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Use a Reusable Bag at Target and CVS to save Money

November 7, 2009 By Mom Spark 3 Comments

Do you shop at Target or CVS? If you do now you can Save even more AND help the environment. A win/win situation in my opinion. Starting November 1st at any Target if you bring in and use a reusable bag you get 5 cents off your total purchase for every bag. Now when I go grocery shopping we use at least 20 bags so that would be at least $1 off. The only bag you can not use at Target are regular plastic bags, but all others will be accepted.

The CVS incentive program is a little different. It will only be available for those customers in the ExtraCare loyalty program. You also will have to buy the 99 cent “GreenTagBag”. Then every time you come in and use either a reusable bag or don’t use a bag at all you swipe your tag. After 4 swipes you will receive a coupon on the bottom of your receipt for $1 off your next trip.

It may not amount to much, but it’s also helping us lower the plastic bags in the landfill. I know I personally will start making sure to use those reusable bags.

10 easy ways to incorporate green living within your family

August 30, 2009 By Mom Spark 8 Comments

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There are many ways to make a difference. Recycling is one major well known way to reduce waste and help the environment at the same time,  but there is so much more we can do! I have put together 10 easy ways to incorporate green living within your family

1. Buy local produce.

There are so many wonderful local farms and farmer’s markets in most cities and towns. Not only is it more nutritious but it tastes so much better than produce that has traveled long distances.  Food travels an average distance of 1500 miles so buying local also reduces our petroleum usage.

2. Use cloth diapers and/or reusable feminine products.

This is a huge waste reducer!  The average amount of diapers used from birth to 2 1/2 years will equal an estimated 6,500! This is based upon an average of 7 – 8 changes/day (10 – 11 for newborns and between 5 – 6 for toddlers

An estimated 16,800 sanitary pads or tampons will be used within four decades just from one woman. That is 250 to 300 pounds of waste! In just the United States alone, around 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are thrown out every single year. The problem is, many women have never heard of reusable feminine products. and there are many different options out there. Reusable cloth pads have been gaining ground as have products such as The Diva Cup & The Keeper. Etsy is another great place to find well made organic pads.

3. Eliminate plastic bottles as well as plastic containers and use stainless steel products as substitutes.

I’m sure you’ve heard about the dangers of plastics. Reusing plastic bottles can leach toxic chemicals such as BPA in your water. BPA has been linked to breast and uterine cancer, an increased risk of miscarriage, and decreased testosterone levels. BPA has also been known to have an adverse affect to children’s developing systems. [Read more...]