Is it easier being green when you’re frugal?

Can it be easier being green when you’re frugal to begin with? We found that the less energy we use, the more we save. During the energy crisis a few years ago, we switched over to flourescent bulbs to save money on our energy bill. When we remodelled our kitchen, we purchased new Energy Star appliances. It was the practical choice. We not only decreased our carbon footprint, we save money every month. Having a shorter commute meant taking the bus to work saving us more money on gas and less wear and tear on the car. When it comes to clothing, I always look in my closet first to see if I have it. The chances are, fashion comes back. I dug out a few older pieces that are back in style again.

Lessons learned about inkjet printers and cartridges

You would think that once you’ve gone digital, you’re done with printing. That’s not it, you end up printing your emails out or articles. One of my biggest gripes is that these inkjet printers were designed for these companies to make money. Sustainability was probably never considered. It’s attractive to be able to buy a nice printer at a low price but you later find out that the cartridges are expensive and wasteful. Who knows what kinds of toxic stuff goes into those inks?

As a designer, I print a lot to communicate a concept or to proof something. I’ve always hated dealing with printers in general, inkjets in particular. Color calibration, the messy inks, the hassle of buying cartridges, the damn nozzles get clogged, paper jams and all those reasons I mentioned in the previous paragraph–the wastefulness of it all. I’ve always had an inkjet printer but never had to use it much until I started working from home. The cartridges generally dry out if I don’t use it.

Gripe #1: Printer cartridges are pricey. The idea of spending sixty bucks on two cartridges (1 color, 1 b/w) each time is a big pain.

Gripe #2: Both cartridges need to be full before it works. I needed to print out something in black and white and the color cartridge ink was out, my printer won’t print it.

So here I was at Office Depot late at night trying to buy ink that I don’t really need. I started looking at the refillable ink kits but they didn’t have any for the Epsons.

Gripe #3: The guy at the store told me that Epsons are virtually impossible for refilling. Secondly, the guy at the counter wouldn’t take my old cartridge for recycling nor that $3 discount because it was a different type.

The reason why I bought an Epson in the first place is that one of my designer friends told me that the colors are more vibrant. Who knew I was being bad to the environment at the same time? I was glad to see that ink refill kits are more common at the store now. I wonder how well they work. After these two new cartridges are used up, I’m going to donate my printer at a recycling place.

Things to do with your old credit cards

In a previous post, I was trying to find out if credit cards or gift cards are recycleable. I’m not sure if the plastic is biodegradable either. One idea is to make a unique dress out of them like the dress worn to the Oscars. Here’s another idea, Make magazine’s blog has a guitar pick idea.

If anyone has good projects on credit cards, please add to this blog!

Smart cars are coming

Another gas-efficient car that’s been popular over in Europe for years is coming over in 2008–the Smart Car. We’ve visited the dealership in London. We even bought a toy model souvenir in Italy. We’re looking forward to seeing it hit the streets here.

The little car is a two seater that gets 40mpg. They come in sports version and convertible. Not only that, it’s a Mercedes. In Europe, they come in electric versions. Maybe those models will come over as well. The Smart Car site is going to be taking orders in a few months. If it’s not the car for you, it’s certain to put a smile on your face.

Choices for green countertops

Choosing granite was the popular thing for countertops. Now, there’s other choices that are more earth-friendly, just as beautiful, and more practical in many ways.

The current issue of Sunset Magazine has listed the top eco-friendly kitchen countertops. The materials are recycled glass (pictured above), bamboo, sustainable wood, recycled paper, recycled aluminum. The article has full details on each of the materials.

The recycled glass is a beautiful choice and lights bounce off of it nicely.

Christie’s, The House Sale

Looking for something truly unique for your home doesn’t always have to be new. If you’re headed out to New York, check out Christie’s Auction House, The House Sale. The auction is happenning on February 7th. You can view the items currently before the auction. If you’re there, sit in on the auction. Pretty soon, you’ll get caught up on the excitement of watching the price go up on an item. You may even bring home a piece of history. If you’re not headed out there, not to worry, you can even bid online as an absentee bidder.

There are some wonderful antiques that will continue to increase in value over time. They aren’t necessarily expensive. We found some cute chairs that are going for $100-200. They would make great accent pieces as well as conversation pieces.

Green options for travel

We consumers also need a break from time to time. Globe-trotting is great but damaging to our planet. Luckily there are options now. We found a host of eco-friendly ways to travel. There are green hotels and Eco-Tourism. Green hotels supposedly is furnished with eco-friendly organic linens and products with motion-sensored lights. Eco-tourism isn’t the same as adventure travel. Instead it’s about creating awareness about conservation. Tours that are locally run and done in small groups.

Here’s a great site we found for Eco-friendly travel>>

Are gift cards recyclable?

Shiny gift cards seem to be the hot item this holiday season. Receiving one is great because it feels guilt-free to spend but what happens after we’re done with it? They say you can reuse it by adding money to it. I’m pretty sure that’s seldom done. We used up the Trader Joe’s gift card we received last night. Holding onto the empty card, I asked the cashier “Do you recycle this?”. He said, “No, if you want me to throw it away I can do that.” At first I thought it’s so small, it hardly takes up space in our landfills. Then again, there are so many of them around. I just wonder what happens to them when they go to the wasteland. The pretty plastics full of color, I’m certain they are not biodegradable. There’s also those old credit cards we dispose of each year we receive a new one. Where do they end up?

If they don’t biodegrade, can we reuse them? Remember that dress made of gold American Express cards worn at the Oscars? Very creative. If you have other ideas or suggestions, please send over.

More about that Lizzy Gardiner’s dress>>

Chunky, cool and sustainable children’s furniture

Here’s a chunky cool children’s chair that is made of sustainable materials. It’s made of pure reclaimed cork and a non-toxic glue. The cork is supposedly from the bottle-stopper industry. I’m sure the kids will find it fun. You can find them at branchhome.

I just wish they made these for grown-ups.

Green cars are becoming popular

Finally, someone has compiled all available information on alternative fuel cars that are available on the market right now. In this age of volatile oil prices and increasing awareness of global warming, it is increasingly important that consumers have this information readily available. Let us know of other resources for auto buyers.

Yahoo! Autos Green Car Center