Green Music on iTunes

I was browsing on iTunes this afternoon trying to find some great Spring Break music to listen to while I'm laying on the beach (pure bliss). I came across an iTunes Essentials playlist called "Earth Day". It is a compilation of songs about conserving and loving our planet from different artists. It is awesome to see how many artists have advanced the awareness of our planet through music. Some of my favorites on this playlist include "3 R's" by Jack Johnson (a.k.a. Reduce Reuse Recycle), "Big Yellow Taxi" by Joni Mitchell, and "Mercy Mercy Me" by Marvin Gaye. Check it out and purchase some earth lovin' songs!

I'm thinking that my blog theme song should be "3 R's" by Jack Johnson. If anyone knows how to play songs on blogs, I would appreciate the help!

Follow Up

I want to do a quick follow up on some past posts. I have gotten some really great comments on some of my posts and have received cool sites to check out. So here are a few things I want to share with you!

First, in response to my post about the Do's and Don'ts of Recycling...although plastic grocery bags do not recycle, many grocery stores will recycle them for you. I noticed that even Wal-Mart has a bin near customer service where you can bring in plastic bags to be recycled. I have started keeping all of my plastic bags in my laundry room until I go to Wal-Mart and can drop them off.

Second, one of my readers posted this site in response to my post about Bare Tableware. I think it is definitely worth sharing with everyone!

http://www.verterra.com/

And third, another reader posted this website. If you are looking for a durable reusable bag, this looks like a great option!

http://www.reusablebags.com/store/acme-bags-workhorse-style-1500-p-1.html

Thanks to all of those who have been following my blog so far! I am learning so much and am excited to continue sharing my adventures with you all. I hope you all keep reading and telling your friends about Take On Green!

Before You Leave for Vacation

I am less than two weeks away from my week long Spring Break vacation and I am sure that many of you who read my blog will also be vacationing during the month of March. I thought it was an appropriate time to mention 5 things you can do to stay eco-friendly while you travel.

1. Eat all your food. Don't waste food that will perish while you are gone.

2. Unplug everything. Even the little things like clocks and coffee makers make a difference.

3. Put your outdoor lights on timers if you plan to leave them on while you are gone. Leaving outside lights on is a good way to scare away burglars, but leaving them on during the daylight is just a waste of energy.

4. Carpool to the airport. If you have friends or family traveling at the same time, travel together.

5. Bring your reusable water bottle with you so you don't have to buy plastic ones while you travel.

Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Spring Break!!

(picture above is one I took in Cozumel during Spring Break last year)

Beauty Product Labels

My friend sent an article to me about labels on beauty products. What does "natural" or "organic" labels really mean? This article actually ties into my post below about the Victoria's Secret Organic products. It is always smart to research a product and its ingredients before buying into the "natural" or "organic" label. It could just be smart marketing rather than a smart product. However, you are usually safe if a product has the "USDA Organic" circle label.

Here is the article if you want to read further...

http://www.slate.com/id/2211934/

Also, if you use an organic beauty product that you love, send me the name! I love trying new earth friendly products!

Bare Tableware

I was grocery shopping at Albertson's today and something wonderful caught my attention. Solo Brand is apparently testing this new line of "eco-foward" products including plates and cups. As you may know Solo Brand makes paper and plastic convenience tableware and now they have a new line of products called Bare that are eco-friendly. This discovery really made me excited because I like to entertain and I always feel incredibly guilty when I have to buy paper/plastic/Styrofoam tableware.

They currently have two products, plates and cups. The plates are made from bamboo and other natural resources. The cups are made from 20% post-consumer recycled plastic and can be recycled.

Here is the website if you are interested in learning more...

http://www.barebysolo.com/index.html