What's the most environmentally friendly television?

For those of you who may be buying a TV in the near future; read this to find out what options are the best for our environment!

I'm thinking of getting a big, new flat-screen TV so that my friends and I can watch the Steelers pummel the Cardinals in this Sunday's Super Bowl. But then I read that the EU wants to ban big plasma televisions because they drain so much energy. How do I choose a TV that won't kill the planet?

read for more...

Hint: If you're getting a massive TV—55 inches or larger—a rear-projection unit is the way to go.

The Compost Chronicles

Cooking Time: Week Three
Smell Level Outside of Canister on a scale of 1 to 5: Zero!
Smell Level Inside of Canister on a scale of 1 to 5: Three
Break-down: nice white/grey mold covering food, egg shells not breaking down, fruit skins seem to break down the fastest. Condensation built up on inside of bag.

I've decided to do a little experiment to find out just how long it takes to make compost indoors. Every week I'll be adding another post with my garbage tribulations, smells, looks, and overall break-down of materials. If you get some tips from this, then my kitchen waste will have served two purposes!

Materials used thus far:

• 1 Old Popcorn Canister...aka...an old christmas present that would have been thrown out
• Common Kitchen Waste (no meat, dairy products, or items that wont break down - like plastic)
• 2 Used Plastic Produce Bags
• Little dab of dish detergent
• Water

Step 1:
Find a container with a lid that is semi-large to start your composting. Such as a canister, coffee can, or milk jug. Line it with some paper, or plastic bags if you feel that it may leak. I lined mine with two of those plastic bags that you an get from the produce section in a grocery store (reuse!) I don't particularly want my house smelling like garbage either. You can also sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom to further reduce smell.

Here is my canister:












Step 2:
The scraps that are going into the canister are cut pieces of fruit and vegetables, paper, egg shells, etc. I keep a small bowl on the counter top at all times, once it gets full I empty the contents into the canister.









Step 3:
Empty contents into bag/container, and once every week, shake it up to evenly disperse mold, bacteria, and air. Most importantly is to let the waste have some air every now and then. Fresh oxygen will encourage bacteria to break things down faster.
Here is my bag which is filled only half way, I always blow some air in and then seal it shut by spinning the top of the bag into a tight twist (I do leave a large air bubble inside).












Some tips:

• Add a tablespoon of dish detergent to your compost scraps...it breaks things down faster.
• Cutting up your scraps into smaller pieces will help speed up the process.
  
• Add 1/4 cup of water to every 1 gallon of scraps...I found this creates a good moisture level.

These are my scraps...3 weeks along. (I'm somewhat lazy and probably should have chopped up pieces to be smaller).

If you have any tips for me please feel free to post a comment. I'd love your input and advice!

Stand by Me

It warms my heart to see people being united. Music tends to be the best way---it gets your body moving, your mind relaxed, and most of all, can bring a smile.
Check out this video, its really interesting how different cultures can come together.
Playing Together: The Song Heard Around the World | Stand by Me

Product I Love!

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to let you know about this great new product called Wrap-n-Mat.
You can check out my blurb at www.rachealsmarket.com, or read below.


Instead of packing sandwiches in plastic bags, wrap, or foil, any of which just end up in a landfill, try the new Wrap-N-Mat, a re-usable plastic-lined fabric that closes with a Velcro tab and seals your lunch just as well as plastic wrap. Bonus: Once opened, the 12-inch square doubles as a place mat. In our tests, it washed up easily and thoroughly, not a whiff of egg salad lingered. It is available in red and white gingham.

Features:
* Eco-Friendly
* Perfect for work, school lunches, picnics, or anytime you're on the go!
* Wrap-n-mat can be used over and over.
* Convenient and easy to use!
* Inner lining is PEVA, whish is food safe, and keeps food fresh.

Over 20 million plastic bags are discarded every day. Wraps replace the use of plastic sandwich bags that take 10 to 20 years to decompose. A typical packed lunch uses three plastic sandwich bags a day; it all adds up to a ton of trash. No more messy ziplocks or 'unsealed' mistakes. I hand wash and drip dry in the dish rack.

To purchase from Amazon.com, click here!
Tell all your friends,
Racheal

Filling voids with expensive car...

Today I read about this great new car that Mini is coming out with. I've always loved the Mini Cooper since I watched that movie 'The Italian Job.' Who wouldn't?!

I've been shopping around for a new car for about 2 years, and to tell you the truth, its rather hard to commit to a "green" car when they dont go fast enough, and they cost a ton. I've been putting off buying a car because I'm waiting for the technology to get better and better, so eventually, the "new green car" will be affordable, fast enough, and last me a life-time. I want my great great great grandkids to be able to drive it!

Anyway, you can read more about the Mini E here, rather than me explaining it.

For now, I'm just going to stick with my super old Subaru, Loyale. She's a beast! But I get great gas mileage, low maintenance costs (plus its paid off), and my insurance is really cheap. Every time I save up money to buy a new car, I change my mind because I feel that I can continue to "reuse" my car...rather than have it end up in a car landfill. I mean really, it works great, so when it comes down to it, "why replace it?" Usually my answer is because I just want to feel better about having a nice looking new car. Sometimes I think that people forget that putting your ego/self-esteem before "what's really at stake," end up feeling worse in the long run because new expensive items can't fill that void.

I see it in my family the most, and its very hard not to criticize, but none the less, I think that being around them has taught me to be more conservative.

So, check out that new Mini E if you're looking for a new---rather expensive, long-lasting car.