Monthly Archives: June 2011

The challenge of being “green”

There is a reason many of us don’t do enough to cut our waste of resources and choose new products wisely. It’s hard. Case in point: my kitchen counters. Flipping through a magazine three years ago, I spotted a new … Continue reading

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For procrastinators and planners

The way I see it, there are two kinds of people: (1) The kind of person who often sees other people’s gardens or plants for sale at Walmart or beautiful, expansive nurseries and thinks “I really need to plant something. … Continue reading

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Green redecorating

I’m redecorating the living room, not exactly a “green” maneuver, what with replacing rug, furniture and draperies. But it’s been 17 years since I last fixed up that room, so I don’t think I’m being extravagant. And not everything is … Continue reading

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‘Cars 2′ pits Big Oil as the villain

Buzz is growing around Disney/Pixar’s film, “Cars 2,” which arrives in theaters Friday. Even two weeks ago, moms on SmartMamaPa’s Facebook page were already telling us about how eager their kids were to see what kinds of adventures Lightning McQueen … Continue reading

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Extreme Makeover = extreme utility bills?

With all the excitement surrounding the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition renovations going on this week in Newberry Township, I was a bit surprised (but also glad) to see at least one organization pointing out a potential downside to a dramatic … Continue reading

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High electric bill? It’s not your TV

I can’t even remember how many times I’ve seen the commercial for a tankless hot water heater in which a woman getting ready for work leaves her hair dryer, radio, blender, lawn mower and assortment of other appliances on as … Continue reading

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Get outside this weekend

If you’re looking for something to do on Saturday, check out the Susquehanna Biathlon & Fun Paddle, which benefits the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper, an organization that seeks to protect and preserve the river and its watershed. With the great weather … Continue reading

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Airplane guilt

I have a family vacation planned for the end of the month in Cancun, and I’ve been wrestling with the guilt of flying. Airplanes emit a lot of carbon dioxide into the air, and I can’t ignore the numbers: A … Continue reading

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Plastic piling up?

Do you have plastic to dispose of? Everything from old toys to VHS tapes to plastic containers can be recycled at a York County company. Details in this story by Kevin Horan in the York Sunday News: http://www.ydr.com/business/ci_18240133

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Going green… even in death

For some people, living a sustainable life is just the beginning. They may produce less waste, own a solar-powered home or forgo gas-powered transportation. But now, they also extend their Earth-friendly practices into death and burial. That’s right. Death and … Continue reading

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