April 1. 2009 04:54

I wouldn't create anything but would rather push for companies to change their packaging. So much of what we buy is wasted packaging, especially the clamshell type. If I could I'd outlaw that entitrely!

Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy

April 1. 2009 06:02

Our family reuses a ton of stuff including but not limited to; grey water from the washing machine, lint from the dryer, junk mail is shredded up for bunny litter which is then COMPOSTED, & we use rain barrels to water our gardens! I hate non recycable plastic containers, but I do find them useful for other purposes in my home like measuring cups for vinegar for the wash. We even make our own laundry detergent so we don't have to spend tons of money on commercial products that just don't work very well! I precycle for my family by trying to buy either recycable items, or not buying them at all! We love to be green; its our passion, not just a lifestyle!

Jennifer McWhorter

April 1. 2009 06:52

We have made many changes over the last year including removing all plastic from our kitchen, cloth diapers, recycling as much as we can, and we continue to see where we can make improvements! We just bought a bunch of Klean Kanteens with sippy cup top for the kids! I would love to win this wonderful stuff!

Amy

April 1. 2009 06:58

I know what I would like affordable storage in Stainless Steel. Love your little ones but need something bigger!!!

Amy

April 1. 2009 07:54

If more moms exclusively breastfed for the first six months and up to at least a year after introducing food, think of all the waste that would be saved. Formula containers, bottle liners, bottles, rubber nipples, the extra grey water from sterilizing.... We are also trying to eliminate plastic containers from our home and focus on using glass jars and stainless steel containers. For Earth Day I like to take my kids for a walk and pick up garbage. It sounds gross but the kids really get inot it and it becomes a contest as to who can get the most. We used to do this in Elementary school when I was a kid and I loved it. I love to pass on green stewardship habits to my kids and the other kids in my life.

Melodie

April 1. 2009 09:49

I'm excited about all these eco friendly & recycled products! When I was a kid we 'recycled' yogurt and cool whip containers for our lunches ( not very hip at that time). Also - I was a big nerd and made a bag in home ec class to use as my lunch bag - very Home on the Prarie!

greenmomma

April 1. 2009 10:21

If I had to create a product to stop people from creating waste it would be a reusable take out container. So many places we get take out from use styrofoam, which our recycling plant won't accept. It would be cool to somehow have a product that you could give to restaurants for take out. One way thing that we have done in our house to stop creating waste is having the kids do a lot of drawing on dry erase boards and chalk boards. It has saved so much paper because they love to draw!

Kerry

April 1. 2009 12:51

I would create a trash can that would actually reject recyclable materials. Imagine someone tossing a used plastic bottle into the trash and hearing the trash can hiccup as it tossed it right back out! Of course, there would be a real recycling container nearby to use instead.

Felicia

April 1. 2009 13:18

I think it is important to look at our everyday lives to see what we can reuse. For example, the simple process of carrying a reusable bag every time you shop saves not only tress, the air, but also the sea.
One thing I would create is a way for the bags to return to our cars after we unload them (instead we have enough to have at home, in the car and in the stroller for our walks. : )

Amy

April 1. 2009 18:16

To be honest I wasn't very savvy at reduce, reuse, and recycle but my hubby is! We reduce by using minimal packaging and reusing as much as we can in our yard, house, etc. He recycles everything from glass, plastic, paper, any anything else that can be. Thank goodness I have him! It is a great example for our little one.

susan

April 1. 2009 22:23

We recycle about 75% of our 'trash' and it's somewhat like a contest to see how little we actually put OUT for the trash men and what we put out for the recycle! I'd like to start composting, I need to find an easy 'starter' guide to doing so.

Cheryl

April 2. 2009 00:34

I reuse my computer paper. I let the kids draw or use them for craft projects instead of throwing them away. I also use the back of paper to print off my internet coupons. I use reuseable grocery sacks. My hubby takes his lunch to work everyday using a Tupperware container(not eating fast food and having their packaging to throw away). But I am new to "going green" and I am always looking for new ways to "go green."

Jena

April 2. 2009 01:43

I'd like to see items made that are fixable when they break or stop working than disposable. I try to repair items when they break and mend clothes when they rip but this isn't aways possible especially electronics. It's cheaper/easier to throw the whole thing away and buy new. I'd rather just buy a new part and fix what I have than toss the whole thing away!

Condo Blues

April 2. 2009 02:40

We try to recycle as many things as we can. We've also started using reusable cloth grocery bags instead of the plastic ones. I'm not sure what we'll do for Earth Day. Maybe we'll go for a walk around our neighborhood.

Shannon

April 2. 2009 03:11

I have stopped buying plastic baggies too, and we take a lot of food on the go with us, so we use reusable containers often. I think creating affordable, easy ways to cloth diaper would make a huge difference in waste creation. We tried it with our son and didn't stick with it (although it truly wasn't that much work - he just got a rash and we temporarily switched, and never went back). The best cloth diapers now are quite expensive, though. I think some mainstream diaper wash/delivery services would bring in a lot of new cloth diaperers. We will definitely do something for earth day, but we haven't decided what yet.

Lynn

April 2. 2009 03:40

I don't what I could create to prevent this but I think the waste on the free way is disgusting. I can't believe how much people litter. maybe we could have cameras on the freeways and it snaps peoples lisence plates who littler. probably be to expensive. but we definately need to do something about it.

amy p.

April 2. 2009 03:42

Our city has just started an expanded compost program with our yard waste. It is great because we can now put ALL food scraps and food waste in our yard bin to be composted! I love it!

Sara

April 2. 2009 11:39

I wash plastic bags and all sorts of other conservatory measures but I can not do it alone. I wish to see a mush bigger push to get the large corporations instead of the individual, turning off lights, reusing paper bags, shutting off computers, etc.

Laura M

April 2. 2009 21:23

If I could create one thing to help stop people from creating waste, it would be a plant that turns plastic bags into cloth bags. To help the planet I use cloth bags instead of plastic bags and I shop at the local farmer's market. I reuse ice cream containers by storing things in them and I reuse envelopes by writing shopping lists on them. My family doesn't create a lot of waste because we clean recyclable materials and put them in the recycling bin and we compost our food scraps. I will celebrate Earth Day by turning out all the lights in the house and using candlelight instead.

Jess

April 2. 2009 23:25

In our 'perfect' world, *everyone* would realize just how EASY it can be to reduce, reuse, and recycle! In the meantime, we'll keep setting an example where we can - converting dd's schoolmates one at a time, etc!

Michelle Q.

April 2. 2009 23:25

I would find a way to make it expensive for people to waste and litter - nothing like some financial incentive to get the message through!

Dina

April 2. 2009 23:27

I use mostly reusable products; bento boxes, lots of containers, cloth shopping bags, etc. I also try to drive as little as possible. I agree with the above poster about pushing for companies to be more energy efficient. Just recently, a bunch of local governmental jobs in my town decide to switch to a 10hr/d 4 day work week to conserve energy.

Stephanie

April 2. 2009 23:45

We have joined a CSA, so we generally don't have a lot of packaging with our veggies and we reuse the box they come in week after week. If I could change one thing, it would be toy packaging - it is so wasteful and over the top! I shouldn't need scissors and a screwdriver to get a toy out of a box. Actually, a lot of toys don't really need the box!

Autumn

April 2. 2009 23:52

My daughter's school is celebrating reuse and recycle day today. She was tasked with the project of creating a functional item out of something she would normally throw away or recycle. She created Penny the pencil holder out of an empty toilet paper roll. I thought it was very clever and the fact that it was her very own idea excited me. She was excited about the project and was even more excited about Earth Hour last week...I agree that the little voices have a lot of power!!

Sheila

April 3. 2009 00:26

I would make a push for food companies to reduce packaging waste, and reduce the amount and harmful qualities of ingredients in their foods.

Amanda

April 3. 2009 00:38

I'd want to implement municipal composting pick-up (food scraps, not just yard waste) in all urban and suburban areas; just along the same lines as trash and recycling pick-up. That, combined with a system that limits the number of bags of trash per household, per month (before they either have to pay a fee or haul their extra trash to the landfill themselves) would go a long way to reducing household waste.

My usual earth day celebration is doing some volunteer train maintenance, but i'm out of town this year, so i'm not sure...

ephraim

April 3. 2009 01:47

Our family is big on reuse and recycling. We have refillable water bottles and bring our own shopping bags to stores. I'm trying to learn to sew so I can repair and re-invent worn-out clothes.

Aine

April 3. 2009 02:32

I try to re-use a lot of things: I carry my lunch in a Mr. Bento; I have reusable shopping bags; I keep glass jars for storing nuts, legumes, etc. I also walk to and from work and use my car only about once a week. I am also currently volunteering with the local Humane Society (keeping the animal population down surely helps the planet) and with local community garden organizations.

D. Loeffler

April 3. 2009 03:05

My family packs Bento box lunches whenever possible in re-usable containers, including our drinks (no prepackaged drinks).

Jane

April 3. 2009 03:20

Hello! The waste issue has bothered me for years. My family tries it's best to cut down on waste. We shop at our local farmers market for produce and bring our own reuseable bags. And refuse to purchase items with excess packageing. Our meat is butchered and wrapped in paper. My children take bento style lunches for waste free meals and snacks. I would love to figure out a way to not have to use the plastic trash bags.

Donna

April 3. 2009 03:26

I'm with most of the others - not great at inventing. I try to go back to simpler days, hanging laundry on the line, using cloth grocery bags (I always get funny looks when I tell them not to put my meat or veggies in separate bags). We plant a garden, compost, recycle, purchase dishes from the antique mall, pack Bento lunches. I try to print as little as possible, and reuse the backsides of paper for lists and coloring. And when our lawn mower conked last year we bought a real push mower - no engine, no gas, no noise.

MichelleJ

April 3. 2009 03:53

Compost!

C

April 3. 2009 04:07

We use cloth shopping bags and produce bags, cloth towels instead of paper towels. We recycle and have found that our trash output grows smaller all the time. We are starting our first garden this summer and plan to start a compost as well--further reducing our trash.
I am also looking into natural laundry cleaners--we already use vinegar/baking soda.
I really like the idea of taking a walk and picking up trash this Earth day. I love the message I know my 5 year old would get from that!

Jenny

April 3. 2009 04:20

i would expand recycling efforts

sandra

April 3. 2009 04:38

My family is very conscious of recycling as much as we can. I buy in bulk as much as possible to cut down on the amount of stuff coming. I use stainless steel containers for packing my kids lunches. There are no school lunches at my son's school =.I would like to implement a not waste policy for the lunches brought into his school.

shani

April 3. 2009 04:51

I read an article recently about the fact that reusable bags really weren't helping the plastic bag problem, simply because most people would forget to take the bags back out to the car after a shopping trip. So, it's really simple, but I would create an easily implementable system to help people remember to use their bags. Maybe even just a hook by the front door.

Pam D

April 3. 2009 05:27

I go to an art school out on the east coast, and there we are making every effort to clean up the city and our environment. Im really glad lots of places are promoting the use of fewer or even no plastics when not needed!
At our school they allow you to bring in your own coffee cup to save on paper, and when giving out cups they use green cups, products made from natural materials that are made to decompose, we use less napkins and i have been spreading the word about bento boxes as well as other styles and forms of packed lunch! i take them to work and the trend is catching on, if anything it saves money definitely!
The best way i have found to get the change to start, is to let people know how easy it is, and how much it saves in the long run.
we have to take care of the things we are given! : )

Taylor Fischer

April 3. 2009 05:42

There are some days when I can't get around using plastic baggies for snacks or carrying small icky things to school. I always take them and wash them out to reuse them. I've had one box of baggies for over a year that we just reuse.

We're hanging out at home and gardening for Earth Day--no driving!

Lori Z.

April 3. 2009 06:22

I'd design a curriculum to teach all public school students simple ways to green up their lives.

There are millions of ways people can help the environment, but unless you grow up in a particular area or with a particular type of family you don't know that until you get old enough to find out on your own. I think it's important that ALL kids learn, the same way all kids are meant to know how to read and write.

Tobias

April 3. 2009 08:35

If I could create anything to reduce waste, it would be a system by which people with similar jobs could trade jobs. I'm a secretary, which is a common job, but I have to commute 40 miles each way. In this economy, it's not easy to find a job closer to my new home, but I'm sure there are people with simiar jobs who are making the same commute - but in the opposite direction. If I could find one of those people, and we could trade jobs, it would mean 160 less miles would be driven EVERY DAY (41,600 fewer a year!). And that would just be one switch! Imagine if nurses, teachers, accountants, etc could make this kind of trade, how many fewer cars would be on the road!! Fortunately, where we live now is only a 7 mile bicycle ride to work for him, so we take a little comfort in that.

We already compost and use cloth napkins and fabric grocery bags. I even have a huge one that we take to the mall, home improvement store, or other places where we'll buy bigger stuff. We are working toward growing our own veggies this year too. We use organic products as much as possible, especially in our gardening! Also, when I need a housewarming or hostess gift, I always bring cut flowers from my garden, and I try to knit or give otherwise homemade gifts for holidays. I've started using yarn from ravelled sweaters I buy at thrift stores for neat knitting projects.

Jenny

April 3. 2009 08:55

If I were asked to create one thing that could help stop people from creating waste, it would be a machine that could transport people into the future to show them what the world would be like if they continued creating waste and harming the environment. If people could see for themselves what kind of world they would be leaving their kids and future generations, that would knock a lot of sense into their heads.

I am using cloth diapers to reduce land fill in the environment, and food storage containers to store and serve food and leftovers.

joyce

April 3. 2009 09:02

I would make a pile of one month's trash from a random family, with everything sorted out into what's recyclable, what's compostable, what could have been avoided by having reusable instead of disposable. I know how much trash I have, and I recycle, compost, and avoid disposable items such as plastic bags and paper towels.

sito

April 3. 2009 10:11

Earth Day is a wonderful day of the year, it's a shame that lots of young people like my classmates overlook it.

I know my school's student government is joining the Big Sweep project. I'm involved in that and for three or four hours the weekend of Earth Day we'll be cleaning up trash on one of the bigger neighborhood roads. I've heard from some of the members who did it last year that it was a ton of fun and they found an absolutely incredible amount of trash... they said it really made them want to help out the school's "Green Team".

Composting is another thing that I'd really like to get going in the community. It's not commonly done around here, not in public facilities anyways, and that'd be an effective way to recycle food scraps.

Of course, recycling food scraps (that are still good, of course!) is much easier when things are packed bento-style, and the Kids Konserve set is extremely effective for packing food in this method! No tin foil, no plastic baggies, all earth-friendly! (Not to mention it makes for a fun lunch, too! ^-^)

StarsOfCASSiOPEiA

April 3. 2009 12:21

I would create a supermarket where EVERYTHING (not just 'bulk goods') is sold unpackaged, and it is expected that you would bring your own containers, which can be weighed on entry before you start filling them.

Jaimie

April 3. 2009 20:01

I try to do the reduce/reuse/recycle as often as possible. One thing I'd wish to be able to create is some sort of recycling program for apartment complexes. They never seem to have access to recycling, and the dumpsters are always overflowing with big things that could easily be recycled.
For Earth Day, I'm going to try to make some canvas shopping totes, so as to reduce my usage of plastic shopping bags.

Gwen

April 3. 2009 23:36

If I could create anything, I would create a way that recycling would be picked up on trash day in our area. This would encourage many to recycle, but since it is not convenient many/most people just throw recyclable material in the trash.
I recycle everything I can and I also use energy efficient light bulbs. I do small things such as unplug appliances, make sure lights have been turned off, keep car maintained so gas is not wasted. I also ride my bike or walk saving on pollution when possible. My family has switched to canvas bags when grocery shopping and my son, that brings his lunch every day, uses a Kids Konserve water bottle, lunchbox, cloth napkin and reusable silverware. We also have a garden and eat as much as possible on the land. Our family needs to work on shorter showers to help on saving on water. To celebrate Earth Day, we have a lesson each year on the importance of keeping our Earth clean. We discuss it, read books on the subject, and it reminds each of us to continue doing the things I listed above.

Mandy

April 3. 2009 23:37

A group of teachers and I are implementing a "go green" program for our high school. We are starting by spearheading a recycling program led by enthusiastic students. We have visions of composting and planting a garden.
I think a simple, but helpful invention would be a recycling bin that displayed a digital fact about how the recycled item that they just placed in the bin helped the planet. This would help to educate people about going green and it would instantly reward them for recycling.

Kim Buker

April 4. 2009 00:13

If I had time, I would get involved in creating "lunch gardens" at our local schools and work on reducing the disposable lunch gear the cafeteria uses. That way the kids would really get fresh vegetables in their lunches and there would be a lot less associated trash. Right now they're using styrofoam cups to hold things like grits for the morning meal, even the trays are disposable.

I do my best to keep my kids using reuseable containers and fresh, local food, often even from our own yard.

I would want to teach by doing.

Allison

April 4. 2009 01:10

I would like it be mandatory that all beverage packaging be glass. No more plastic water bottles, plastic orange juice bottles, plastic pop liters, plastic milk jugs...uck!! things taste so much better when in glass. I think plastic bottles should be outlawed and I think all glass should be recycled.

shannon

April 4. 2009 01:59

It's amazing and inspiring to see how common it's become to carry reusable canvas bags. When I started doing this a couple of decades ago, it was considered an eccentricity at best.

Other daily small steps in our home include:
- buying in bulk rather than buying packaged goods.
- line-drying rather than tumble drying. (Since we have no yard, in paractice this means hanging laundry all around our tiny apartment. In the winter, it also humidifies the air!)
- buying few consumer goods, and when we can, we buy used goods in thrift stores or yard sales.
- ride the bus, or walk.

Elsa

April 4. 2009 04:01

There are a number of things that we've been teaching the kids and doing as a family...

[1] turn off the lights, turn off the water, and turn off the TV. This year we participated in Earth Hour and turned off the lights for 1 hour. [2] our home is equipped with low energy light bulbs and low-flow toilets. [3]we "bento" and take home lunches to school and work in reusable containers. My daughters get a kick out of the surprises I put in their lunch each day and I know that they are eating a healthy balanced meal. [4] on outings, we use reusable food and drink containers to take along fruit and snacks, and tap water from home. [5] reuse the plastic containers from yogurt and other food products. [6] use reusable grocery bags and sometimes when I forget to bring them with me and get the plastic bags, I reuse them at home for trash liners and my husband's lunch bag, who usually is out in the field drilling and doesn't want to bring a fancy lunch bag out and get it filthy. [7] recycle plastic, paper, and aluminum. [8] at work, we go through a lot of paper from writing reports, so I take the non-confidential papers home and my girls use them for drawing and other imaginative things. At work, we recycle ink cartridges, plastic, paper, and aluminum. [10] For Earth Day, we are going to start our home garden. We will be reusing the cans from soups and beans to plant herbs. We'll also try composting.

Geologist

April 4. 2009 05:26

We would create a gadget to place on faucets and shower heads that would give you a 30 second warning when you have reached a certain level of water usage. We're trying to work on limiting the amount of water we use for showering, dishes, brushing our teeth, etc. m_huston(at)hotmail(dot)com

Marlena U.

April 4. 2009 08:21

I think we need to hold the companies more responsible for our packaging. They can use more recycled materials.

gahome2mom

April 4. 2009 11:02

We use reusable grocery bags instead of taking the plastic ones. And we reuse milk jugs in the garden. We use CFLs for all the lights. If I could create a more convenient way to conserve water, that would be great.

Kim

April 4. 2009 12:09

I would make it so more things could be recycled, and that there were easier ways for people to have access to recycling. I would have people stop using plastic water bottles having a stainless steel water bottle saves you tons of money. I use reusable shopping bags, shop the local farmers market when I can and try to think about the impact of my decision on the environment when I am making decisions.

Justine

April 4. 2009 15:27

I work in a research lab, and I'm always amazed at the amount of packaging material wasted. I once ordered a product that came in a 250 mL plastic bottle, but the shipping box was literally 3 ft x 3 ft and filled with styrofoam packing peanuts. There was no reason this tiny bottle needed this much packaging. Companies should package products for shipping in a less horrendously wasteful manner!

Anne

April 5. 2009 00:12

We do what we can. We have changed all of our light bulbs to the fluorescent.I reuse the plastic containers that the coffee creamer comes in to put the kids little toys in (we have one for each set of little people) I have all the reusable grocery bags - now if they would just go back into the car I would have it made.
We recycle- make sure lights and fans are turned off if not needed.

Tamara

April 5. 2009 01:39

I would create something that could recycle styrofoam, which seems to me like one of the worst materials to hit the earth.

Desude

April 5. 2009 04:13

I would love to invent or return to a system of refillable soda/milk/juice containers. Our family drinks at least 2 gallons of milk a week. That equals 104 plastic milk jugs a year. We recycle and sometimes find other uses, but it would be great if I could just take them back to Costco and trade or refill them.

Alissa

Alissa

April 5. 2009 05:47

I'd like to bring back the old way of grocery shopping. When you'd bring a can and get it filled with syrup at the store. When you brought a glass container for your sugar, and flour, and salt.
When the store would get all these things in big sacks, and they'd get sent back to be refilled when the next stock came in.
When you always brought a basket to put everything in, because you didn't even get a bag, because nobody needed one.
At least, that's how it used to be here in Holland, and that's how I'd like to see it again.

Oh, and I'd definately invent a substitute for the plastic blisters that companies pack everything from scissors to ink-cartridges in. They are not only wasteful, but impossible to open!

Liessa

April 5. 2009 06:01

I would create a program that educates people on how to prevent waste in the home, in business, and while traveling. This program identifies current wasteful practices and alternatives (e.g., using bulk products then dividing into reusable eco containers like glass or stainless steel instead of buying individual serving products). Our family shops at thrift stores; buys food in bulk; reuses all unavoidable plastic bags; separates trash; composts food scraps; and makes conscientious choices to go green. We bike or walk if able. We think about our buying needs vs. wants and always think about the marketing ploys that bombard consumers. This earth day we will tend to our garden (we pick up trash any day that we see it...) and enjoy nature with walks, bike rides, picnics, and any other media-free activity we can think of!

Jeani

April 5. 2009 09:02

For shopping, I have the reusable bags instead of taking the plastic ones. I try to shop locally. I also reuse lots of things like old milk jugs turn into watering things for the garden. Old paper rolls get turned into seed starting pots. Any packing material I can get my hands on turns into craft supplies. I'm also old school about cleaning, vinegar and baking soda. I think that we could do better for the environment if we had a rain barrel for the garden. And along those lines, I'd like to invent some kind of piping system to make it easier to conserve old pasta water and like rather than pouring it down the drain.

Kim

April 5. 2009 12:04

I wish there would be a way to remember simple things. To save water in a bucket while waiting for your shower water to reach the correct temperature. To remember to bring the cloth bags that are sitting in the trunk of your car into the store when shopping. To remember to reach for the earth friendly cleaning products in the store as opposed to the same old toxic stuff that you buy out of habit. My family is packing lunches now, and trying to take small measures live greener. I worry that I sometimes rely on operating on autopilot, instead of being conscious and remembering to make greener decisions.

Neena

April 5. 2009 12:51

My big plan right now is making sure all my family and friends have re-useable bento boxes and shopping bags... every plastic bag we don't use adds up.

Camille Salcedo

April 5. 2009 13:07

We do our best to teach our son about reusing things. We keep clean food packages and scraps from wrapping paper, etc to make crafts out of. It's recycling on a level a preschooler can understand.

I think we'll celebrate Earth Day by heading out for a nature hike and planting flowers in our yard.

Staci A

April 5. 2009 14:29

Way to go, Kids Konserve! You're doing a great job...also check out the Eco-ditty sandwich and snack bags we just added, because they would work great in your lunch kit. Best, Annie

Annie Kaskade

April 5. 2009 21:05

I am living in a flat with 5 others people. My way to help the planet is by "watching" my flatmates. I tell them what they could (and should!!!) recycle, I make sure they close the lights when nobody is in the kitchen or turn of the heating system before opening the window.

Personnaly, I use reusable bags everytime I do my grocery shopping, but also everytime I go the the shopping center. I also use reusable plastic boxes for my lunches and a reusable bottle for my water.

I think that each little move has its importance

Lise-Andrée

April 6. 2009 02:34

I'm only 7 but my younger sister and I both are responsible for ALL the recycling of waste in our house. My mom says I'm a recycling nut, and says she LOVES it. She's the one always reminding us to turn off lights, finding our clothes at resale shops, using cloth bags at the grocery, etc. I like that we only use non-toxic things to clean, do laundry, and all our "personal use" stuff. I can breath better! Our local water is safer! We don't use plastic if at all possible, glass and stainless steel are our friends! We also carpool and use as many local products/produce as we can. My school just recycled almost 4,000 phone books, does aluminum can competitions, and keeps reminding us of all the ways we can take care of the earth God gave us.

Fiona

April 6. 2009 02:39

Going to plant veggies, herbs, and flowers under windows where we collect running water while waiting for it to get warm, then we can just pour it out of the window! If it's easy, we'll have a better chance to form a habit. Also, I've discovered some very stylish water barrels that even have a spigot at the base for easy water removal when it's watering time.

Andrea

April 6. 2009 05:40

I grew up in a family that conserved, so continuing as an adult has been easy. My son is a scout and we are working on "Leave no Trace" at home. I recycle in my classroom as well hoping to teach my students to do so home!!

Karla

April 6. 2009 07:31

I like the idea of a three-category pickup service: true garbage, which can't be recycled; recyclable materials; and compostable materials. This is important in urban areas because not everyone has a yard, or their building's permission to create rooftop or windowsill gardens, but their compostable materials should still go back into the earth and fertilize it. In fact, fertilizer companies that became compost collection centers could do the pickup, the composting, and then the redistributing to farmers, for less money all around, and stop producing synthetic compounds that don't do anything positive for the environment in the long term. Even in rural areas this is important because it's more efficient to have one large collection vehicle than for every single household to spend the time and gasoline to drive their own refuse to the local landfill, recycling center, or composting site.

My state doesn't have a bottle deposit, but some do, and I think getting back a nickel from every recycled can or bottle (not just soda pop types, but ALL types) would be a terrific incentive to recycle.

I think the world could benefit from a reliable, standardized pickup/laundering/delivery service for cloth diapers, menstrual pads, and toilet wipes. I know, you're wrinkling your nose in disgust -- but they already do this with diapers, and how is it any different just because the same materials come from adults and not just from infants? Our grandparents and great-grandparents didn't have all this disposable stuff, and they somehow managed to survive and thrive, and I wouldn't like to think of myself as any less hardy or strong than they were.

Grocery and clothing stores could simply stop providing plastic bags at all. People could bring their own, purchase reusable bags at the store, or settle for paper bags. Speaking of stores, you know those cute "frequent shopper" cards? Why not have your receipt emailed to you electronically when you shop, as an option for people who have internet access, instead of providing a little slip of paper?

Schools, restaurants, and other institutions that provide food/meals need to provide proper silverware and dishes if they're going to provide food, instead of giving everyone disposable (usually styrofoam, GRRRR) containers for everything. At the very least, if they must give out disposable containers, those containers should be biodegradable and made of recycled materials themselves.

When children are learning to write, they should be issued a modern equivalent to the slate and slate pencil -- something that can be used, wiped off with the hand, and reused, instead of crumpled up and thrown away.

Public buildings should be built with solar panels, windmills, watermills if near moving waterways, and other energy production/providing technology.

The European Union has already outlawed animal testing and animal product use in cosmetic/beauty/grooming products. Laws that protect animals will also stop animal-testing companies from having to dispose of those poor little bodies -- bodies which become bacteria-fests and can endanger lives, or be embalmed with chemicals that poison the environment, so this is an all-around win if we stop this from happening.

Divash

April 7. 2009 00:03

I'd love to find a way for things like cans and bottles to be recycled in their "dirty" state. How many more people would recycle if they didn't have to do the labor of soaking and scrubbing (think peanut butter jars!) first?

Heather

April 7. 2009 01:33

When going out to dinner I'm going to start bringing a large tupperware container and leave it in my car. So if I need a "doogie bag" I'll just go to the car and get it.

michelle rosborough

April 7. 2009 04:31

So refreshing to hear all these great ideas, good news is especially scarce & I thank u one&all. Even though we live in an apt. we recycle as much as we can. I want a worm bin for my compostable waste, affordable biodegradable doggie poo bags and a more efficient way to get rid of toxic waste. I would create an incective for manufacturers who make their products re-pairable with ez repair kits.also electronics companies need to make upgrades rather than disposables for newer technology .

Camille

April 7. 2009 04:41

I'd create a method of safely incinerating garbage with no chemicals released...

Oh.. possibly impossibe, but in this fantasy I am a super genius!

teg s

April 7. 2009 05:20

I'd love to create a way to minimize packaging. We buy a lot in bulk, but then we're using the flimsy plastic bags that are non-recyclable. I'd love to see folks bringing their own containers in, get then weighed, fill them and re-weighed and thn buy their product(S) with really minimal waste. We seem so dependent on disposables, especially plastic! How about very lightweight reusable produce bags!

Jill H.

April 7. 2009 07:51

I too would outlaw the clamshell. And if I created something, it would be a simple way for busy, harried communities like schools to provide water without plastic bottles and easily recycle everything from lunch or snacks so that they could get on the recycling/reuse bandwagon.

Cheap Like Me

April 7. 2009 20:14

I would just like to share a small story. The other day my mother & I took my nephew to the store to pick up the ice cream for his birthday party. We got the ice cream and walked up to the register to check out, the clerk put the ice cream in a plastic bag before I could hand him my reusable bag. When he spun the carosel around, my soon to be 3 year old nephew, took the bag off the rack, pulled the ice cream out of the plastic bag, put it one of my reusable bags, handed the plastic bag back to the clerk and said "it's bad".

I know I'm making a difference because my nephew is making smarter choices. He would also rather have his snacks packed in a reusable bento box rather than have a plastic baggie.

Windy

April 7. 2009 22:56

I don't really have a product idea. Being in a small town with minimal recycling capabilities, I would want to push local gov'ts to provide recycling services. This would help with waste and create jobs with the actual recycling center. I know it would cost money to start, but the investment would be well worth it.

Tiffany

April 8. 2009 01:14

What a coincidence that the thing I was going to write about has been talked about a lot in the comments--packaging! I hate how there are so many convenience items, packaged in tons of plastic, especially things in kids' lunches. It seems like there are so many new convenience products coming out all the time, which saddens me. And it's not that hard to use a bento box or other containers to make your own grab and go snacks. Maybe there should be TV commercials for those!

Kathleen

April 8. 2009 05:34

What we have done is to refrain from printing and to read electronically as much as possible. I think it's a great way to save trees.

Bing

April 8. 2009 07:46

To be honest I was never really concerned at all up until two years ago when my grandson was born. It was when he came to live with me that it really started to hit home how much damage we're doing to our planet. It was then that I started making small changes and it took me a long time to get where I am now as far as recycling, reducing and reusing. If I were able to create one thing it would be a world-wide law to make all manufactures produce packaging that is either reusable or completely bio-degradable. Far too many thing are over-packaged and most of the packaging is nothing more than a stew of toxic chemicals. When you stop and think, it's really scary what we've done to ourselves - it's time we all did our part to try and reverse some of the damage we've done.

Kimberly

April 9. 2009 04:46

I would love a reusable aluminum water bottle that doesn't stink no matter how much you use it or wash it! I love these lunch kits! My son has been drooling over them for weeks!

Christina Holland-Radvon

April 10. 2009 03:39

I would let people know that you don't have to use all those plastic produce bags at the grocery store. I love that stores are carrying more reusable bags, but I've never seen cloth produce bags available...it would save so much waste!

Melody

April 10. 2009 10:07

I just ran across this line as well as Fabkins and I am in love with these products. Our twin daughters attend a co-op preschool and you are required to rotate bringing in snack and we have already changed to reusable plastic plates and utensils. We encourage our daughters to be creative with any empty containera we have in our home from foodjars to paper towel holders. We will be making bird hotels out of bleach jugs for Earth day as well as celebrating Daddy's bday which is April 22nd. I just think the education you can give your children by teaching them about our earth is so important. Our home veggie garden and fruit trees produce enough for our family and our friends at school, having chickens at home vs purchasing eggs every week and wasting cartons and eliminating our newspaper delivery has been our recent action items.
Thanks and keep up the great work! I am looking to get the sacks for our party favors for sure..
Best,
Jessica

Jessica

April 10. 2009 12:27

I would love to see any invention that would make it more "convenient" for everyone to be conservative (not just us hippies). How about a credit system, where you could get points for every step you take to create less waste. Maybe you could get a virtual smilie or gold star for the day, lol.

Holly

April 10. 2009 14:16

I agree with the poster Gwen, I also live in an apartment and see trash that can be recycled over flowing the bins. Coming up with apartment recycle bins, compost, and community garden. I guess getting the apartments to provide this is the key. But we tried signing pettitions on other things and it didn't work. This needs to be more of a goverment incentive.

I joined freecycle.com so I wouldnt just toss stuff. I also started doing the park and ride (I work 40 miles one way from home).Cloth bags, recycling paper and plastic, have to find a place for metal and glass. Re-usable boxes for lunchs and bottles is something new for me. I also joined www.idealbite.com to give me more ideas on going green. I unplug items, buy in bulk, and buy localy. Being new to the 3R I am slowly making changes and hope to inspire others. For Earth Day I am going to our local Go Green Festival hopefully to learn more ideas.

Cinnamon Cappel

April 10. 2009 17:31

I don't know about reuse, I think we use reuse pretty much everything we can in the house,
but if I could change one thing it would be teaching children the importance of gardening and urban agriculture from a very young age.
Teaching them about food and food waste I think would prevent a LOT of bad choices down the road, and hopefully help them teach their parents about it.
The global food system will be shaken badly in the years to come and I want children to know how to manage their food supply (gardening,cooking from scratch etc...)
I guess I would also put a limit on how many reusable bags people can own (hmm maybe after we convince them all to use them) because it's ridiculous when people own 50 reusable bags...

Char

April 11. 2009 05:02

I always forget my reusable bags in the car, so my invention would be a recorded message that plays when you lock your car door that says "remember your bags".

Chandra

April 11. 2009 08:49

We will be planting trees at our new house we recently bought during Earth Day this year. I re-use my water bottle as well as plastic bags we get from the stores.

Sonia

April 11. 2009 17:41

I would make sure every apartment and home has weekly recycle pick-up along with trash pickup. Having easy access to recycle bins can make a HUGE difference in how much people recycle. Also, if I had business savvy I would sell these reusable sandwich wraps that can double to hold chips, crackers, etc. These are so inspiring! www.craftstylish.com/.../how-to-make-a-reusable-sandwich-wrap

katie k

April 12. 2009 03:53

I would investe the 2 or 3 cents more for each organic wrap, bag and stuff that are available at some stores(made of corn i think) - they look like plastic, you can use them like plastic products BUT they change to compost.

chibigirlflower

April 12. 2009 05:02

Among other things I avoid individually packaged items. Instead I portion out the items as needed and reuse the larger containers (like large yogurt containers) as "tupperware".

Heidi

April 12. 2009 05:09

We try our hardest to only use reusable items, like cloth grocery bags, sandwich keepers, etc. I am always looking for more ways to be green to and these comments had a lot of suggestions! Thanks everyone!

Safire

April 12. 2009 05:36

My main goal is to buy less, which means less that goes in the dumps later. I'm getting much better at bringing bags to the store with me, avoiding plastics (including toys), make food from scratch, compostable diapers, don't buy water, etc. We're also building a passive-solar house right now which means using the sun to heat it instead of other resources.

DebbieKL

April 12. 2009 05:55

I think as far as "creating" goes... I would want to make a regulation that brings blue and green bin recycling everywhere! I live in a rented town home, and we are actually excluded from the city's blue and green bin programs!

What we are doing as a family... we bring our bags to the grocery store, reuse any jars or plastic our goods come in (my last sour cream tub got washed and now holds apples for my son!), and we use dessicated pine litter for the cats! We also try to buy products with the least packaging to them in an effort to send the message with our dollars!

Cara

April 12. 2009 06:05

I'm new to being 'green.' However, I have breastfed and cloth diapered my son James from birth (now 13 months). I just bought a Kids Konserve sandwich holder because I pack a sandwich each day to work and I am committed to never buying sandwich baggies again!!!

Joanna

April 12. 2009 06:24

We run water into a pitcher until the faucet runs hot and then use the collected cold water to water plants, etc. We have just started buying organic and have upgraded our appliances to the more earth friendly (less water, energy star).

Kara

April 12. 2009 06:57

It's hard to educate people to waste less. I think the best thing I can do is to educate my kids to take care of their planet by wasting as little as possible when they are young. That way, they might influence other kids to do the same. We do so by never buying boxes of juice or bottled water. We drink tap water that we carry around into cute bottles. We use reusable fabric pouches to carry snacks and sandwiches. We use cute lunchboxes instead of disposable bags. We bring our own bags whenever we shop.

Melanie

April 12. 2009 07:58

At the daycare I work at we use plastic milk carton to make birdfeeders out of and also we made Easter baskets. Was a great hit for the kids they decorated their on and loved it.

Suzanne Wheeler

April 12. 2009 09:46

We try and reuse everything in our home and with young girls I hope to teach the importance of recycling and for earth day we might begin composting!

Aimee

April 12. 2009 11:05

We have resuable bottles for our watter (Kleen Kanteen), we use cloth diapers for our 10 month old daughter and use reusable grocery bags in place of plastic.

Lindsay

April 12. 2009 11:08

My main goal is to buy less, which means less that goes in the dumps later. I'm getting much better at bringing bags to the store with me, avoiding plastics (including toys), make food from scratch, compostable diapers, don't buy water, etc. We're also building a passive-solar house right now which means using the sun to heat it instead of other resources.

DebbieKL

April 12. 2009 11:19

I would love for all public water fountains to have filters on them so good water is available and people wouldn't feel like they need plastic bottles.

Cara

April 12. 2009 12:46

I, like many others, wish for less packaging. I try to buy things second hand whenever possible to save package waste, and give something a second life, rather than creating the need for more. We compost, recycle, and reuse. My online business is a tribute to reusing. I sell used wool sweaters that are repurposed into fabulous useful things.
www.resweater.blogspot.com

Kris

April 12. 2009 12:50

Thankfully we live in an area that has finally started recycling. It's not that well emphasized here in the country and since we come from the cities, we're big fans of recycling! My work has switched over to reusable shopping bags & I make a point of thanking the people I see reusing the bags. We're happy to do our part!

Mimi

April 12. 2009 23:48

We try to reduce our waste whenever possible. We have been using reusable lunch containers for years but have recently begun the switch out of plastic (e.g. reusable gladware) to cloth and stainless steel. Your product is great and would be a wonderful addition to our efforts!

Meghan Chrobak

April 12. 2009 23:54

We teach our children to look at the world like a "caveman." If the caveman didn't put it in her body - we don't want it in ours. If we want something apple flavored, we buy an apple. We also made the challenge to eat a locavore diet for a year.

As far as reusing things, everything in our house seems to have once been something else. We even collect reusables from family members. Our drawers are all divided by berry tubs, our screws/batteries/nails/other small things... yogurt containers. We even save butter wrappers to use later for greasing cake pans.

Sareen Keenan

April 13. 2009 03:53

I love your website and your kids conserver kits. I have started using a bento and love it. I want to give this kit to a kid in my life (little sister) who not only wants to save the environment but is also struggling with obesity, so it will help her have a 'cool' lunch while being environmental and eating healthy, all at the same time!

Jessica Miller

April 13. 2009 04:09

In addition to using many reusable containers and cutting down on lots of disposable items we are composting for the first time.

Melissa

April 13. 2009 05:50

We like to melt down our crayons & shop a TON at thrift stores. We also re-sell our stuff. We try not to use Paper Towels, we use Cloth Diapers, we compost & we use non-toxic cleaners & re-use bottles.

Lacey

April 13. 2009 06:01

We use cloth bags when we go shopping and I always shop at the farmers mkt. We also use a lot of reusable containers.

nshirale

April 13. 2009 07:38

I use re-usable containers and water bottles for snacks and meals on the go. We also recycle everything that we can possibly! I have re-useable shopping bags for my groceries too.

To celebrate the Earth, I turn off all my lights and unplug everything that I can and then have evenings by candle light too, to help reduce some of the electrical power!

Alyssa

April 13. 2009 09:20

I think that the government should extend recycling services so that everyone can recycle. No services were offered at our last home, and the nearest recycling center was far away, so we just didn't bother. Thankfully our new home offers recycling services.

I'd like to see schools recycling some of the paper we're using up every year. I've had one teacher who would collect our papers at the end of the year to recycle, and I thought that was a pretty good idea. There is so much paper being used in schools that we can so easily recycle at the end of the semester or school year.

Grocery stores should offer the reusable bags alongside the usual paper or plastic at checkout. Maybe it would encourage people to consider that as an option.

Cecily Gatewood

April 13. 2009 10:28

I'm due to have a baby on Earth Day and I will be exclusively breastfeeding, which saves a LOT of waste and packaging. Nursed my first son for over a year without any bottles to sterilize. Most of the items we're using for this baby are pre-owned and being re-used, after checking recalls and safety standards.
We've been using cloth bags for groceries for years, and any plastic bags that find their way into our house get reused in some way.
Any computer print-outs are on the backside of paper that was headed for the the trash from a local office.
We won't purchase toys that are over-packaged in plastic - vote with your dollar!
There are lots of other little ways we also conserve and reuse, everyday.

Rochelle

April 13. 2009 12:06

i am using bento boxes for on the go breakfast, lunch and dinners!

angelo bishop

April 13. 2009 14:57

I always bring my homemade lunch to class in a piece of tupperware. If I need a fork, I bring one from home. If I make a wrap, I wrap it in aluminum foil I saved from using on a baking sheet. I’m always using rags instead of paper towels when I can and I’m very stingy on things like paper napkins & individual condiments. When I see trash/recyclables on the ground I pick it up and put it in the appropriate bin.

Trish

April 13. 2009 15:28

I love these lunch kits!

We use only cloth for napkins, "paper" towels, and toilet paper in our home. We bring reusable containers when we go to the park; I don't have a Thermos yet, but I have been coveting one.

We do everything we can in our family to conserve our earth's precious resources, but it never feels like enough. I suppose that is because there is always something else we can do.

Jennifer

April 13. 2009 15:45

I would create opportunities for people to stop using paper. My daughter's elementary school is slowly moving towards online communication but still stays frozen in the paper past. If we could reduce the amount of paper that is needlessly consumed in advertisements, fliers, junk mail, that would be a huge improvement for the planet. Awareness is the best place to start: companies like yours help people to think twice about their actions and how they contribute to solving or continuing the problem.

Tess

April 14. 2009 01:01

To stop people from creating waste, I would change the product packaging industry. There are alternatives to plastic, such as compostable products made of corn, or paper that can be used to enclose products. In our family, we buy bulk products (where you put the flour into your own container) whenever possible. We also do not eat processed foods, which reducing the amount of packaging we puchase. We also recycle, breastfeed, use cloth diapers, line dry our clothes, have a kitchen garden, collect rainwater, compost and use reusable bags & containers.

Jenna P

April 14. 2009 04:28

I think about this subject all the time cause I wish people understood how important being green is and how plastics can be harmful in so many ways. I would love to create a way to educate and train people on why and give them information that is unbiased in as much why as possible. Right now I feel we are lacking information in so many areas and some of the information is so one sided it turns people off. We need to get to schools, change college campus and work for real change in packaging.

Courtney

April 14. 2009 11:59

I started a neighborhood clean up day for the weekend before Earth Day. We scour the neighborhood for all the garbage that has accumulated since the fall along our ponds and sidewalks. It's a great way to meet neighbors and get everyone involved in taking care of our community. (followed by a celebration, of course!)

melissa b

April 14. 2009 12:52

I don't think creating more things would really help to prevent waste. What I do believe in is that people should recycle and, like advertised, use reusable containers and such instead of plastic bags. There are many little things people can do and they dont even know it.

Such as just turning off your tv or light when you leave the room, or turning off your sink when you are brushing your teeth.

I try my best but I know there is room for improvement.

Kelly C.

April 15. 2009 04:35

We have got to remember to educate our little ones on what they can do to help save our environment EVERYDAY!!

Chris Witczak

April 15. 2009 08:47

I use to make my kids lunches, and they got made fun of for bring a lunch in the first place and because of their plain plastic
containers. It is so nice to have a company that cares about our environment and eating healthy all in a very cool, and kid friendly package. I hope I can win one for my Grand daughter. Thank you for your Earthly contribution.

mona

April 15. 2009 09:20

As a packaging designer, I've been challenged to design more sustainable packages that hold a reasonable price but create the least environmental impact. My goal has been to create packages that can be re-purposed and have very little waste in creation.

One package I did was for a children's paint set, where the package is actually a wooden tool box that can be used to store the items, but also can be used for tools later.

My husband and I have started using bento boxes for our lunches, and try to purchase items with less useless packaging. Not only does this save us money, but we're also making our contribution.

Elizabeth Dean

April 15. 2009 12:47

If I were asked to Create one thing that would help stop people from creating waste it would be, many things. One thing would be to start using reusable tote bags instead of paper or plastic bags, which helps to stop creating waste on the planet. Another way to stop creating waste is re-using and recycling products that we have in our homes. People can use re-usable table cloths, instead of napkins for example. I try to help the planet as much as possible and I care deeply about our beautiful green planet, and I know others do also. We can all do so many things together as a team, and help our nature and preserve this wonderful earth. I love Gardening and growing vegetables at home in my backyard. I love preserving nature, and helping our wildlife. I love dedicating my time and enjoying the beautiful sunset on the horizon, and I always give gratitude to such a gift. There are so many ways to help, the possibilities are endless. Earth Day is an important day for me and my family. This day symbolizes our home, a beautiful home that needs our help.

Angelica

April 15. 2009 13:30

Whenever I go out to eat, I always bring home leftovers. I don't want to waste the food, but I'm creating waste with all those leftover boxes. I'd event a reusable container that I can take with me to restaurants for my leftovers, complete with little containers for dips and such. It wouldn't be hard to find something that would work, but I don't know how the restaurant would react.

Taylor

April 15. 2009 19:44

If you were asked to create one thing that could help stop people from creating waste, what would it be?

I would create a daily picture report so people can visually see at the end of everyday: 1) how much they wasted, 2) the amount of resources used to produce that trash.

How/What do you do to help the planet? What do you reuse? What would you and your family have to do to stop creating so much waste?

We try to reuse and recycle as much as possible: trading recyclable bags for our wasteful plastic and paper, using tupperware instead of always going for fast food, and carpooling!

How will you celebrate Earth Day this year?

I'm going to celebrate by finding a nice quiet spot in our local park and taking a looong nap to thank God for giving us a beautiful earth!

Noreen L.

April 15. 2009 22:38

In this society we really don't pay attention until we see how it effects others. I believe if we continue to educate and keep our environment in the forefront, the change will come. As nice as I would like it to be done immediately, the consequences would be just as devastating! So the education and pushing for change is the best thing to do.

april brown

April 16. 2009 00:50

i am making fabric grocery bags for my grown kids and some of their friends.

merideth

April 16. 2009 00:57

i would create a place where our town could bring compost and containers for each house to hold it. so many people around me dont compost because they dont know how or dont want to deal with the mess or smell. many of us dont have property to have our own piles.

ecky

April 16. 2009 16:28

I would love to teach a lesson to my friends and family on how easy it really is to recycle and to show them the benefit of their recycling in just one week!

We recently just switched from using no plastic water bottles only reusable ones. My next goal is to look into composting.

Abby

April 17. 2009 04:28

I already do pretty much all I can to reuse and conserve energy. If I were to invent something, though? I'd create a grid for electricity on pathways that would allow you to connect your bicycle to it, therefore generating power every time you rode, and depending on how much electricity you put in, the electric company would give you a certain amount of money back. Think about the rewards, they're at least threefold: You're exercising. You're keeping the air clean by not driving a car. And of course, you're making a little bit of pocket change (perfect for a poor college student like me!).

Shen

April 18. 2009 08:26

If I were to create one thing that could help stop people from creating waste, it would be biodegradable plastic. Plastic is used in so many packages, and sometimes it truly is more convenient. However, not only do many irresponsible people litter, but plastic itself is the major issue, ending up in landfills and creating a lot of waste for our planet. Thus, a biodegradable plastic that is still functional would fit very well into our fast-paced lifestyles. To help the planet, I personally recycle and I’m currently trying to become vegetarian. I reuse paper, plastic, glass bottles, etc. I think the source of the most waste for family would be plastic water bottles! I always feel so guilty when I throw out plastic water bottles, even if it’s recycled. What we really need are some good reusable water bottles. I will celebrate earth day this year by turning my lights out an hour earlier than usual, and maybe having vegetarian meals for the day!

Thanks.

Denise

April 18. 2009 09:03

Day to day we recycle, and we use household items with more natural sources to try to reduce our impact. We know we are not doing enough though. I would love to have more high quality, re-usable kitchen items that are NOT made of plastic and/or made in china. I would LUV to have a compost system, but we currently rent and live in a restricted community. We are working toward a goal of lessening our environmental impact. My FAV switch to green was changing bulbs to CF....I would love to see a program to replace all bulbs with CF in every household! I think all my christmas gifts to people this year will be new CF bulbs!

Leane

April 19. 2009 08:05

We recycle, reuse, re-purpose as much as possible. If I was an engineer I would be working on cheap solar panels. I really like that technology and in the area I live in there is plenty on sunshine to probably be independent from other power generating resources.I also like the idea of green roofs that collect water and keep your house cooler, again appropriate in my climate. We do as much as we can to conserve and use responsible.

MckDesigns

April 19. 2009 13:53

My five year old twins saw an episode of Reading Rainbow all about art and recycling. Now, they see potential in everything. "Just about anything can be used again, momma!"

Rebecca Seng

April 19. 2009 18:39

We cut out paper towels about four months ago, and haven't gone back yet! Now, I'm on a mission to get rid of tissues. I've made four successful, and beautiful, hand-stitched handkerchiefs, and I always make sure I have one in my purse or pocket whenever we go out.

BonnieBelle

April 20. 2009 04:39

Everyone in my family has BPA-free Nalgene water bottles, and we use CFLs wherever possible. One invention I'd want to see is a CFL that works well in cold temperatures, suitable for a porch light!

John Darrow

April 20. 2009 13:10

My family and I recycle magazines, cardboard, paper, and plastic shopping bags. We use CFLs and we use vinegar and water to clean our tubs and showers instead of harsher chemicals. If I could invent something to help "green" the world, it would be a company: people who come to your house and cheerfully sift through and sort your garbage and happily haul away all your recyclables for you!

renee

April 20. 2009 13:41

Recycling is definetly an important part of daily living.

vickie

April 20. 2009 15:05

This year our New Years "resolution" was to reduce our carbon footprint.
So far so good, we are taking it a step at a time, but it feels great. We always take our own reusable bags when we shop, are even more adamant about everything either being a.recycled or b. having another use. We even switched to cloth diapers this month as our way of celebrating earth day!
Little things add up to big things and that's where we will start to see the change, one family at a time!

Ginger

April 20. 2009 16:33

We try to do anything we can to reduce, re-use and recycle. Every little bit counts, like turning off the lights when we leave a room, turning off the faucet while brushing our teeth and drinking filtered tap water instead of bottled H2O.

Nadia

April 20. 2009 21:34

I lead my children by example...I reuse, recycle, and am a good steward of the Earth. It is vitally important that our children learn the value of our planet. Great giveaway!

Carol

April 20. 2009 22:22

I think I would really push for laws on recycling/packaging. There's still a lot of packaging out there that's non-recyclable & that's not okay. We do our best to buy only products with recycleable packaging, lots of raw ingredients, etc. Obviously we reuse grocery bags & I've even whipped up some small sheer bags for produce & bulk items. WE use cloth diapers & flannel wipes and in the warmer months (we are in New England), we always use our clothesline. We also re-use our glass peanut butter jars as drinking glasses.

There are so many little things to do that make a big difference. I wish people would realize that.

Taryn

April 21. 2009 00:24

We compost all the time. Using scraps to make rich soil helps us to grow our own vegetables which cuts down on emissions and packaging waste.

Sarah

April 21. 2009 02:05

How/What do you do to help the planet? I reuse plastic baggies (although I'd love some of your products to eliminate those). I have tried to eliminate paper waste by using cloth napkins and towels instead of paper. We grow organic food and compost. We use cloth diapers and wipes instead of disposable for our baby girl. I try to buy packaging that is recyclable and not individually packaged. In my home I use vinegar and baking soda as cleansers instead of harsh chemicals. I use leftover water in glasses to water my plants instead of dumping it down the drain.

Joanna Sargent

April 21. 2009 02:12

We are trying harder than ever to reuse as much as possible before recycling/discarding. That includes elastic bands around produce, plastic bags that bread comes in, backs of envelopes for scrap paper, bringing magazines to the library for others to enjoy, using yogurt cups (with lids) for leftovers, and so on. My kids know to ask before throwing almost anything away -- "Mom, is this trash?"

Karen

April 21. 2009 02:38

I am so glad to see that every day people are more conscious about earth friendly products and moms like all of us are navigating the internet and finding new ways to pack our kids lunch boxes (as en example we are all here making comments). What best way to teach our children than by example. By packing their food in containers for schools, trips, etc. we are reinforcing everyday the concept or recycling and avoiding using products such as plastic bottles and bags. Have you ever thought that once you leave your parents home and you go for the first time to buy your own things at the supermarket unconsciously you buy the same brands and products they did? And you organize your pantry as they did? That is the advantage our kids generation will have, as they will be used to using greener products and they will see it as the normal thing to do.

Maria R.

April 21. 2009 04:05

We reuse as much as we can and recycle the rest. I pack our lunches using containers and lunch bags, no plastic baggies. I don't buy snack packs either - I buy the big bag and pack it into smaller containers. Same with juice for my son. We also use canvas bags for groceries, do clothing swaps for my 1 year old and garden our own veggies!

dreamer

April 21. 2009 04:47

I've stopped buying water bottles and my family uses BPA free bottles. I try to be more aware of the garbage I create that could have been re-usable instead (such as baggies).

Theresa

April 21. 2009 05:28

I would have neighborhood recycling cans that would be free. That way it would be easy for all to recycle. We compost, recyle and line dry our clothing year round!
bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com

Bebemiqui

April 21. 2009 05:44

I love that people are much more aware of environmental issues these days. By teaching our children to be eco-friendly, this will become second nature to them. I plan on taking my son out to the park on Earth Day to enjoy the fresh air & sunshine.

Lisa

April 21. 2009 07:01

I reuse ziploc baggies but unfortunately they are difficult to clean and will start to leach plastic into the food after a few uses. I don't know if the plastic containers are safe but am still pricing out metal containers to see if I can afford them. Reusing anything helps - we reuse our grocery bags as trash liners and have only had to purchase one box of liners in the past year!

Jody Tracy

April 21. 2009 07:50

I've made grocery bags now for all my friends and family, and have started to make coffee cozies to sell locally with fabric scraps and upcycled fabrics. My husband and I have big plans to go off the grid. Hopefully all goes well and we are able to get 1/2 way off by the end of the summer.

Adella P

April 21. 2009 11:02

We will be spending Earth Day working in the garden! We take steps daily to lower our environmental impact but that is a day that we take great care to enjoy the earth and its bounty!

Rebecca C

April 21. 2009 11:23

I am going with my Gifted and Talented class to the "Scarlet, Gray and Green fair" in my town of Wooster, Ohio on the campus of the OARDC (Ohio Agricultural Research & Developmental Center). My class is going to have guests make their own earth friendly cleaning supplies out of everyday kitchen ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, etc. We are going to put the cleaning solutions into recycled plastic bottles. We are hoping Wooster and Wayne County, Ohio will learn to clean in a more earth friendly way. We are also going to perform a skit on how regular cleaning supplies sold in stores harm the environment and how they may be responsible for people's everyday allegies. These are some small plans that we, as fifth Graders at Creston Middle School have to make the World a more eco-friendly place one "Carbon footpprint" at a time!

Hannah Miller

April 21. 2009 11:43

I'd create a mug washing group at my work (a big university) with drop off points for people to leave their mugs which would then be washed and returned to the coffee places.

Laura

April 21. 2009 13:48

I would love if it was the norm for people to provide their own containers for take out just as we bring our reusable shopping bags in to the grocery. As a culture we have to quit thinking about convenience and start thinking about durability and simplicity. I should be able to buy a few high quality items and use them for YEARS. We must get back living with what we need and not buying everything we want.

Cassidy Hotz

April 21. 2009 15:08

I wish restaurants gave out reusable "to go" containers.

michelle rosborough

April 21. 2009 15:24

We try to reuse and recycle anything and everything. We shred anything that can be shredded and use that for various things. We recycle aluminum and try to have any glass products recycled if we ever have any. We never get carryout food so we don't get those styrofoam containers since it can't be recycled. Many things can be used in composte and projects. We live in the country so for this day we will probably work outside in the yard and in my flowers and just enjoying the evening and watching a beautiful sunset. It's too bad there aren't corporations that aren't doing anything to help with eco friendly products to reduce landfill problems and making more items that we can reuse over and over again. Have a wonderful Earth Day!

Lou

April 21. 2009 16:04

I love that story. I have just started composting and it is easier than I thought. It is all the small things we can do that ADD UP!! I am going to commit to change one small thing each month.

Sara

April 21. 2009 17:41

I would make a kitchen composter FREE with your garbage service. Recycling is now almost always required. Why not composting?

Cori Westphal

April 21. 2009 23:07

We try to do a lot when it comes to reducing waste and helping conserve our earth. My four children have stopped using plastic baggies completely in their lunches. Our latest project has been to get rid of paper napkins -- we are making our own cloth napkins. Our family recycles almost everything (which has really reduced our garbage by an amazing amount). We also compost most food waste.

We have really gotten away from buying things that use a lot of wasteful packaging. One thing I need to get better at is using my cloth shopping bags!!!

This earth day we will be just as mindful of our earth as we are every day and continue our hard work in preserving it!

Kim

April 22. 2009 00:21

If everybody would recycle that would really help the earth! For Earth Day this year we're going to plant a tree!

gina

April 22. 2009 01:21

Growing up in the Caribbean I have seen my family used items such as furniture,clothes, tools, electrical, until they were holes in clothes( which we later used as washcloths, or cleaning rags clothes were always handed down to younger sibblings or given away to friends or neghbours)We never got rid of furniture until they were no longer intact or they were sometimes converted for other household uses.We had back yard water holding tanks where we colected water, Every one had a local garden and produce was given away or exchanged,or sometimes barted,
since moving to the USA my town is packed with garage sales every week- end I am amazed at the stuff sold and the prices.To save my planet I strive to buy less, to let things last longer, to give more, to grow more of my food, to buy a water filter for my home, to collect rain water in buckets for my garden. To walk more and drive less. To love people and my earth more.

Freda Gore

April 22. 2009 01:50

Moms can make a big difference in reducing waste, I have personally taken reusable shopping bags to the store, my son carries a lunch bag instead of paper bags, I take my lunch to work in reusable containers. I have to admit that I did not use cloth diapers when my children wore them, but now with the alternatives there it is not only possible, it is convenient too. I know in the coming years, there will be more reusable and convenient products entering the market. We will get there.

Lydia Moore

April 22. 2009 02:18

Our baby uses cloth diapers and send our older kids to school with lunches in reusable containers. We don't buy processed foods wrapped in tons of extra packaging. Instead of paper towels, we use cut up old tee shirts.

Julie

April 22. 2009 03:00

I think it would be a great idea if grocery stores stopped giving away free plastic bags for carrying your groceries. People could still purchase them if they really needed one, but it would provide good incentive to remember to bring your own!

One thing someone said to me recently is that if people had to bury their garbage in their own backyard, they would be much more aware of what they throw away. I try to keep this in mind as I make changes in my life.

Angela K

April 22. 2009 03:18

We use cloth diapers, tap water with reuseable bottles, cloth napkins, and reuseable sandwich wraps. I would love to see grocery stores not give out disposable bags at all. If people forget their bags at home, they would have to buy more.

Ellie

April 22. 2009 03:33

I wouldn't try to create anything but instead, set a good example by recycling, using reusable containers, using a bicycle and composting. If people ask why I seem to be going against the grain, I'll tell them and hope they'll follow my example!

Marcie

April 22. 2009 03:34

I'd increase availability of recycling bins--they should be as easy to find as trash cans! Then people would utilize them more.

Heather

April 22. 2009 03:54

I agree with much of what has been said above. It's encouraging to see so many people who are passionate about this topic. I recycle, reuse, repair, restore, and generally consider any purchases of new stuff carefully.

That said, here are two issues I am made aware of on a near daily basis:

1) The proliferation of disposable/non-recyclable food containers: Food suppliers/vendors could help by using recyclable/biodegradable/minimal packaging for their products. Consumers can help by encouraging vendors to use greener packaging and by bringing their own reusable food containers to stores and restaurants.

2) Electronic waste: Manufacturers could help by designing and creating items that are more modular/repairable rather than disposable. Consumers can stop their habits of buying the latest gadgets just because they're new and cool, and encourage vendors/suppliers to move away from creating/selling disposable products wherever possible.

bpod

April 22. 2009 04:55

I wish there was a way to reduce toy packaging - seems like the packaging is usually bigger than the toy....

Shelly

April 22. 2009 05:16

I wish that we could buy more things in bulk and bring our own containers to the store, especially for things like cereal and even milk! I think that would reduce a lot of the plastic waste in the landfills.

Karen

April 22. 2009 06:26

I agree and really wish that restaurants would encourage their customers to bring their own reusable "doggie bag" containers for toting their leftovers home. It would beat using yet another of those styrofoam things that will sit in a landfill for at least a century before even starting to break down.

Lia

April 22. 2009 06:35

I hope to inspire change at my children's preschool by making it trash-free. The school is teaching the children wonderful habits, such as good hand-washing, setting tables for snack, saving leftovers for later or to share with family members. I would like to find or make them cloth towels to replace the paper ones, cloth napkins to replace the paper ones, stainless steel resuseable cups instead of paper, and cloth baggies instead of pastic.

Julia

April 22. 2009 06:43

I use plastic water bottles for so many things in my classroom. I use them to collect water samples and show different types of soil. We use them to make worm farms. I added lots of "stuff" to an empty bottle and had the kids do a scavenger hunt with a magnet to find items containing iron. We teach the three R's in 3rd grade and this one, Reuse...is one of my favorites!

Kelly Jones

April 22. 2009 08:36

We use cloth diapers, cloth napkins and handkerchiefs. I try to use washrags instead of papertowels as much as possible, and we use dishcloths instead of disposable sponges. We have an HE clothes washer and I hang our clothes and diapers out to dry on a clothesline.

Valerie

April 22. 2009 08:39

I would help expand excellent and convenient recycling programs! I am so lucky my current town has an excellent program, but my parents live in a terrible recycling area. The recycling center is hours away, has terrible hours, makes you pay to drop off recycling, and usually takes the recycling to the dump.

Tammy

April 22. 2009 08:43

I try to reuse so much - like tonight, I'll save the glass jar from our spaghetti sauce and use it as a storage container later. One thing that our family is doing to cut back on waste is to commit to using cloth diaper for our little one. Thanks!

Rachel C

April 22. 2009 09:11

I wish states would ban plastic shopping bags. Reusable bags are so readily available and cheap that there is no reason to not use them.
My family has really greened up our household. No more paper towels or drinking straws, we use reusable containers for lunches, we garden and compost and recycle. We are learning more every day about how to live greener lives.

michelle

April 22. 2009 09:37

I don't know of anything we could create. Oh wait I just thought of something for our house. We could create a worm farm to help with composting our leftover foods. Then we could put them in our organic garden.

In our house it's been about a year since we stopped buying plastic water bottles and have now begun to use stainless steel water bottles. We also use reusable shopping bags for every trip to the store and I always have one with me.

lace

April 22. 2009 10:11

Our family uses cloth napkins instead of paper napkins. We are also trying to cut down on the amount of papertowels we use and plastic bags.
I also use reusable grocery bags when I go to the store and other places, as well.

I think if I could change one thing it would be to get rid of all the excess packaging that food comes in in the store. That would cut down on a lot of garbage in the landfills and the costs to make them in the first place.

Tiffany Treffeisen

April 22. 2009 10:23

Once I became a mom, I really started to think of my daughter and how what my generation is doing right now is going to affect them. I would just feel so terrible if, once she becomes a mom herself, she has to explain to her daughter (my granddaughter) that, because of the stubbornness and laziness, their lives are lessened. I hope that we can ensure a better future for our children by doing little things every single day, like not using plastic bags, that will make a huge difference.

You have a great product there, I hope I win it! Fingers crossed!

annasmama0702@gmail.com

Courtney

April 22. 2009 10:30

For snacks and lunches, we pack bentos with reusable bento boxes and sub-containers. The kids love it since they can eat so many different kinds of foods and it's all presented to them in one bowl (rather than a lot of sandwich bags). For grocery shopping, I bring the reusable bags with me.

Jennifer

April 22. 2009 14:09

My daughter and I plan on celebrating Earth Day by planting some flowers in our yard.

lee