One Drop Of Rain Campaign

The #1 R is REDUCE

2010-08-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

Sure, we all practice the three Rs to be green, but truly the most important is the R for REDUCE. Each time when I find myself in a store with my three children, there are endless cries, " Can I have this???", " I want that", and it goes on until I threaten them that we'll leave the store with nothing. I, too, like to shop and I also must control the impulse to buy the items I "want" to buy. I do try to ask myself if I really NEED this item or do I just want it. That usually helps.
This month try to ask yourself the question, NEED or WANT, can you live without it?? Probably.
Try this one for one month. There will be less stuff in the house, less packaging to dispose of and more money in your wallet. Oh, and the earth will breathe easier.
If you REDUCE, you won't have to REUSE OR RECYCLE!

Beware the light

2010-02-20T18:48:00.000-08:00

I know we do crazy stuff to bribe our kids to do what we want but really, lights in their shoes?? I am a mother of three and my kids know that if the shoes have lights, they are not getting them. Why? Who cares about the lights? I do. At some point, the shoes will be so worn , they will go to landfill. Why then, do we need to add another useless item into the landfill. Millions of tiny light bulbs with tiny batteries will soon be laying in the landfill, most likely seeping out toxins for our great granchildren to enjoy eating in their fish. Not to mention the extra energy and resources it took to make the lights and batteries. I don't think kids really look at their shoes when they are running around anyway!
So, take a moment when making your purchases for your kids. It's O.K. to set some boundaries and explain to them the reason why. I beleive we need to instill in our children the differences between need and want and what the impact is on the earth when we make these choices. If our kids don't grow up to be really green, the planet doesn't stand a chance.

Use your paper wisely

2009-12-28T18:38:00.000-08:00

Start 2010 by using some paper! As we try to cut down on paper usage I'm suggesting you put some paper to good use. Comment cards. Whenever you find yourself with a comment card, at a restaurant, a hotel, a store, use it to encourage the business to make green changes.

*At a restaurant you could suggest adding organic and/or local foods to the menu, serving organic and shade grown coffee, using reusable take out containers.
*At a store you can suggest more recycling facilities, offering more eco-friendly products, a reduction in energy usage, more trees in the parking lot.

We recently stayed at a hotel in the U.S. which we very much enjoyed but I just couldn't enjoy my breakfast on all of the Styrofoam! I left a comment suggesting they use paper plates and cups from sustainable forestry. Actually, that comment was left online, so I didn't even use the paper!

Remember, one comment from one person has the value of 100 comments.

The RELOVEIT Party!

2009-02-18T19:15:00.000-08:00

Wondering what to celebrate in March? Need a reason to get together? How about hosting a RELOVEIT party? We've been doing the 3 Rs for so long, its time to add another R. Inspired by blog reader, Michelle, I thought this month's challenge would be loads of fun...

Gather a group of friends together and have each person bring something from their home that was onced loved but perhaps is no longer needed or just doesn't have a space anymore at home. Organize the event so that, at the end, each person goes home with a new item.Without shopping, spending money and using up new resources, you get to have something new for your home. ( And maybe even a little story to go with it!)

* Think of a theme for your event and serve organic foods

* Exchange DVDS, housewares, clothing, wedding gifts, birthday gifts etc, get creative!

* Donate any unwanted items

* Send me your ideas to inspire others.

And, most of all, have fun!!

Buy better

2008-11-30T19:27:00.000-08:00

Our economic situation is bad news for many but I'm sure Mother Nature is rejoicing in it! With the economy slowing down so is the production of all the unneeded stuff that we rush to buy on sale just before Christmas. Let's take advantage of this time to turn the tides on the products we buy. When you are shopping this Christmas, choose to buy from companies that sell green, promote green and practice green. Let's show businesses that we support those who make a difference and see them succeed over those who don't. Wouldn't it be nice to see a Whole Foods open up where a big box store closed down?!
When choosing your holiday gifts, think a little before you buy.
Check out the websites to the right for ideas on businesses who care about the earth, from wooden toy makers to organic wine. May your holidays be green and bright!
Have a merry Christmas!!

JANUARY Challenge
* Make a green New Year's resolution and add it to our comments or send me an email!!
If you need some ideas, check out the previous challenges below.

Happy New Year!

A Green Halloween

2008-10-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Remember when your Mom made your Halloween costume with stuff you found in your house? Wasn't it fun to see how creative you could be with a little makeup and a raincoat? ( I once dressed up as a fisherman!) Make this Halloween one to remember and make your own costume for yourself or your kids. Here are some ideas to get you going green for the 31st instead of spending green.

* Do a costume swap with friends and their kids.
*Buy your costume at a second hand store. The selection is great and since most costumes are only used once, they're in great condition.
*Be creative and make your own

Don't forget to think of the environment when you decorate. There are plenty of scary things around the house that you can use to frighten away the little goblins when they come a-knockin'.
Happy Halloween!

How to Save a Songbird

2008-06-30T19:34:00.000-07:00

This summer while you are outdoors enjoying the beauty of nature, listen for the calls of the songbirds. These birds need our help to live and prosper. When you are out shopping, think of the birds and make a choice that will make a difference.

· Buy coffee which is organic, shade-grown and fairly traded.

· Buy ORGANIC whenever possible.

· Don’t use pesticides. Attract natural pest control creatures such as songbirds, frogs and toads by creating habitat.

· Purchase 100% recycled disposable tissue products such as; toilet paper, paper towel, tissues OR use cloth hankies and napkins instead!

· Buy office paper that is 100% recycled or with the highest post consumer content.

· Lights out at night in city high-rise buildings and homes during peak migration periods to reduce window strikes by migratory songbirds. (April/May mid-August to mid October)

· Keep cats indoors. Visit http://www.abcbirds.org/ to learn about alternative solutions to cats “off leash” outdoors

· Purchase 100% organic cotton, hemp or bamboo clothing!

· Buy wood and wood products that are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified.

· Explore renewable alternatives to wood such as bamboo flooring, blinds and furniture.

· Make your windows “visible” to songbirds to reduce collisions.

Write a comment for your chance to win chocolate bon bons and a t-shirt from Sitting Around Eating Bon Bons!

Enjoy your summer, may it be very GREEN!

until September...

Solar powered dryers!

2008-05-27T06:55:00.001-07:00

Summer is coming and it's time to take full advantage of free solar power. Let the sun get your whites whiter and feeling truly fresh as a spring day without the toxic frangrances!
This month, choose the challenge that works for you...
1. Hang 100% of your laundry for the month of June
2. Try 50%, either lights or darks
3. More than you do now, even if it's just a few items from every load.

Why bother?

You'll save money (more than $100/year on electric bill for most households)
You'll conserve energy and the environment.
Your clothes last longer. Where do you think lint comes from?
Sunlight bleaches and disinfects
Clothes dryer fires account for about 15,600 structure fires, 15 deaths, and 400 injuries annually. The yearly national fire loss for clothes dryer fires in structures is estimated at $99 million.(U.S)

Send in a comment or idea about you're doing this summer to be green! One reader will win a bag of goodies from the Green Beaver Company.

Use it and let it be re-used!!

2008-04-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

The sweet smell of spring brings the itch to clean up! Take this month to sign up for Freecycle. This is a great group with great people, giving and getting anything from bikes to beds. I even gave away my concert shirts from the '80s!!

The Freecycle Network™ is made up of 4,323 groups with 4,799,000 members across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer (them's good people). Membership is free.

Check it out at www.freecycle.org

Bottles BeGONE!

2008-03-06T20:09:00.000-08:00

Whether it's because you prefer the taste or because you fear the tap, you're still hooked on bottled water. If it's because of the later, you may want to think again. Water bottles create an enormous amount of waste, use huge amounts of energy and create vast amounts of emissions. Make March the month you take a break from the bottle.
Here's why...

*Bottling plants are inspected once a year as opposed to municipal sources which are inspected regularly. (Toronto water is inspected every 4 hours!)
*In 2004, Dasani withdrew half a million contaminated bottles from the shelves.
*READ THE LABELS, some bottled water comes from municipal water supplies. (The last bottle I read was from Mississauga, next time I'll just drive over and fill my own bottle!!)
*Making plastic bottles for North America alone consumed 17 million barrels of oil.
*Manufacturing a plastic bottle generates 100 times more emissions than making a glass bottle.
*Plastic water bottles have become the fastest-growing form of municipal solid waste in North America. In Canada, only 15% of bottles are recycled!
*Bottled H20 can cost between 240-10,000 times more than tap water.

Add a little lemon to your tap water and enjoy! If you must drink bottled water, please make sure your bottle finds its way to a blue box or maybe finds a second life as a bird feeder!

Give your love ORGANIC chocolate!

2008-02-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

The day-o-love will soon be upon us and whether you're in love, out of love or you just love chocolate this challenge will do you some good! When you are pondering what type of sweets to get your sweetheart consider organic chocolate. Not only will your significant other love you even more for it, but so will the earth AND if you choose fair trade so will the people who grow the beans!
WHY GO ORGANIC?...
Unless chocolate is organic it contains pesticide residue. Here is what those FDA approved levels of residues do to you:
• Glyphosate — effects on digestive system tissue, genetic damage, effects on reproduction, carcinogenicity
• Hydrogen Cyanide — acute toxicity, thyroid effects, nerve degeneration
• Naled — central nervous system disruption; headaches, nausea and diarrhea
• Pyrethrins — carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity
• Methyl Bromide — prostate cancer, kidney and liver effects, neurological effects

While you' re at it, make it DARK chocolate...
Dark chocolate has been proven to improve blood pressure.
Dark chocolate can improve glucose metabolism/diabetic control.
Dark chocolate contains high levels of naturally occurring plant flavonoids called polyphenols. These flavonoids are antioxidants.

So, yes, chocolate is good for you!
Happy Valentine's Day!!
xox Monique

Dinner by Candlelight (with a buzz!)

2007-12-17T20:02:00.000-08:00

Take a moment to relax with your spouse, or even your children or a friend. Turn out the lights and have a candlelight dinner. Save energy and clean the air by using a beeswax candle.

Why bother investing in such an expensive candle?...

Low quality paraffin candles can contain additives and chemicals, which some people would rather avoid burning! Paraffin candles are a by-product of petroleum – a fossil fuel and pollutant. Some candles may also contain waste products from animal fats – and for those keen to avoid releasing potentially harmful chemicals and soot into the air, scented candles are the worst possible option. The black soot from cheap candles can be an irritant that is harmful when inhaled – whereas beeswax produces no soot or chemicals and actually acts as an air purifier.
It’s claimed that pure beeswax, when burned, releases negative ions that improve the quality of the air and are thus very suitable for people who suffer from allergies and hay fever. No other fuel produces these beneficial negative ions when burned.

JANUARY 2008

Is that a Hallmark greeting?

This year you've decided you will NOT forget anyone's birthday!! For the sake of the forests you'd be better off forgetting a whole bunch! I have no idea how many trees are cut down annually to make greeting cards but here are a few ideas to save a few trees!

*Send an e-card

*Call instead, how nice it is to hear from an old friend.

*Read the back of the card and look for recycled paper or even a card infused with wild flower seeds!

*Make your own card from old cards and other reused goodies in the house.

Make a small donation in your friends name and call them to tell them about it!

For all of you celebrating birthdays this year, I wish you all the best!

Start Christmas Shopping!

2007-11-04T19:27:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, you just put the pumpkins in the green bin and already you have to think about Christmas!! In order to avoid a last minute Christmas eve midnight madness sale and buying over packaged, plastic, lead covered toys just for the sake of buying a gift, start thinking about your purchases now and be mindful of your gift giving. Here are a few ideas to get you on your way...
*Make a list and don't buy twice.
* Choose a family member or friend you usually exchange with and suggest you be gift free this year.
* Make a donation in lieu of gifts.
* Pick names in the family, to reduce gift consumption.
* Craft shows are starting now, buy a locally made gift.
*Put together an organic food basket (without all that cellophane!)
*Spend some time with your family at the local food bank sorting cans.
*For those who need nothing, take your friends or family out for a special meal instead of buying a gift they're going to return.
*Buy fair trade, organic chocolate.
*Suggest to close family members that you buy second hand gifts.
*Buy less but better quality so gifts don't end up in the trash.
*Be creative with packaging to avoid waste. Reusable bags are sprouting up at every store these days.

Send me your green holiday ideas!!

No Shampoo?!? Are you crazy?

2007-10-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

O.K. so this may seem like a nutty idea so I tried it out before sending out this challenge! Can you go one whole month without shampoo? (no conditioner either!!) It's not as crazy as it may seem and it's much easier than you think. (After doing some research on shampoo ingredients, I may never go back!!)
Simply put, shampoo "cleans" your hair by stripping away the natural oils so that you may replace them with conditioners. Shampoos are full of toxins which you rub into your scalp then rinse and repeat.
How do you go shampoo free?? Wash your hair with a tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of warm water. Rinse with a solution of two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and water. Yes, it does taste a little funny but have you read the ingredients on your shampoo bottle lately?
For more detailed info on this challenge check out the sites to the right, 'poo free is more popular than you think.
Dandruff a problem? This may be your natural solution!
The fact that formaldehyde releasing preservatives are in your kid's soap may get you to switch from tear free shampoo to baking soda forever!! (BTW, it's called quaternium-15)
If anyone takes on this challenge, PLEASE send me a comment, even if you just try it for a day!

Water the plants with the tap OFF!

2007-09-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

The one Drop of Rain Campaign is about easy ways to make the world greener. As I speak with blog readers, I am delighted to hear about their individual commitments to greener living. This month's challenge was inspired by a friend, Mary Ellen.
Instead of turning the tap on every time you need to water your indoor plants (which, BTW, clean the air in your home!) keep your watering can in your kitchen near the sink. When water isn't being used, pour it in the can. Those who don't drink up their water at dinner can add it to the can. Kids at home?... Get them involved so they understand the importance of water and water conservation.
Challenge yourself this month to NOT turn on the tap for indoor plants.
I have a feeling this will also help remind me to water my only remaining plant and keep it alive!!
Please send me your water saving tips!

Cut down paper towel use, not trees!

2007-08-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick and easy challenge for August. Cut down your paper towel usage by at least half.

* Cut up your husband's old stained shirts or old towels and make rags.

*Use cloth napkins at dinner. Get a set of individually unique napkin rings so that each member of the family can reuse their napkin a few times before washing.

* Put the paper towels away so that you are less likely to grab one for a quick clean up.

You'll save money and trees!

If you MUST buy paper towels, read the label and buy those made with recycled paper. Remember, The "quicker picker upper" doesn't pick up with paper alone. Chemicals are what make your paper towels so hardy.

If every household in the U.S. switched even one roll of paper towels to recycled, they would save approximately 544,000 trees!

BE CLEAN AND BE GREEN!! Happy August!

Live with less

2007-07-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

This month's challenge was inspired by the neon haired child entertaining trio, the Doodlebops! In a recent episode, I believe it was the blue haired fellow that said, "Don't use it, don't need it!" Think of how many items you own and how many you actually use. Are you still hanging on to that old sombrero from your high school trip to Mexico? Still have maternity clothes and your kids have graduated from university? Can't let go of your favourite teddy bear? It's time to clear out the closet, the drawers and under the couch and get it rid of some stuff!! Do the three R's all at once, REDUCE your belongings, let someone else REUSE them and RECYCLE the unusables!
Your challenge this month is to rid your home of 31 items, that's one a day for the month of July. Get yourself a sturdy box and leave it out to remind yourself of your daily chore. At the end of July, send it packing!
Of course, we don't want to add to the landfill with our junk so consider some green ways to recycle your goods.
* Post an ad on craigslist or kijiji. You can sell it or post if for free.
* Call your local charity that does monthly pick ups. Community Living or The Diabetes Clothesline program (1-800-505-5525)
* Drop it off at Goodwill or Value Village.
*Give it to a friend or neighbour.
*Large items can go to the end of your driveway for passerby pick ups.
* Call a shelter and find out what items they need. (often they don't have a lot of storage so find out their specific needs first.)
* Have a clothing trading party with your friends.
* Have a garage sale, organize a street sale.
* Take it to a consignment store and make a few bucks.
* Give it away for free at www.freecycle.org
* Check out www.earth911.org/canada for recycling information in your region.
Once you 've gotten rid of stuff, you'll feel liberated and you'll have that much less to clean up at the end of the day! Now, your next goal is not buy anything to replace it!! An empty space is a happy space.

Send me a comment with your creative ways of reusing your junk or tell us about your most interesting "treasure" you gave up!

Go clean and go green!

2007-05-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

It smells pretty and makes your toilet water clean enough to drink! Toxic household cleaners are nasty things that are making us sick, not to mention the fish, the polars bears and beluga whales!
Make June the month you discover a new GREEN Cleaner. There are plenty out there although they can be difficult to find. This leads us to challenge #2 for June. At your next visit to your local retailer, look around for the green cleaners, if you can't find any here's what you'll do. Once you've paid for your purchases ask to speak to the manager. (This usually freaks out the clerk a little, so keep smiling!) When the manager arrives, simply mention you couldn't find any environmentally friendly cleaners and you would like to see some available at this store. If enough of you do it, changes will occur! For every one person who speaks out, there are another 100 thinking the same thing. Yes, I have done it and the manager listens and I feel warm and fuzzy afterwards!
Why should you add a green cleaner to your shopping list???

The Environmental Protection Agency studies indicated that indoor air pollutants may be 2-5 higher then outdoor.
Over 150 chemicals found in the home are connected to allergies, birth defects and cancer.
A highly toxic product known as 2-butoxyethanol used in spray cleaners has been linked to reduced sperm count in men and learning disabilities in children.

Send in a comment for your chance to win a some green cleaners from NATURE CLEAN!

Check out the Raindrop friendly list for companies making green cleaners.

Save money and make your own cleaners. Check out http://www.organizedhome.com/ for recipes.

Waste Not, Want Not (Any shrimp!)

2007-04-25T18:53:00.000-07:00

O.K. So I love shrimp too! I'm not asking you to give it up for life but you may find a good reason to steer clear of the shrimp special at Red Lobster this month!
For your May challenge, say NO to shrimp!
WHY??
Most of the shrimp come from developing countries which is causing environmental problems. Shrimp that are caught with nets destroy the seabed and scoop up whatever lies in its path.
For every kilogram of shrimp caught, 10 kilograms of dead fish, turtles, and other marine species are discarded.
There is hope of course! There are other fish in the sea!! Find out which ones are your best choices and which ones you should avoid at http://www.seafoodwatch.org/. Print up a pocket guide to keep handy when you're at the grocery store.

Let me know what green choices you're making this month and send a message on the blog.

1-0 for the Big O!!

2007-03-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

For the month of April add $10 to your grocery bill and buy organics. Then make it a habit, that's only 33 cents a day to make the world greener. Take a look at the organic section at your local grocer, it should be growing as does the demand. Price differences are decreasing. By adding only a few dollars at each visit to the grocer you can buy a variety of fruits and veggies and even milk or butter once a month.
Did you know that organic milk is naturally higher in Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins E & A and certain other antioxidants?
Organic foods keep our planet healthier, you and your kids healthier and animals healthier.
For more reasons to go organic check out www.organicmeadow.com, www.organicfoodee.com
And for a fun must-see video check out www.storewars.org
Don't forget to check where your food is coming from! If your organic blueberries have travelled across the planet to get to you, then that may not be such a green choice. Consider buying food that hasn't travelled so much and when the season arrives, splurge on local fruits and berries.

Spring fresh toxins!

2007-02-23T18:37:00.000-08:00

Let March be fabric softener-free month!!
You eat your broccoli to reduce your risk of cancer but do you still use fabric softener? Take the one month challenge and say no to those nasty dryer sheets for 31 days and let me know about it!
WHY????
Fabric Softeners and dryer sheets are full of harmful chemicals such as Camphor, Chloroform, Alpha-Terpineol, Benzyl Acetate and many more. These hazardous substances can be absorbed by inhalation or through the skin. But will it make you softer?! No, however these chemicals have potential to cause nausea, vomiting, liver or kidney damage, skin disorders, cancer and impair respiratory function. Is it really worth it?
Personally, I've never used the stuff and our clothes are just fine and our lungs better off.
Give it a go and say no to fabric softener!!
Click on comments to add yours!