It’s fair to say that a majority of people in this country recycle in some capacity in 2013. While there is still no national law mandating recycling, a majority of state and local governments have introduced recycling programs around the country since Woodbury, NJ, became the first municipality in the United States to establish a mandated program back in the early 1970s.   While required recycling is a relatively new concept, recycling really is nothing new. People have been recycling in one way or another for thousands of years. In this country, recycling started on a large scale during …

Inspired by this warm snap in the weather, I took to the great outdoors on Thursday. I cleaned up the backyard, a wreck from its winter slumber. Where the little dusting of snow we had gotten was melting, little puddles of mud were forming all around the yard. The kids were outside breathing in the fresh air and naturally, playing in the mud. While the temperatures are supposed to plummet again after this little spring-like break, before we know it, spring will be here for real. There’s just shy of five weeks until spring begins. While the weather may not yet be conducive to planting your …

It’s true that flowers and candy top the list of traditional Valentine’s Day gifts. I’ve also heard it said that nothing makes quite as big of an impact as a beautiful piece of jewelry. We’ve all seen countless advertisements on television, especially this time of year. Ads encouraging us to say “I love you” with flowers. Shiny baubles adorn beautiful, smiling models on the television and in magazines, showing us how happy we can make someone special with just the right piece of perfect jewelry.  Have you ever stopped for a moment to consider where the flowers and jewelry you are buying …

As you may have heard, Gloucester Township will soon be hosting its second annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, headed up by Gloucester Township Council Vice President Orlando Mercado. The day of service will be held this Monday, Jan. 21, beginning at 9:00 a.m.  Here is a list of the planned service projects, according to Gloucester Township's official website: St.Vincent de Paul Society (Food Bank at St. Agnes Church) – Organization, inventory and collection of donations Gloucester Township Senior Campus I – Zumba with the seniors Camden County Animal Shelter – Assist in the …

It's a new year! Time for a whole new set of green tips and ideas for 2013. People are forever asking me questions about "going green," and for more specific information about several of the topics that I write about. I always welcome and encourage emails posing questions and ideas for future columns. A question I received over the holidays about recycling programs got me thinking: What are the most frequently asked questions about going green? After a little research, I found that, according to Ask.com, the following are some of the most-asked questions pertaining to going green. I decided …

During the course of the year, I've covered many aspects of how you can be more eco-friendly in your daily life. I've talked to you about super simple changes you can make, and I've talked about things that might mean stepping a little outside of your comfort zone. But, I've done it all because I wanted to show you that you can save money, conserve energy, create less waste and reduce the impact that you have on your environment, without having to dramatically overhaul your life. Here are some of our favorite "Going Green" columns from 2012. Way back in March we talked about donating clothing…

The holidays are a time of joy, a time of cheer, and, yes, a time for spending lots and lots of money and creating lots of waste. Here's the thing—you don't have to forgo all of your good green intentions just because the holiday season has arrived. There are plenty of ways that you can get crafty and reduce, reuse, recycle and repurpose all winter long. Whether your goal is to save money, cut back on waste or just get your creative juices flowing, I've compiled a list of my absolute favorite holiday DIYs. Whatever your goal, there is something here for everyone. From super easy crafts for …

“I can’t believe I ate the whole thing.” It’s been the catch phrase of commercials, and the punch line of jokes, but the phrase holds true, especially at this time of year. With Thanksgiving just behind us, and a whole host of holidays and celebrations on the horizon, now might be the perfect time to offer up some good old-fashioned, all-natural remedies for what ails you. For the tummy troubles that can often follow hearty holiday meals, we’ve got seven tried-and-true, all-natural remedies to keep you feeling fit as a fiddle into the new year. GingerRemember when you were a kid and your mom …

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. With all of the food, preparations, packaging and waste, it's easy to see how bad this holiday can be for the environment. So, if you are looking for ways to make the holiday feast a little greener this year, look no further. Here are some tips for a more eco-friendly Turkey Day meal. Forgo the turkey. The most obvious eco-solution is to not buy a turkey at all, and just have a complete vegan or vegetarian meal. But for some, the day just wouldn't be the same without the traditional Thanksgiving symbol of the turkey. The news has been filled in recent …

If you're still scrambling to find a Halloween costume, time is running out. And while orange and black may be the traditional colors of Halloween, this year green is the way to go when it comes to costumes. Here are a few ideas for fun, last-minute costumes that are eco-friendly and wallet-friendly, too. Always start with items you have around the house. A plain white bedsheet and a pair of scissors are all you need for the Halloween classic ghost costume. Too generic? Check out the kid's room. If your child is involved in a sport or activity such as football or cheerleading, their uniform …

Who says going green starts at home? While greener homes are getting a lot of attention these days, the office or workplace is full of great green opportunities, too. The fact is, many people spend more time at work and commuting than they get to spend at home with their families. It is yet another place where you can have a big impact environmentally, with just a few easy changes. Probably one of the biggest environmental benefits you can get in the workplace happens before you even get there. Transportation is a key area for reducing your carbon footprint at work. If you are an employer, …

1. Trick or Treat I know that nearly everyone looks forward to candy at Halloween, but consider saving the junk food and handing out pencils, small toys or homemade treats instead. If doling out the candy is non-negotiable, check out NatureMoms. This site offers lots of great links to organic candies, lollipops and other healthy treats. 2. Cash InConsider offering a candy buyback. Once you’ve safety checked all of the treats your kids have brought home, have them select their absolute favorites. Then, offer a cash exchange for every piece that they “sell” back to you. The going rate around …

It's always sad to say goodbye to the summer; the relaxed pace, the warm weather, the extra family time—if you’re lucky enough to get it. When it comes to family time, don’t let the quicker pace of autumn, or the cooler weather, for that matter, keep you from enjoying fun family activities. Enjoy these green activities—all inexpensive or free—with your kids this fall.  The weather is perfect right now to get your kids (and yourselves) outside with activities that focus on nature and the environment. Here are a few ideas to try. Take a hikeI’m not talking about the Appalachian Trail, although …

The summer has not yet drawn to a close. The kids are savoring their last few days before returning to school. But the leaves are beginning to fall, and there is no time like the present to talk once again about living greener—this time with ideas for the autumn months. Fall is filled with fabulous green opportunities. So, in case you missed last year's tips for a green fall, I am revisiting my ideas for going green and saving money as we gear up for the change of seasons. Start cleaning out your roof gutters and downspouts now, before the leaves begin to really fall. Make sure your …

Have you noticed? The days are beginning to get shorter. The darkness is creeping up on us a little earlier. When I glance around, I can see the yellowing of the leaves on some of the trees around town. Summer is drawing to a close. Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer, is fast approaching. And for many folks this signals the return of the kids to school.  Back-to-school shopping is in full swing. The aisles at local stores are packed with parents purchasing everything from binders to backpacks, from lunchboxes to loose-leaf paper. But how much of this stuff do you even really need? And …

My daughter’s upcoming birthday party reminded me of how wasteful we can be when it comes to throwing kids parties. When I was a kid we had cake and ice cream with the family and maybe a few close friends from school. Maybe, on a big milestone birthday, we’d throw a bigger soiree. Nowadays many parents throw elaborate and extravagant events for every single birthday. While having a petting zoo outside of your home, or turning your backyard into the set of a Disney "Princesses" movie (both of which I am guilty of), sound as if they will be memorable endeavors, they are far from friendly to the…

I don’t know about anyone else, but I have found this to be a particularly bad year for bugs. Mosquitoes especially, have been attacking in droves as we try to enjoy these beautiful summer nights.  Many people, myself included, have been left scrambling to find ways to soothe the itchy, bumpy havoc these bloodsuckers can wreak, or to find something to keep them away all together. When faced with the inevitable summer mosquito problem, many people will turn to commercial insect repellents. Typically containing the active ingredient DEET (diethyltoluamide), these sprays and lotions can appear …

An astounding one half of your annual household energy expenses are used for heating and cooling, according to Energy Star (a government-backed program that helps save money and protect our environment with energy-efficient products and practices). With summer temperatures already off the charts, it's not hard to imagine yourself paying hand over fist to keep yourself cool this season. But wait! You can reduce your summertime energy costs and still stay cool this summer. Here are a few simple suggestions to help. Undoubtedly many us will have our air conditioner turned way down, cranking out …

If you are even moderately conscious about what you eat, and about what goes into your food, you may have heard of the “Dirty Dozen,” a list of 12 food crops considered by many environmental groups to be the worst offenders, when conventionally grown, for pesticide usage. Every year health and environmental watchdog groups such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) release health information relating to food crops in the United States. There is an additional release of information based on criteria for imported crops as well. The results are based on data provided by the US Food and Drug …

This weekend, millions of Americans will pull out the lawn chairs, fire up the barbecue and get ready to party. While it’s definitely a time to celebrate and enjoy the unofficial start of summer with family and friends, it’s important to remember the meaning and message behind this holiday weekend as well.  Originally called Decoration Day, what we now know as Memorial Day originally served to honor the fallen Union soldiers of the American Civil War. Today, Memorial Day commemorates all of the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  While we spend our …