Monthly Archives: August 2007

How Green Is Your Computer Usage?

Most families these days would have a hard time getting by without a computer. They allow people like me to work from home, make doing research for homework easier, make typing homework assignments easier for kids, and there are plenty of fun games to be played on the computer.

But they aren’t exactly the greenest machine in the house in a lot of ways.

computer power

You’ll probably enjoy today’s post over on EcoGeek about helping your computer waste less electricity. It’s a good read.

He says computers draw about 100 watts when they’re on, more as you use them. This means you need to learn to do what you can to limit the waste.

Computers these days can cope better with being turned off regularly than they used to. So if you aren’t going to be using your computer for a time turn it off. Monitor too. Continue reading →

So Many Recalls

There’s a lot of talk right now about all the toy recalls going on. It really is amazing that so many unsafe toys are still being made.

I was watching my local news broadcast a story on this. They showed a toy executive talking a bit about why they make toys overseas. Lots of hedging of course, and avoiding admitting that it’s mostly a cost cutting measure. Apparently a toy that costs $1 to make overseas costs about $8 to make in the United States.

But I honestly don’t understand why anyone thinks it’s okay to use lead in paint, especially on toys. As noted on the Green Options blog, the damaging effects of lead have been know since about 100 BC. And it’s not exactly arcane knowledge. I don’t think anyone I know isn’t aware of that these days.

To me, the big question is why would anyone use lead in paint, anywhere? It’s not just that it’s making it here, it’s that it’s apparently so easy to use in places such as China, despite that the effects are so well known. I wish more countries wouldn’t let manufacturers use so harmful a chemical so easily. It’s not good for anyone.

I’m feeling quite fortunate right now that none of the toys my kids have are impacted by this recall.

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Back to School in Green

Yes, I am thinking a lot about back to school. It started with wondering how on earth I’m going to come up with good lunches for my picky daughter (leading to my new interest in Laptop Lunches and other reusable lunch bags), but I do have to get other things for my daughter too.

back to school

No backpack, though. Her one from last year is just fine. She still loves it and it’s in great condition.

Office Depot offers an entire Buy Green section on their site. I’m rather fond of them since I don’t have a car available to me when my husband’s at work and they deliver for free on orders over $50. If you’ve every had to buy printer ink, you know how easy that is to reach. And they do have printer cartridge recycling available too, although I think you have to go in store for that.

I think sometimes they use the AP nontoxic certification to mean green, at least with crayons and markers, rather than any sort of more clearly green standard. I could wish for a more clear standard on these things, or maybe the soybean crayons I hear Prang makes. Continue reading →

Green School Lunches That Won’t Turn Your Child Green

School is going to start up again very soon in my area. My daughter will be entering kindergarten this year, and I’m having to face making lunches for her to bring to school, as her class runs until 1:00 in the afternoon.

I’ve had to deal with snacktime during her time in preschool, but this will be the first time I have to get her a lunch ready. And she loathes peanut butter, which has to be “genetic” or something. I don’t like it either, nor does my paternal grandmother. And yes, I am pretty much joking about the genetic aspect. It’s just funny seeing so much of that in one family.

I’m loving the sound of the Laptop Lunches Bento Box from ReusableBags.com. They look so clever, and would give me the flexibility I think I’ll need to cope with such a picky eater. 5 reusable containers in one box, and the option to buy a sleeve with room for an ice pack to keep things cool.

I should take back that picky eater part, though. She’s not that picky in a lot of ways. Loves most vegetables and fruits. It’s just the classic lunch foods that disinterest her.

What’s really nice is that they include a little recipe book with the box. I know I need ideas! I have about a week and a half before school starts (yes, midweek).

So far, I’m thinking pasta salads, rice dishes, nuts, and of course lots of fruits and vegetables. Many of these I need to test on her to figure out which she will enjoy day after day. Much too hard to make a single serving for just one 5 year old. I’d rather make enough to not need to prepare something every day.

I just love the idea of being able to provide her with healthy lunches without all the disposable junk that so often accompanies children’s lunches at school. Last year she was almost the only kid in her preschool class using reusable containers for snacktime – beyond the lunch bag the snacks were carried in, of course.

What do you have your kids bring to school for their lunches? Do their schools offer a good lunch?

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