According to the EPA, Americans generate 25% more trash than usual between Thanksgiving and New Years. That’s about an additional 25 million tons.* We’re talking a LOT of empty containers of eggnog and canned yams! Not to mention all the cards, paper and gift boxes that still get thrown in the garbage instead of the recycle bin. This season, make a promise and an effort to gift Mother Earth. Here are a few ways to start: Read more.
Green Living
Repurpose Your Wine Tote – Tip #2
This would seem like a no brainer but if you haven’t thought of it, wine totes make nifty carriers for cleaning supplies. Whether you’re moving from room to room or house to house, these divided bags make sense. There’s even room left for a sponge or two on top. Stores easily under the kitchen sink or tucked alongside the fridge. Miss Tip #1? Catch it here.
You meet the nicest people! Always a treat to hear from earth friendly folks. Blogger and Bay area resident, Danielle, wrote in response to Tip #1 and we had a nice exchange of repurposing ideas. Check out her lively and fun posts and all that she’s doing to spread the word on sustainability. Danielle@NoNeedForMars,
FREE Eco Cards with Purchase
NEW! Clear Place Greeting Cards to compliment the ACP Wisdom Card deck.- handmade using assorted images from the deck
- 100% recycled brown bag card stock
- matching heavy duty envelope
- 5.5 x 4 – blank inside to work for any occasion
Get TWO Clear Place Greeting Cards FREE with each deck of ACP Wisdom Cards. Give the deck that makes a difference!
Good To Know: It mattered to me that the printing process reflected the message of mindful living. Both the deck and the box are printed in the USA and with 100% wind power.What better way to showcase the natural beauty that I so loved capturing with the camera?
Purchase options: Paypal/Credit Cards or Local/Cash/Check.
Enjoy & thank you for your efforts in keeping the earth a clear place!
Repurpose Your Wine Tote – Tip #1
You don’t have to be a wine drinker to appreciate those cute tote bags. Everyone from Trader Joe’s to Fred Meyer offers bottle carrier bags in a variety of materials and patterns. I find the pocketed totes perfect for storing/transporting any number of things. First tip: shoes. These make for great portable shoe bags. Holds three pairs with each shoe getting its own pocket. For optimum protection, place clean shoe heel in first with sole facing out. Works best with low heels/flats/sandals. Tote fits easily into a closet for storage or in the back seat of your car for travel. Eco note: Whether they are poly or jute, reusable bags only help the environment if they are reUSED a lot. Be sure you get the most mileage from yours by thinking creatively and acting resourcefully. Thank you for helping to make the earth a clearer place.
What If Disaster Strikes?
The media is especially full right now of disasters both man made and natural. As we head into Fall and the season of letting go; I like this reminder from Astrologer and teacher, David Pond:
Periodically the background buzz of Armageddon surfaces and these times are no exception with an inordinate number of people asking about their astrology and the coming collapse, disaster, “Armageddon”, they have been hearing about. A crisis of this magnitude is not anything I am picking up on my radar, but I would like to close with the story I remember of Ram Dass’s response to the question of did he see a coming Armageddon. The quote is from my memory of his reply:
“After giving this some thought, I asked myself what I would do if there were to be such a crisis? I would first center myself as best I could, and then look around and see where I could be helpful. And if there weren’t to be such a crisis, what would I do? I would first center myself as best I could and look around and see where I could be helpful. Realizing it is the same either way, the question becomes a non-issue.”
HP Instant Ink is a Clear Deal
I love smart technology that works with you and the planet. HP Instant Ink is one of those ideas that makes sense. Register online, pick your plan (I went with the $4.99 per month option but can change at any time) and get printing. They track your usage and ship your ink when you need it before you run out. No worries about picking the right replacement at the store. Cartridges are recycled. Ink is cheaper. HP quality. What’s not to like? Check it out. HP Instant Ink
New Review for Wisdom Cards
This just in from a new customer in North Carolina. So lovely to know that the Wisdom Cards are shining their light near and far! “There are so many things to love about this deck. There is a combination of inspiration and practicality which I think is fantastic. I love that the cards are their own guidebook. One side displays a beautiful photograph, title and keyword, and then a detailed message appears on the back of the card. I am very happy that the production of the deck was environmentally friendly. Finally, it was a pleasure to do business with Jane. She is a very conscientious and gracious seller. I recommend these cards and her shop very highly.” Don’t have your deck yet? Order today and start living with a clear place!
Struck by Beauty
Trees take me to a whole other level. Inspired by their beauty and humbled by their majesty, trees connect heaven to earth in hundreds of ways. I haven’t met all of the 400 Billion trees on this planet but I take comfort in their presence on this journey. Find out more about trees and their connection to another favorite fascination of mine: lightning! Read the latest E-greeting from A Clear Place.
About this photo: Taken at Rood Bridge Nature Park, Washington County, OR. Spring 2015. Visit this or other nature reserves in WA County.
Say YES to Less!
You win on so many levels when you clear out your stuff.
This PDX homeowner saw firsthand the magic that can happen when you say YES to clearing out. Find out more and get FREE ACP Sorting Guide.
View “Say YES to Less” from A Clear Place.
HAPPY EARTH DAY … thanks for making it a clear one!
Clear Your Desk in Simple Steps
Put a positive spin on tax week by using the time to clear your space of paper clutter. Sorting can seem like a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s an abbreviated approach to my usual ACP Sorting guideline to get you started:
Put two paper grocery bags on the floor by your desk/counter. Label bags: KEEP and GOES. Depending on how high the piles, you may want to use boxes instead of bags. Sort items into one of the above categories. Aim for 80% or more of the stuff to go. Continue this process until surface is cleared. It may require several trips to the recycle curb and that’s ok. No judgments here. Unless you are involved in a litigation, bankruptcy or other legal process, anything dated older than 6 months goes. If you are undecided about an item, put it in the KEEP bag temporarily. Next, go through the KEEP bag and take out anything that can be regifted or donated (calendars, stationery, office supplies). Keep only what is current and absolutely necessary to have on hand for your lifestyle. Then designate a place for each of your KEEP items i.e. a file folder, plastic bin. Make sure those containers are labeled and within easy access. Limit your surface display to three items only and resist the temptation to set anything else down on your now clear desk top.
EXTRA: Shift the energy by placing a stem or two of fresh flowers on your desk. A small plant works well, too. Use glass objects to reflect natural light and brighten your work area. Include a smile factor like a favorite card or small toy. Finally, let go of the fear factor. Most of our paper clutter comes from credit card and bank statements and receipts. With today’s online banking and digital records, there’s very little that can’t be replaced if need be. If you’re still unsure about purging paper, here’s a good guideline to help ease the letting go – Receipts: Which to Keep.
A Clear Place 