Is there anything more boring than talking about trash bags? Not much I’d wager, but consider how many you use. Dozens, maybe even hundreds per year? Plastic trash bags pose some major threats to the environment – most are made of new plastic which of course takes non-renewable resources to make plus they’re just going to sit, full of trash, in the landfill forever.

You can try:
Making less trash to start with. This is not an easy task, but any family, with a little work can do it. Take a green home trash audit then make some decisions to grind up …read more

I actually can’t remember if we’ve ever discussed Green & Save here, but even if we have, it’s been a while and it’s worth a mention. Especially with spring coming up as you may have plans for your tax returns (home projects) or spring fix-it projects.
Green & Save is a super cool green living site geared toward the money end of eco-living. Basically, Green & Save provides Home Efficiency Consulting for consumers who want to save money on their utility bills or who simply want to be sweeter to the planet. That’s the short story.
The long story: Following is just …read more

I’ve been wanting to do a post on better looking recycling bins for a while now. However, there’s not much coolness out there in the recycling bin market. There’s some decent recycling bins, but nothing that was making me drool. However, I got lucky this last week, and found some really nice and stylish bins for the home.
Why bother with nice looking recycling bins?:
You can use anything for a recycling bin – an old box, an ugly bin from your local recycling company, even just a bag on the floor. However, it’s worth the money in my opinion to …read more

At Offbeat Homes I just reviewed a pretty cool book. If you’re looking to go green at home, it’s a perfect read for you. However, since I’m not interested in re-writing the entire review post here, you’ll have to shoot over to Offbeat to learn more.
It’s worth the click though – it’s a stellar book. In fact, I’ll even give you click choices; click the link or book image to whisk off to the book review.
Book Review: The Carbon-Free Home: 36 Remodeling Projects to Help Kick the Fossil -Fuel Habit

Click here to learn about all …read more

Children of the Earth is a great family friendly, kid heavy, green focused website. There’s plenty to see and do, tons of activities, book rec commendations, eco-ideas submitted by kids, an eco-gallery of art by kids, a green home section, and lots more.
You could play around here for a good long while before running out of activities or ideas. Gather your kids and pay them a visit.
Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in June 2008

Instead of foil – go without and wash your cookie sheet or pan.
Instead of paper muffin cups – use Silicone Baking Cups.
Instead of packing snacks and sandwiches in plastic baggies – try small containers with lids or these.
Instead of polyurethane laden sponges – use a washcloth or a greener sponge option.
Instead of spraying your kitchen counters with chemicals – don’t. Bonus point for not using paper towels.
Instead of keeping your coffee pot on – transfer hot coffee to a large thermos.
Instead of individual packaging i.e mini cereal and applesauce cups – buy the biggest package possible that your family can …read more

So, it’s been awhile since we did one of these round-ups. We’re due. Here’s the green we’ve been writing elsewhere that may interest Tree Hugging Family Readers.
Building, buying, or remodeling your own green home:

The best green real estate site!
Reclaimed & Salvaged Home Building Material Use
What Makes A Building Material A Green Choice?
Home Wind-Power Turbines Going Mainstream
35 Ideas for Building A Greener House
Will $100,000 Build A Good Green Home?
Green Building – How Much Would You Guess Is Going On?
Green Homes for Less Money

Home & Living:

4 Green DIY Alternative Energy Home Projects
How to Flush Your Toilet …read more

One of our green sins in the poll has taken a strong lead…
That’s right, clearly the sin of, “I leave unused appliances and chargers plugged in all day” is something many of us do. All appliances from your chargers to your lamp suck up energy even when they’re turned off, so long as they’re plugged in.
I don’t unplug everything. The things I don’t unplug include the TV, because it’s got some funky, “If you unplug me you’ll have to reprogram me” deal going on, and I’m not TV savvy enough to figure out why. I also don’t unplug my computer. …read more

This poster from the Seattle Times is super slick – and free in pdf form. According to 100 Things (among other places), “The average two-person household unleashes about 20 tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases every year.” So the real question is how can you live without this poster? It’s modish, attractive, and has dozens of helpful reminders about the things you can do to keep your home green and your family and planet healthy.

Download the poster.
Via 100 Things.