The article covers the basic of economical advantages (or not) and eco advantages (or not) or recycling. Some of it I agree with, such as the point that recycling critics question, “The wisdom of deploying fleets of large, fuel-hungry trucks that duplicate the routes already driven by garbage trucks to take recyclables to reprocessing facilities that burn energy and emit pollution.” Which true, makes little sense eco-wise especially if the reuse products gained aren’t all that rare. I also agree with the issue of “Materials [that are] are currently “downcycled” into less desirable products that can be recycled no further.” This is no where near as handy as closed-loop recycling.

I strongly disagree with this blurb though: 

“According to one calculation, all the garbage produced in the U.S. for the next 1000 years could fit into a landfill 100 yards deep and 35 miles across on each side—not that big (unless you happen to live in the neighborhood). Or put another way, it would take another 20 years to run through the landfills that the U.S. has already built. So the notion that we’re running out of landfill space—the original impetus for the recycling boom—turns out to have been a red herring.”

So it’ll take a whole 20 years to run through our current landfill space, plus this means we’ll of course be adding new landfills. 20 years - NOT that long. We are running low on space. My son won’t even be 30 in 20 years. I may not even have grand kids born on this planet yet. I guess it’s a possible red herring for older generations, I mean, too bad, but they’ll be very old or dead, so yeah, it’s not an issue. But seriously, how is this not an negative issue for future generations?

All in all, it’s an interesting read though. One that might make you rethink the recycling issue, at least in terms of how we should be recycling for maximum benefits to the earth.

Read this article.

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In any case, One Book Two Book is having a great Happy Green Bee giveaway right now. I really like Happy Green Bee. They offer super bright organics for babies and toddlers. Personally I prefer natural colors, BUT almost all eco-baby companies produce natural colored baby items, when many parents do like bright shades, so I think it’s nice that Happy Green Bee caters to this demographic.

You can win three gifts in one; an organic cotton knit receiving blanket, a 4 oz. bottle of eco-friendly laundry soap and a re-usable zipper tote (perfect fit for bottles and extra diapers). I’m a little leery of the plastic case, because plastic; not so green. However, it is reusable, and hopefully recyclable - their organic cloth and eco-laundry soap are both green choices.

This is a great green mama-baby prize - there are three ways to win; visit One Book Two Book to learn how to enter.

[Images via One Book Two Book]

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The folks from Night Owl Paper Goods posted the code, but then emailed me an even better one. I’m pretty glad about this, because it gives me an excuse to show another cool product from them. Since it’s a nice holiday code, you should know that they have these adorable wooden santa owls cards made from eco-friendly, sustainably harvested yellow birch available. Look:

YOU know you want one.

Here’s the new code they sent me…
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Night Owl Paper Goods Owliday Discount :: www.nightowlpapergoods.com

:: Receive 25% off ALL ORDERS now thru Dec. 31st! :: Coupon Code friend08

:: Share with friends! :: Use over & over! :: It’s easy to be Green & Save Green!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

AND, heads up, another featured item here at Tree Hugging Family is on sale right now. Remember the B Hive Designs post I did a while back? Maybe not, it’s been a while. Let me jog your memory with some new organic items I adore from the shop… (click on the image to learn more).

Barbara from B Hive Designs says that her lovely items are on sale right now through Dec 7th. 25% OFF all Women’s shirts, plus FREE SHIPPING on everything! That’s a great deal on organic clothing. You can also find B  Hive at Etsy (which rocks - I have a major Etsy crush).

If I see any more green deals soon, before holiday shopping time is up, I’ll throw those your way too. I know for sure that I’ve got details about a great 3R Living code in the The Gigantic Green Holiday December Kick-Off! post

[Images via B Hive Designs & Night Owl Paper Goods]

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The prize, in case you forgot, is a copy of the #1 card making software, Hallmark Card Studio Deluxe 2009. I’ve got two copies up for grabs.

The only downside I see to this product is that system requirements are Windows XP or Vista - sorry Mac lovers :( Other than that, if you happen to be a PC user, this product is way cool.

Perks of the Hallmark Card Studio Deluxe 2009:

Easy as pie - if you visit the Card Studio website, you’ll see that kids, non-computer savvy adults, and anyone else can easily learn to use this product. There are just three simple steps from start to completed project…

1) Choose from one of over 9,000 projects - holiday cards, invitations, stickers, 3D cards, scrapbook pages, calendars, envelopes, gift tags, mini albums, photo cards, photo frames, postcards, and lots more.

2) Incorporate your own unique messages, photos, colors, fonts, or images into your chosen project.

3) Print that project out. You can also directly email your project or create a PDF of it.

Lots of great clip art - Included with the software is this amazing array (16,000+) of clip art graphics; way better than the basics that come on most computers. Look how cute these sample images are:

Fix your photos - This version of the software comes with a nice Digital Photo Editor. You can crop, remove red eye, and more.

Here are some project samples that I think are extra cute: 

What’s green about this? 

Being that this is a green blog, I like to do green and family product minded giveaways. At first glance I wasn’t thinking this was an especially green prize, but then after thinking about it some more, I realized the following:

1. This product encourages family together time - something I push, push, push here at THF.  I like that you and the kids can get together on a chilly winter day and have some fun making special projects.
2. You can use the materials you choose. While recycled greeting cards get more and more expensive, recycled paper in bulk, is not all that bad. You can use recycled paper and recycled embellishments to make a truly unique green gift for someone.
3. You can save some cash AND make homemade gifts that are more personable, extra special, and fun to create.I am always saying going homemade is best - you save gas, save product resources, and save money. This software allows you one means of doing all this.

All in all, a great family-minded prize. If you haven’t entered to win this software yet; what’s stopping you (besides the Mac issue).  Click the penguins below to learn how to enter.

[images via Hallmark Software]

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I wanted to get everyone into the winter holiday spirit before kicking off December. However, I didn’t just want to post classic Tree Hugging posts. That said, with a little help from the rest of the channel, I rounded up a huge list of killer holiday (and eco-friendly) posts.

Sit back, browse, read, and linger in the holiday bliss!

Remember, no matter the treat or recipe, you can always green it up by exchanging organic and natural ingredients for conventional.

50 Cute and Tasty Christmas Cookie Ideas

Cherry Dot Cookies

Organic Holiday Cookies!

Hey It’s Sugar Cookie Day - worth it for the pretty snowy cookie image alone.

Bacon Nut Stuffing - don’t forget, pork is a high pesticide food item, so buy organic if you make this dish.

Top 10 Turkey Tools

Pumpkin Cheesecake - one of my personal favorite treats.

What Else Is In Your Beer? AND Vegan Beer & Wine - I know beer and wine do not make a meal, but hey, they are treats, and if you have a drink, you may as well get the best.

Don’t forget to green up your holiday crafts by using recycled materials when possible.

Making Festive Ice Wreaths

yo-yo Christmas tree ornaments

Easy Christmas Crafts for the Kids

24 Things To Make - A Crafty Christmas Countdown

Beautiful Christmas Wreath Ideas You Can Create Yourself

Quick and Easy Christmas Wreath Idea - Snowflake Wreath

Homemade Recycled Holiday Luminaries

Embroidered Christmas craft how-tos

Christmas in July Crafts for Kids

Christmas sewing & crafting tips and tricks

Free holiday projects from around the bead-osphere!

Free Holiday Projects

Favorite Christmas tree ornament tutorials, free patterns & ideas

50 Holiday Things You Can Make Yourself

Thrifty Christmas Crafting

Homemade Christmas Ornament Ideas: Pinecones

How to Make a Candy Christmas Wreath

Make Your Own Pop Up Christmas Card

Green up your homemade holiday gifts by using recycled materials and natural and organic ingredients when possible. You can apply this thinking to almost any homemade gift idea.

Homemade Eco Gifts You Can Make for the Holidays!

Fabric Covered Journal Tutorial

How To Make Your Own Bath Salts

A Gift You Can Make With Your Children~ Hot Chocolate Mix Jar

Make Your Own Solar Light!

DIY Eco Chic Soap

Make Your Own Oilcloth Bags

Cheap Christmas Spa Basket Gift - Heating Pads

When it comes to green holiday tips you can do a lot; be a smart consumer, save energy, reuse items, and way more.

Turn Cereal Boxes into Gift Boxes

Green Product Review: Green Christmas Book

Tips on Staying Healthy During the Holidays

Green Christmas Shopping - 3RLiving Exclusive Discount to Unplugged Living - 3R Living has the coolest green gear, and now, you can score it for less.

• Meaningfully Frugal Christmas Tip #1
• Meaningfully Frugal Christmas Tip #2
• Meaningfully Frugal Christmas Tip #3
• Meaningfully Frugal Christmas Tip #4
• Meaningfully Frugal Christmas Tip #5

How To Reduce Your Winter Heating Bill

Weatherization Assistance Programs

Easy ways to save money when gift shopping online (conserve gas, stay at home and shop).

The First Snowfall - A Day for Fun and Quilting Inspiration

Snow! Snow Everywhere!

25 Reasons To Get Outside During Winter

Christmas Tree Coat Stand

Eco-Friendly Christmas Trees

Decorating Your Holiday Table - with the goodness of soy

Christmas Lights

Decorating Your Coffee Table for Christmas

Great Kitty Stocking Stuffers - recycled tins, natural kitty treats!

15 Unique Christmas Gifts - many recycled!

Steal This Christmas Gift Please!

Kitten Christmas Pictures - you know me; NOT a pet fan. So if I’m posting kitten pictures, you can bet your hide they’re flippin’ adorable. Even I was moved.

Best Holiday Books, 2008 - kid friendly! Use the library or share with friends to be extra green with holiday books.

Christmas Party Game Idea - Family Tree

Green Holiday Gift Guide: Great Books for Kids

Holiday Lights Video

[Image via stock.xchng]

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Being that yesterday was our Buy Nothing Day Challenge here at THF, I waited until today to post this news. (But it’s good).

This year bloggers from around b5media’s Lifestyles, Health and Wellness channels are giving readers a special surprise. We’ve created a virtual mall to help ease the anxiety of shopping for those on your holiday list who may be a little more difficult to buy for.

This is a cool new feature, because it means you never need to leave your house to get all your holiday shopping done. Plus, with all these bloggers offering gifts related to their blog topics, you’re sure to find one or two lists to adore.

You can start here at Tree Hugging Family where I’ve got a big ol’ eco-shop full of gift ideas that can help you and your family stay green all year long.

At Offbeat Homes I’ve got a gift shop full of strange and unique gift ideas (plus of course, plenty of cool house related items). Then at Declutter It, I’ve got oodles of time management and organization minded gift ideas.

Other amazing holiday shops around the channels… 

Stop by Kettle and Cup and select your favorite hot beverage, kick back and browse this years Holiday Gift Guide Shopping Extravaganza.

At All Holiday Cafe Katelyn has set up all kinds of amazing holiday minded gifts - stuff to make you and yours feel extra merry.

Cherie from Career and Kids has the perfect list for the business woman/working parent.

Mary Emma from One Book Two Book shares a suggest shopping list for the avid reader and artist on your list.

Everyone knows what to get a jewelry lover - but do you know what to get one who loves to make jewelry? Cyndi at Jewelry and Beading has the answer!

Cherie at Diabetes Notes shares gift ideas to keep those visions of sugar plum fairies dancing for the diabetics on your list.

Chloe at The Doggy Blog shares an adorable wish list as written to Santa Paws.

Christine at Mad Cropper knows how to please those who are crazy about scrapbooking during the holiday season.

Quilters anyone? This unique craft makes for the tougher shopping experience - but that’s so yesterday considering we have a pro in our corner. Let Mary Emma at Quilting and Patchwork help you pick out the perfect gift.

Angela from Breastfeeding 1-2-3 provides a list of gifts for the breastfeeding mother on your list.

So maybe giving kitchen appliances isn’t the best idea - but what about a cool and unique Cooking Gadget? I’d say your bound to surprise the cook on your list with something from Cyndi’s list.

Peggy at Lively Women has put together a list of gift ideas for the health conscious female on your list.

Christine at Our One Heart shares tips and gift ideas to keep that Bride-to-Be happy during the Christmas season.

Tracee at BlogFabulous has put together an amazing store displaying gift ideas for the woman’s woman.

Christmas is for everyone and shopping for an Alzheimer’s patients can present a challenge - allow Mary Emma at Alzheimer’s Notes helps you overcome that challenge and get on to the joys of the season.

Do you have a fabric-aholic or a needlehead on your Christmas list? Don’t get them the same old boring sing-song gift - let Chloe at Tangled Thread help you pick the perfect gift.

Unique gift ideas for the mixed media art lover on your list is what Cyndi from Layers Upon Layers has on display.

Have an aspiring to advanced chef on your list this year? Cyndi at Busy Family Meals has an extensive list to cover every stage of cooking from beginner to pro.

Eliza has pieced together a shop that covers mom, dad and baby at Babylune. Why leave anyone out?

Heather at The Food Bowl is taking care of pets and their people with a fun list that’s bound to connect you with the perfect gift.

Did someone say chocolate? Heather at Chocolate Bytes did! Our resident chocolate expert has put together sweetest gift shop you won’t want to miss.

Who says married couples are boring? Check out the letters to Santa as shared by Marc and Marye of Marriage Actually and see what might appeal to the married couple on your list.

Don’t forget about that single and dating friend or relative! We all know how difficult it can be to buy for them - Lucky for us we have Dating Dames and the Dames have the answers.

It’s never too early to start buying for your favorite gardener and Linette at Mother Earth’s Garden has a wonderful list to help you decide.

Linette at Play Library is haring the Best of Toys list this year - check out what’s hot and get to buying! We know how quick those hot toys sell out every year.

Have someone on your list who always hosts the best parties? Surprise that person with a unique gift as recommended by Linette at She Knows Parties!

Marcie from One Book Two Book and A Child Chosen shares a wonderful shopping list she’s broken down by age groups and hobbies.

Whether it’s tea or coffee you are looking for, Marye from Kettle and Cup has unique gift ideas that’s sure to add a little spice to your favorite hot beverage.

Haven’t figured out just how to shop for the junk lover and crafter on your list? Let Peggy from Junk Creation assist you with your selection.

Susan from Grounded Fitness has a little something for the health and fitness buff on your shopping list.

And last but certainly not least, Gayla has compiled a list of MomGadget Favorites - A Year in Review 2008 instead of a storefront for you to shop.

From all of us at Lifestyles - Health & Wellness

We wish you and yours a very Merry Holiday Season and a wonderful 2009!

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