A Good Hair Day

As seen on Do One Nice Thing

A nonprofit group called Matter of Trust is doing some amazing things to help with the Gulf Coast oil clean-up.

Volunteers are collecting human and animal hair and making it into handmade "booms." These are sausage-like barriers that are remarkably effective oil-absorbers.

So far, beauty salons, barber shops and animal groomers have donated tons of hair. Also needed are items that many of us have at home, such as used pantyhose ("sausage casing" for the booms), and zip ties for sandbags.

Here's how you can help:


They need volunteers in Tampa, Florida to help make the booms.
You can find the information here at Matter of Trust.


OR


They also need used nylons, or tights, and zip ties for sandbags.
They are also in need of funds.
You can donate here.

 Find out all the ways there are to help by visiting Matter of Trust online.

all images via Matter of Trust

SunChips are really Good!

Today, June 21st is the official 
First Day of Summer!!!

To me that means picnic time.

Need an idea of something good to take to your next picnic.

It should be

SunChips.

Why you ask?

Not only are they tasty (and no one is paying me to say that -- I really do like them), but it is much better than that.

Have you noticed the new bag?

Look closer.

See that?

100% compostable!!!!!

That is so cool.

Each bag is completely designed to break down in 14 weeks.


Here's a time-lapsed video of the composting process.

It is the world's first 100% compostable chip bag. 
I LOVE it!
It is made from plant-based materials.


I really hope other companies jump on board with this.


{I was just telling my son about this as he watched me put together this post. He said "Wow. That is such a smart idea." Indeed.}




If you don't know how to compost or how to get started -- they've got that covered too.
Go here for a simple tutorial and some tips.

The bag is slightly noisier but I don't mind in the least.
{It makes it easier to tell when someone is sneaking into the chip bag in between meals.}




Need another reason to buy SunChips for your summer picnics?


They also use solar energy in their Modesto, California plant to produce 145,000 bags of chips every day.

You can learn about this process here and download a file for all of the details.


If you want to do some good this summer, take a bag of SunChips to your next picnic, and compost the bag.




Who knew chips could be so good!?
I love me some SunChips!!!

A Gift Idea -- for Father's Day

Is your Dad hard to buy for?
Of course he is. Aren't all Dads?!

Does he love gadgets?

Check out these cool "green" gift ideas from This Old House.


A few of my favorites...


An ultra-bright Solar-Powered Area Light


Solar-powered Security Light

Senses motion and turns on whichever light is plugged into the receiver. 




Earthopoly

 Like Monopoly, but made out of recyclable materials and uses eco-terminology.


Recyclable Golf Balls

USGA Standard, made of 100% recyclable materials that can be used to make more golfballs or other products. Each box contains a pouch to send back balls to manufacturer.

Solar-Powered Bird Bath 

 Uses no plumbing or wiring -- the sun does all the work. Cool.


My very favorite...


Two-in-One Solar and Wind Charger

Uses both solar and wind energy and can charge cell phones, ipods, and other electrical devices, indoors or out. It has a large rechargeable battery that when fully charged, can charge a cell phone more than 5 times.  Really cool. Love it.


You can go here for the full article and to find prices and buying information.


Spend a little green 
Go a little green for Father's Day.

all images via This Old House

Happy World Environment Day

Today, June 5th, is World Environment Day

and is part of the United Nations Environment Programme.

Every year, a different city is chosen as the host city in North America.

This year is Pittsburgh's turn.

You can read about all of their efforts here.

As part of the day, Earth University has organized their

Earth Plants the Future project.

They plan to simultaneously plant at least 200,000 trees in more than 26 countries.

You can be part of this.

You can buy a tree here for $5

OR

You can go to their site and plant a virtual tree.

For every 20 virtual trees that are planted, sponsors will donate one free tree to the effort.

Go here for more virtual planting info.

Have a Happy World Environment Day!