-based resin -- just remove the mirror and put the case in your compost heap. (LMS Note: Mary Kay makes refillable and completely customizable compacts and has for more than 20 years. Because you only refill an item as you run out of it, you can replace one eye shadow not three, which is great for the environment. It also reduces the clutter in your bathroom - the colors are colors you love, not what comes in a set chosen by someone else. Finally, it saves you money because you only replace what you need and you only purchase the compact once. For more information, visit my Mary Kay website.)

MATTRESSES AND BOX SPRINGS. Mattresses are made of recyclable materials, such as wire, paper and cloth, but not all cities accept them for recycling. Go to www.earth911.org to find out if yours does.

METAL FLATWARE. If it's time to retire your old forks, knives and spoons, you can usually recycle them with other scrap metal.

MILK CARTONS WITH PLASTIC SPOUTS AND CAPS. Take off and throw away the cap (don't worry about the spout -- it will be filtered out during the recycling process). As for the carton, check your local recycling rules to see whether you should toss it with plastics and metals or with paper.

MIRRORS. These aren't recyclable through most municipal recyclers, because the chemicals on the glass can't be mixed with glass bottles and jars. You can donate them to secondhand stores, of course. Or if the mirror is broken, put it in a paper bag for the safety of your trash collectors.

NIKES AND OTHER SNEAKERS. Nike's Reuse-a-Shoe program accepts old sneakers (any brand) and recycles them into courts for various sports so kids around the world have a place to play. You can drop them off at a Nike store, other participating retailers, athletic clubs and schools around the country (check the Web site for locations), or mail them to Nike Recycling Center, c/o Reuse-A-Shoe, 26755 SW 95th Ave., Wilsonville OR 97070.

If your sneakers are still in reasonable shape, donate them to needy athletes in the United States and around the world through www.oneworldrunning.com. Mail them to One World Running, P.O. Box 2223, Boulder, CO 80306, or call 303-473-1314 for more information.

NOTEBOOKS (SPIRAL). It may seem weird to toss a metal-bound notebook into the paper recycling, but worry not -- the machinery will pull out smaller nonpaper items. One caveat: If the cover is plastic, rip that off, says Marti Matsch, communications director for Eco-Cycle, in Boulder, Colo. "It's a larger contaminant."

OFFICE ENVELOPES
Envelopes with plastic windows. Recycle them with regular office paper. The filters will sieve out the plastic, and they'll even take out the glue strip on the envelope flaps.

Paper FedEx envelopes can be recycled, and there's no need to pull off the plastic sleeve. FedEx Paks made of Tyvek are also recyclable (see below).

Goldenrod. Those ubiquitous mustard-colored envelopes are not recyclable, because goldenrod paper (as well as dark or fluorescent paper) is saturated with hard-to-remove dyes. "It's what we call 'designing for the dump,' not the environment," says Matsch.

Jiffy Paks. Many Jiffy envelopes -- even the paper-padded ones filled with that material resembling dryer lint -- are recyclable with other mixed papers, like cereal boxes. The exception: Goldenrod-colored envelopes must be tossed.

Padded envelopes with bubble wrap. These can't be recycled. The best thing you can do is reuse them.

Tyvek. DuPont, the maker of Tyvek, takes these envelopes back and recycles them into plastic lumber. Turn one envelope inside out and stuff others inside it. Mail them to Tyvek Recycle, Attention: Shirley B. Wright, 2400 Elliham Avenue #A, Richmond VA 23237. If you have large quantities (200 to 500), call 866-338-9835 to order a free pouch.

PACKING MATERIALS. Styrofoam peanuts cannot be recycled in most areas, but many packaging stores (like UPS and Mail Boxes Etc.) accept them. To find a peanut reuser near you, go to www.loosefillpackaging.com. Some towns recycle Styrofoam packing blocks; if yours doesn't, visit www.epspackaging.org/info.html to find a drop-off location, or mail them in according to the instructions on the site.

Packing pillows marked "Fill-Air" can be deflated (poke a hole in them), then mailed to Ameri-Pak, Sealed Air Recycle Center, 477 South Woods Drive, Fountain Inn SC 29644. They will be recycled into things like trash bags and automotive parts.

PAINT. Some cities have paint-recycling programs, in which your old paint is taken to a company that turns it into new paint. Go to www.earth911.org to see if a program exists in your area.

PENDAFLEX FOLDERS. Place these filing-cabinet workhorses in the paper bin. But first cut off the metal rods and recycle them as scrap metal.

PHONE BOOKS. Many cities offer collection services. Also check www.yellowpages.com/recycle, or call AT&T's phone book-recycling line at 800-953-4400.

PIZZA BOXES. If cheese and grease are stuck to the box, rip out the affected areas and recycle the rest as corrugated cardboard. Food residue can ruin a whole batch of paper if it is left to sit in the recycling facility and begins to decompose.

PLASTIC BOTTLE CAPS. Toss them. "They're made from a plastic that melts at a different rate than the bottles, and they degrade the quality of the plastic if they get mixed in," says Sarah Kite, recycling manager of the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, in Johnston, R.I.

PLASTIC WRAP (USED). Most communities don't accept this for recycling because the cost of decontaminating it isn't worth the effort.

POST-ITS. The sticky stuff gets filtered out, so these office standbys can usually be recycled with paper.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. The Starfish Project collects some unused medications (TB medicines, antifungals, antivirals) and gives them to clinics in Nigeria. They'll send you a prepaid FedEx label, too.

PRINTER-INK CARTRIDGES. Seventy percent are thrown into landfills, where it will take 450 years for them to decompose. "Cartridges are like gas tanks," says Jim Cannan, cartridge-collection manager at RecyclePlace.com. "They don't break. They just run out of ink. Making new ones is like changing motors every time you run out of gas." Take them to Staples and get $3 off your next cartridge purchase, or mail HP-brand cartridges back to HP. (LMS Note: The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation works with Access Computer Products to recycle these and benefit research into cancers that affect women and putting an end to domestic violence. Call 1-888-490-7635 for pre-paid envelopes.)

QUICHE PANS AND OTHER COOKWARE. These can be put with scrap metal, and "a plastic handle isn't a problem," says Tom Outerbridge, manager of municipal recycling at Sims Metal Management, in New York City.

RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT. Don't send tennis rackets to your local recycling center. "People may think we're going to give them to Goodwill," says Sadonna Cody, director of government affairs for the Northbay Corporation and Redwood Empire Disposal, in Santa Rosa, Calif., "but they'll just be trashed."

Trade sports gear in at Play It Again Sports or donate it to www.sportsgift.org, which gives gently used equipment to needy kids around the world. Mail to Sports Gift, 32545 B Golden Lantern #478, Dana Point CA 92629. As for skis, send them to Skichair.com, 4 Abbott Place, Millbury MA 01527, where they'll be turned into Adirondack-style beach chairs.

RUGS (COTTON OR WOOL). If your town's recycling center accepts rugs, great. If not, you're out of luck, because you can't ship rugs directly to a fabric recycler; they need to be sent in bulk. Your best bet is to donate them to the thrift store of a charity, like the Salvation Army.

SHOPPING BAGS (PAPER). Even those with metal grommets and ribbon handles can usually be recycled with other paper.

SHOPPING BAGS (PLASTIC). "Americans recycled 812 million pounds of bags in 2006, up 24 percent from 2005," says Keith Christman, senior director of packaging at the American Chemistry Council Plastics Division, which represents plastic manufacturers. If your town doesn't recycle plastic, you may be able to drop them off at your local grocery store. Safeway, for example, accepts grocery and dry-cleaning bags and turns them into plastic lumber.

To find other stores, go to www.plasticbagrecycling.org. What's more, a range of retailers, like City Hardware, have begun to use biodegradable bags made of corn. BioBags break down in compost heaps in 10 to 45 days.

SHOWER CURTAINS AND LINERS. Most facilities do not recycle these because they're made of PVC. (If PVC gets in with other plastics, it can compromise the chemical makeup of the recycled material.)

SIX-PACK RINGS. See if your local school participates in the Ring Leader Recycling Program; kids collect six-pack rings to be recycled into other plastic items, including plastic lumber and plastic shipping pallets.

SMOKE DETECTORS. Some towns accept those that have beeped their last beep. If yours doesn't, try the manufacturer. First Alert takes back detectors (you pay for shipping); call 800-323-9005 for information.

SOAP DISPENSERS (PUMP). Most plastic ones are recyclable; toss them in with the other plastics.

STEREOS AND VCRS. Visit www.earth911.org for a list of recyclers, retail stores, and manufacturers near you that accept electronics. Small companies are popping up to handle electronic waste (or e-waste) as well: Greencitizen.com in San Francisco will pull apart your electronics and recycle them at a cost ranging from nothing to 50 cents a pound. And the 10 nationwide locations of Freegeek.org offer a similar service.

TAKEOUT-FOOD CONTAINERS. Most are not recyclable. Paper ones (like Chinese-food containers) aren't accepted because remnants can contaminate the paper bale at the mill. Plastic versions (like those at the salad bar) are a no-go too.

TINFOIL. It's aluminum, not tin. So rinse it off, wad it up, and toss it in with the beer and soda cans.

TIRES. You can often leave old tires with the dealer when you buy new ones (just check that they'll be recycled). Worn-out tires can be reused as highway paving, doormats, hoses, shoe soles, and more.

TISSUE BOXES WITH PLASTIC DISPENSERS. The plastic portion will be filtered out during the recycling process, so you can usually recycle tissue boxes with cardboard.

TOOTHBRUSHES. They're not recyclable, but if you buy certain brands, you can save on waste. Eco-Dent's Terradent models and Radius Source's toothbrushes have replaceable heads; once the bristles have worn out, snap on a new one.

TOOTHPASTE TUBES. Even with all that sticky paste inside, you can recycle aluminum tubes (put them with the aluminum cans), but not plastic ones.

TVS. Best Buy will remove and recycle a set when it delivers a new one. Or bring old ones to Office Depot to be recycled. Got a Sony TV? Take it to a drop-off center listed at www.sony.com/recycle.

UMBRELLAS. If it's a broken metal one, drop the metal skeleton in with scrap metal (remove the fabric and the handle first). Plastic ones aren't accepted.

USED CLOTHING. Some towns recycle clothing into seat stuffing, upholstery, or insulation. Also consider donating clothing to animal boarders and shelters, where it can be turned into pet bedding.

UTENSILS (PLASTIC). "There is no program in the country recycling plastic flatware as far as I know," says Matsch. "The package might even say 'recyclable,' but that doesn't mean much."

VIDEOTAPES, CASSETTES, AND FLOPPY DISKS. These aren't accepted. "Videotapes are a nightmare," says Outerbridge. "They get tangled and caught on everything." Instead, send tapes to ACT, a facility in Columbia, Missouri, that employs disabled people to clean, erase, and resell videotapes. You can also send videotapes, cassettes, and floppy disks to www.greendisk.com; recycling 20 pounds or less costs $6.95, plus shipping.

WHEELCHAIRS. Go to www.lifenets.org/wheelchair, which acts as a matchmaker, uniting wheelchairs with those who need them.

WINE CORKS. To turn them into flooring and wall tiles, send them to Wine Cork Recycling, Yemm & Hart Ltd., 610 South Chamber Drive, Fredericktown MO 63645. Or put them in a compost bin. "They're natural," says Matsch, "so they're biodegradable." Plastic corks can't be composted or recycled.

WIPES AND SPONGES. These can't be recycled. But sea sponges and natural sponges made from vegetable cellulose are biodegradable and can be tossed into a compost heap.

WRITING IMPLEMENTS. You can't recycle pens, pencils and markers, but you can donate usable ones to schools that are short on these supplies. At www.iloveschools.com, teachers from around the United States specify their wish lists. And there's always the option of buying refillable pencils and biodegradable pens made of corn (like those at www.grassrootsstore.com) so that less waste winds up in the landfill.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. Ship your old lights to HolidayLEDs.com, Attention: Recycling Program, 120 W. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1403, Jackson MI 49201. The company will send you a coupon for 10 percent off its LED lights, which use 80 percent less energy and last 10 years or more. And they're safer, too. LEDs don't generate much heat, whereas incandescents give off heat, which can cause a dry Christmas tree to catch fire. Ace Hardware stores accept lights as well; search by ZIP code at www.acehardware.com.

YOGURT CUPS. Many towns don't recycle these because they're made of a plastic that can't be processed with other plastics. But Stonyfield Farm has launched a program that turns its cups into toothbrushes, razors, and other products. Mail to Stonyfield Farm, 10 Burton Drive, Londonderry NH 03053.

Or you can join TerraCycle's Yogurt Brigade (currently available only in the Northeast) to recycle Stonyfield containers and raise money for your favorite charity. For every cup collected, Stonyfield will donate 2 cents or 5 cents, depending on the cup size. Go to www.terracycle.net.

ZIPPERED PLASTIC BAGS. Venues that recycle plastic bags will also accept these items, as long as they are clean, dry, and the zip part has been snipped off (it's a different type of plastic).

Do You Freecycle?

There's a website I use frequently called Arlington Heights Free E-Recyclers, a spin off from Freecycle (don't ask me why it's not Freecycle, I don't really understand - or care - the reasons).

In case you're unfamiliar with the e-recycling or freecycling concept, the idea is that we all have things we need to get rid of, one man's trash is another man's treasure, and we want to stop filling landfills. Everything must be given for free with no strings attached. I have gotten rid of things I don't need or want (I still can't believe anyone wanted that tacky-ass light-up sea turtle yard ornament my cousin Alan gave me for Christmas one year) and I've also gotten some wonderful things including plants for my growing garden.

A few months ago, I received a $50 gift certificate to a very nice (and pricey) local restaurant that expires next week. I've been unable to use it and while I would love to dine at this restaurant, I just can't justify spending the money, even if I can save $50. The restaurant gave it to me as a thank you when I did an event at their restaurant in April or May, so it's not like anyone spent money on this certificate. Believe me, if anyone bought me a $50 gift certificate, I would have used it.

Just because I'm not going to use it doesn't mean it should go to waste, however.

So about 10:20 this morning I placed my gift certificate on Arlington Heights Free E-Recyclers. Ten minutes later, I had no fewer than 25 responses. By 11:00, the number had hit 50. And each one came with a sob story. Seriously. The stories were sad. It was heartbreaking to have to chose just one.

I really wish I could have helped everyone, but it was nice to have made one person's day just a little bit brighter.

2009 Gardening Preview

Thanks to the generosity of Gourmet Goddess, my 2009 garden will be blossoming with some incredibly beautiful and yummy veggies!

Last week, I emailed Gourmet Goddess, an incredible gardener, and asked her some questions about gardening, specifically were there veggie bulbs I could plant now that would automatically grow next year. She offered me wonderful advice and then directed me to some wonderful websites, Park Seed and The Garlic Store where I promptly stocked up on some fantastic garlic. These sites are great because they even cater to the idiot gardener (me).

As if she weren't already generous enough, she then emailed and said she had some leftover seeds from this year that she had decided not to use next year and she'd be happy to give them to me! So on Friday, I stopped by her office, while I was at Lake Forest College doing reunion work, and found 3 packs of tomato and pepper seeds waiting for me! Yeah!

Thanks to Gourmet Goddess, here's part of what I will be growing next summer:

Red Lighning Hybrid Tomatoes (aren't they beautiful?)

The Godfather Hybrid Pepper

Ancho (Poblano) Pepper

All from Burpee. I don't know about you, but I'm really hungry now! I can't wait to break ground in 2009!

Thanks Gourmet Goddess! You'll have to join me for dinner one night next summer.

Question of the Day

Today I had a bunch of errands to run just like any typical weekend day. I had to run to Costco, followed by a trip to Target to return something, and then finally the grocery store for the first time in close to 3 weeks (I was gone one of those weeks, in my defense).

As I got back into my car at Target on my way to the grocery store, I realized I had forgotten my recyclable grocery bags. They're usually in my car, but I forgot to put them back. So I had to decide whether I should skip the bags and just use paper bags from Jewel that I can then use to recycle paper in OR should I drive 2 miles home, get the bags and drive 2 miles back to Jewel?

After 30 seconds of pondering which was worse for the environment - 4 extra miles of pollution or paper bags that I could reuse - I decided to head straight to the grocery store.

What would you do? Would you drive home, wasting gas and adding pollution to the environment on an already hot and sticky Chicago summer day OR would you go straight to the grocery store and use their free paper (or plastic) bags that you could reuse later?

Discuss.

The Proof is in the ComEd Bill

My ComEd electric bill arrived yesterday and I am thrilled. Well, okay, not thrilled, but I am doing the Happy Dance. (That link put a smile on your face, right?)

The billing period started June 10th, just a couple of days after I got the Solar Attic Fan, and is the first bill I've received since its installation.

When comparing my one month usage for the same time period last year, my electricity usage has DECREASED by 35.6%!!!!!!!!!!!

You are probably thinking, "Well, that's convenient Jessica, but Chicago has experienced a relatively cool summer this year with very little need for AC usage" and you'd be correct. The average daily temperature from June 10th - July 11th, 2008, according to my ComEd bill was 72 degrees. During the same period in 2007, the average daily temperature was 74 degrees. Not a significant difference.

My Solar Attic Fan has produced significant savings for me in one month! Yeah! Great for Mother Earth and great for my wallet! Thanks Dave!

Hooray for Solar Attic Fans!

One of my least favorite things to do is climb up into the attic during the summer months. Historically, if it's 80 degrees outside, the attic is easily double that. I've always had an attic fan that I've never been convinced did anything other than suck up electricity and cost me more with Com Ed. Also, I believe there are monsters that live in the attic.

But today, I was forced to climb into the attic in search of one of my bins of summer clothes because I needed a cute outfit for a party tonight and couldn't find a skirt I wanted. Prepared for a lack of breathable air and monsters, I hesitatingly climbed the ladder. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that it was relatively cool in the attic, despite it being over 80 and very sunny outside! The attic was so comfortable that I could have easily stayed up there and gone through old boxes of crap. I didn't, but I could have.

What's the difference you ask? Well, two weeks ago when Dave was in town, he installed a Solar Attic Fan for me. He sells and installs only Sunrise Solar Attic Fans because they use the most advanced solar panels to collect and deliver power directly from the sun to the highly efficient 12-volt DC motor inside the power vent. A Solar Attic Fan, just as its name implies, relies on the sun for its power, not electricity, as it sucks the heat out of your attic. To be honest, I hadn't really thought about the difference with the new Solar Attic Fan, except that since he installed it, I haven't turned on the air conditioning once!

I love that with my new Solar Attic Fan, I'm helping the environment and living more greenly, but I REALLY love the impact on my wallet! PLUS, there's a 30% tax credit available this year when I do my income taxes! Yeah! AND Dave's business offers a 5 year warranty, which is 4 years longer than Michigan Building Code requires and other companies provide!

Want one for yourself? Call Dave. That's what his new business - Crystal Solarlighting Solutions - does. He can be reached at 231-651-0214. And yes, he'll do installations in the Chicago Area, as well as Northern Michigan.

Oh, I also didn't find any monsters in the attic. That doesn't mean that they're not there. Just that they were sleeping.

Living Salad Bowl

While at Jewel today, I happened upon a nifty discovery . . . a Living Salad Bowl. It's a big round planter with 2 Green Leaf Lettuce plants, 2 Red Leaf Lettuce plants, 2 Spinach plants, 1 Parsley plant, and 1 Chive plant. The instructions say to simply stick the planter in the sun, water, grow, eat, and repeat. And I'll have fresh salad fixings all summer long! Plus, it was only $12! How cool is that?

I Know I Promised a Hillary Post And This Isn't It . . . Sorry

I know I promised a Hillary Clinton post before Monday and this isn't it. For that, I apologize. I only have one post in me tonight and I'm choosing to write about gardening rather than politics. Why gardening over politics? I'm sure you're eager to know. Well, writing about Hillary and her candidacy would require brain power and I am momentarily lacking that. (Note: For those of you who are thinking, "But Jessica, you NEVER have brain power" . . . keep that thought to yourself. You're not funny.)

Anyway, gardening requires zero brain power. Well, writing about it requires no brain power.

I spent my entire weekend in the garden and I'm so darn happy about that. Dawn until dusk, which came early thanks to daily thunderstorms. I got sweaty and dirty and I enjoyed it. I ache and it feels so good.

I am so proud to say that I have a gorgeous garden. For now, you'll have to take my word for it. I'll have pictures shortly. Honestly, there's not too much in bloom. The Irises have come and are on their way out, I think. What I'm really in love with about my garden is all the textures. And the overwhelming scent of Lavender.

As you'll recall, I started gardening this time last year for the first time. I planted almost exclusively all perennials plus some tomatoes. I can admit now that I was a bit disappointed with my garden last year. The plants remained small and I worried that they'd never grow.

But this year is a far different story. My Hastas are huge. Irises are fabulous - some yellow and some purple. The Lambs Ear spread so much I had to get rid of some of it. Two of the three Lavender bushes survived and flourished. The two Firewitch plants are amazing. The three Purple Sage bushes will be amazing. The Primrose plants are back and better than ever, as are the Day Lillies and Orchids. There are a few other returning plants that I've forgotten the names of.

New this year are: Bluebells, Yarrow and a Butterfly Bush. Plus another nameless plant. Additionally, the vegetable garden has grown significantly: 4 kinds of Tomatoes (Big Boy, Beefsteak, Roma, and Cherry), Banana Peppers, Garlic Chives, Peppermint, and Basil.

Weeding is still the bane of my existence, but I'm learning to become one with nature and have stopped freaking out about some bugs.

I think that I can finally say that my backyard is becoming the oasis I envisioned last year.

Community Shred Day! Now in Arlington Heights!

You'll recall that I'm a big proponent of shredding from my two recent blog posts. In the first, I admonished Arlington Heights for not having a community shred day. And now they do! I'd like to take credit for this change of events, but even I don't believe that hype.

The Peoples' Bank of Arlington Heights (yes, they know about the typo on their website and signage) is having a Community Shred Day! Yes, they are the folks responsible for all those cute "I love Arlington Heights" t-shirts, bags, and caps and the "travelling bank."

So here's the info straight from their website:

Join us for our FREE Shredding Day on Saturday June 7th from 9:00 -1:00 at our newest location at 1104 South Arlington Heights Road.

We will provide secure, complete shredding services for any of your sensitive personal or business documents. This process not only provides exceptional security, but is environmentally friendly as all materials are used in recycling efforts.

Our FREE Shredding Day* will help you eliminate the following materials:

• Personal and business records
• Cancelled or unused checks
• Insurance policies
• Bills
• Medical records
• Invoices
• Personnel files
• Payroll records

*There will be a four box maximum for each customer.

Thanks People's Bank (the correct way) for being such great community leaders!

Community Shred Day is TOMORROW - Saturday, May 24th!

As I've discussed previously, Midwest Bank is holding a Community Shred Day! And it's TOMORROW - Saturday, May 24th from 9am-12noon!

Midwest Bank
50 N. Main St.
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056

Just show up with all your papers (limit 100 lbs) and they'll be shredded for FREE!

For further information about shredding opportunities elsewhere in the Chicago Area and all over the country, visit FileStoreShred.com.

The Fixer, Chicago Sun-Times consumer advocate columnist, recently wrote about what should and should not be shred:

Here's what Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois had to say:

• The IRS has three years from your tax-filing date to audit -- and six years to challenge a claim. A good rule of thumb is to keep all tax returns and supporting documentation for seven years.

• Keep credit card statements for seven years if tax-related expenses are documented.

• Keep paycheck stubs for one year. Be sure to cross reference the paycheck stub to the W-2 form.

• Be sure to keep bank statements and canceled checks for at least one year.

• Bills should kept for one year or until the canceled check has been returned. Receipts for big-ticket items should be kept for insurance purposes.

• Home improvement receipts should be kept for six years or permanently.

• Items such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, insurance policies, titles or wills should be kept permanently in a safety deposit box.

• If you are going to dispose of documents with sensitive information, be sure to SHRED, SHRED, SHRED!!!

Community Shred Day!

Start gathering those personally identifying recyclable papers now! You know what you're looking for:

• credit card solicitations
• old bills
• anything with your social security number
• Tax Returns filed more than 7 years ago (NOTE: Do not shred tax returns less filed than 7 years ago or the supporting documentation because if you get audited, you will need it all)
• old bank statements including ATM receipts
• documents with other people's personal information

I also shred my grocery bills and other store receipts because all too often they have my name on them, either from the check I've written, my credit card, or from the store's preferred customer program.

Midwest Bank in Mt. Prospect, formerly known as Mt. Prospect National Bank, is holding a Community Shred Day!

Community Shred Day
Saturday, May 24th
9am - 12noon
Midwest Bank
50 N. Main Street
Mt. Prospect

There is no charge for this service and you can bring up to 100 pounds of paper. You simply drive up and unload right into the shredder.

The City of Chicago is also holding a Community Shred Day on Saturday, June 14th at the United Center. Again, it's free and you can find out all the relevant information at Chicago Shreds.

I checked to see if Arlington Heights was doing one (the senior center did last year), but they are not. What a shame. Given the rampant rise in identity theft, I would think every community would have a vested interest in helping its residents to protect themselves. It's truly a valuable community service.

Shouldn't Everyday Be Earth Day?

Tomorrow is Earth Day. Last month I participated in Earth Hour. But all this Earth Hour and Earth Day stuff (not to mention the economy) has gotten me thinking over the last few months about my own impact on the environment and how what I do (or don't do) will have ramifications for generations to come.

Over the last couple of years, I've made recycling part of my everyday existence. We have garbage pick-up twice a week with separate recycling pick-up on the second day. Without failure, I take out recycling each week, but I find myself having less and less garbage to put at the curb. I put out a bag this morning that I actually felt guilty about. It wasn't as full as it could have been, but it had some spoiled food (that I forgot was in the frig) and cat litter in it. Trust me, it was a public service to anyone who visits my house to have that bag out of here. I almost never put garbage out twice a week and it's more often once every third garbage pick-up.

What else do I do around my house?

1. I shovel my snow rather than using a snow blower. Of course, I don't have a snow blower, but I don't want one. Shoveling is good exercise and has zero impact on the environment.

2. I've used recyclable bags at the grocery store for ages. I have a few canvas bags that I'm not even sure where I picked up, but I didn't pay for any of them. Once in awhile I need a bag or two from the store, but one or two once a month is a lot better than a bunch every week.

3. If I do have to get bags at the store, I prefer paper to plastic because I can use the paper bags with my recycling.

4. I reuse plastic bags for cat litter disposal.

5. Because I carry a large purse, I usually refuse to have items I purchase at other stores placed in bags. I just toss them into my purse instead.

6. I drive a 13-year-old 1995 Honda Civic because it gets 30 miles per gallon even just running around town. Sure, it's not so pretty on the outside, but it's been paid off for years and runs great.

7. At home, I've replaced the most used light bulbs with CFL bulbs.

8. In order to keep my Nicor gas bill lower than the GNP of a large third-world country this past winter, I used double-insulated my windows using that shrink-wrap-like plastic on the biggest windows in my home. I also kept my heat at about 63 at night and about 67 during the day, unless I had clients at the house. Dave also put extra insulation in my attic.

9. Last summer I grew tomatoes that saved me money on groceries. This summer, I'm going to grow other veggies too. I love doing this because I know exactly what is used on my plants (nothing) and they are 100 times fresher than the food I can buy at any grocery store.

10. In the summer, I keep blinds closed strategically in my home to avoid the direct sunlight heating up my house. I also use ceiling fans to keep air circulating and avoid the AC.

11. I air dry much of my laundry rather than running my dryer. Usually this means that for every 3 loads I wash, I only dry 1 load.

12. I keep my phantom load to a minimum. I've unplugged lights, clocks, and other electronics that aren't used regularly. I keep my PC, monitor, and printer turned off unless I am using them.

13. I buy in bulk and look for the least amount of packaging whenever possible. Rather than buying a smaller box of laundry detergent that I'll go through in a few months, I've got a huge box of detergent that I've had for 7 months and am not even 1/3 through! That's much less waste into the environment.

14. I have an iPass. Despite my belief that people should be rewarded more for taking public transportation, rather than driving solo, having an iPass gets me off the roads faster (when I'm forced to drive) because I'm not sitting idle in traffic waiting for the manual toll lanes.

15. I'm slowly replacing all of my traditional cleaning supplies with earth-friendly cleaners. Because I hate to waste things, this process is taking a little while.

16. I'm a Freecycler. The Arlington Heights group is quite active and I encourage you to get involved. It's free. What's not to love. I've gotten rid of some awesome crap on Freecycle! You know what they say, "one person's junk is another person's treasure." Never has that statement been more accurate. I've also gotten some cool stuff too - excellent furniture for Dave, my irises, and a cutting board, for example.

17. I give gently used clothes to charity and have been known to have a garage sale.

18. I don't subscribe to magazines or newspapers, except one weekly local paper. Everything else I read online.

19. Of course, I turn off the water when I'm brushing my teeth. And I only run the dishwasher when it's completely full. My washing machine has settings for small, medium, full and super size loads, so I can customize it depending on my needs and don't waste water, but more often than not I only use it when it's completely full.

20. I don't use paper plates, paper napkins, and very few paper towels. I prefer real plates and cloth napkins. Plus, it just feels more dignified to eat with them, especially when dining alone.

21. This summer, I'm having a Solar Attic Fan installed by Dave's new company, Crystal Solarlighting Solutions!

22. I run my appliances (dishwasher, washing machine, dryer) at night to avoid heating up my house during the day and also because electricity is cheaper.

23. I purchase recycled toner cartridges for my laserjet printer from UHS Technologies in McHenry and they deliver! If you want information about them, email me.

24. I recycle old cell phones and color inkjet cartridges by mailing them to an organization that benefits the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation.

25. I cook in bulk. Last night, for example, I made tarragon chicken, but rather than making enough for last night, I made enough for the week. It's delicious cold, but even if I want to reheat it, that takes less energy (and time!) than it takes to cook a meal from scratch. I do this when I grill, make stew, pasta, everything. Sure, my weekly menu is a bit boring (I'll eat something for lunch and dinner until it's gone), but it cuts down on my food preparation time and it uses less electricity or gas.

26. This summer, I will be cutting my grass half as often because the gas for my mower is expensive and puts icky stuff into the environment.

There are probably other things that I can't think of right now.

Every small step makes a difference. What do you do to help the environment?