Reusable, biodegradable sponge cloths by Twist

I was given a package of these Twist European Sponge Cloths for Christmas.  They are 100% biodegradable, reusable and supposedly outlasts 17 rolls of paper towels. That's quite a claim!  Up for the challenge, I've been using one since Christmas and I love it.

This cloth is a cross between a sponge and paper towel and dries quickly after each use.  You can sanitize it in microwave, as well. It is absorbent with a somewhat microfiber quality about it, leaving no streaks and fiber remnants behind - just a squeaky clean surface.  Having black granite counter tops, I constantly struggle with steaks and finger prints.  I've tried various products and clothes and these have been the best so far.  And, after several weeks, this cloth has barely shown any use. 

You can find these cloths, as well as other products by Twist (a company out of Boulder, CO), at Whole Foods and other natural grocery and specialty stores.  I highly recommend them and will be trying some of their other products soon.

[This product review is 100% unsolicited.  I am in no way benefiting from this post.  I'm just happy to share a product with you that I truly like and use.]

Earth Day, 2009

Here are a few things I do every day:

1. Recycle

2. Unplug appliances after I use them

***According to the government's ENERGY STAR program, 40% of the electricity that home electronics use is consumed while the products are turned off. The impact of this on your energy bill will depend on your particular situation-- one Berkeley study suggests the savings would be 6 to 26% off your total bill.The "phantom load," as it's sometimes called, is a result of many different household items (sometimes called "vampire devices," leading to perhaps the best-named law ever, California's Vampire Slayer Act of 2006).

The Berkeley study, this graph, and this article have some information on typical wattage of specific items-- but if you really want to know how much yours use, you'll need to buy or borrow a meter like Kill-a-Watt, or try this manual method.There are also the smaller items; for example, did you know that your cell phone charger is using energy even when your phone isn't attached? It's only a couple of watts, but it's a good idea to get into the habit of unplugging your charger from the wall when you unplug your phone from the charger. Kitchen appliances like microwaves, rice cookers, bread makers, and coffee pots also typically use less than 5 watts-- but there's no reason to leave them plugged in when you don't have to. The little things add up.And how much do they add up to? Around 50 to 100 watts in the average house, which is 30 to 60 kilowatt-hours a month (based on 20 standby hours a day). At prices of 5 to 15 cents per kWH in July 2006, that's somewhere between $1.50-$9 a month.***(Source: Money and Value Blog)

3. Carry reusable bags to all stores (not just grocery)

4. Use energy efficient bulbs

Yesterday, my husband bought a more energy efficient printer that uses special eco friendly ink. It pleases me to see that there are now so many options for the consumers. Now, more than ever, it is easier to be eco minded and green!

Here is a great blog I use to keep up to date on new sustainable materials: http://www.ecolect.net/

And the winner of the Eco-Friendly poll is....

....not me, but I didn't do so badly! I'm pleased as punch to come in at #7 out of 60 items. And 66 votes isn't something to sneeze at! Thank you to all who voted!

And congratulations to the winner, johntunger! His Beach Burner Portable Bonfire Recycled Steel Fire Pit took first place (my husbands second choice after mine...well, maybe his first but he has to sleep with me).

Great eco friendly, urban chic work/travel bags

Here are two new bags I made this week. Both are fashionable work horses. The first one is a custom order and the other can be purchased in my Etsy shop.

The lightweight neoprene (think scuba fabric) is highly durable yet urban chic. Blue faux suede peeking through the grommets add a punch of color and contrast. The neoprene and seat belts are both first quality factory overruns slated for the landfill. So, this bag is also environmentally friendly!

On a personal note, I have used one similar to the one below for several years. It has been to many places and is my favorite travel bag - both fashionable and functional!

Addition to post 3/06/09, 3:40 PM - Be sure to check out my inaugural post on www.scoutiegirl.com/. On Fridays, I'll be featuring designers and artists in different areas of the US and including upcoming art shows and festivals in those areas. See the Scoutie Girl image in the column on the right. --------------------------->

What does it mean to be green?

"Living green is about consuming less, sharing more and enjoying life," http://www.earthhour.org/.

I try my best to do what I can to lessen my impact on the environment. I've started by making awareness a part of my family and daily life. I'm not perfect, but I really try to do what I can. Here are some ways that I incorporate "being green" into my business:

• I've tried to reduce paperwork by simply backing up my computer and printing less.


• I have a recycle bin for paper and cardboard in my studio/office.


• I reuse paper for notes or test prints.


• I use recycled paper (a bit more costly than regular paper).


• I've replaced light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs.


• I use remnant fabrics, post production materials, and industrial scraps all of which were slated for the landfill. Have you visited your local recycle center? Ours sells boxes (minimal cost) of scraps of all sorts. If you do any kind of mixed media work, its is awesome!


• I reuse packaging materials (padded envelopes, boxes, bubble wraps, etc.).


• I share resources, supplies, and equipment with friends who have similar businesses.


• I use one of my own bags (the beach bag pictured above) for shopping at the grocery store. I keep one in my car at all times. I do occasionally forget (and kick myself for it). But I am getting better.

I just signed up for Earth Hour (http://www.earthhour.org/). On March 29, 2008 at 8PM people all over the world are turning off their lights for 1 hour. Doesn't seem like much, but the impact is big. Check it out and get involved.

I'd love to hear what you do to be green. Leave comments and share!