Filed under: Green Lifestyle, Green Tips | Tags: green holidays, Halloween, recycled costumes, tips
Make this Halloween a greener one. While Halloween is great for many reasons – the fun of dressing up and the excuse to indulge in large quantities of chocolate – it also produces a lot of waste. From candy wrappers to party decorations to costumes worn once, it doesn’t take long to get the picture. However, there are easy ways to have a fun time that’s not too scary for the environment. Read a recent article in the Chicago Tribune for tips on having a greener Halloween.
Filed under: Green Lifestyle, Green Tips | Tags: school, green school supplies
As the school year draws nearer, so does the time for shopping for school supplies. You know, that never-ending list of stuff that seems to cost you more and more money the older your child gets. But don’t despair! You may be able to save some of that green this year by going green. Of course, buying a reusable lunch container is the most obvious way to make your child’s school year more eco-friendly, but there are many more options. Check out Good Housekeeping’s article “10 Ways to Live Green this School Year” for more tips.
For you college freshmen out there, there are ways to create that perfect dorm room and do it greener. Check out “How to Create a Green College Dorm Room” from Associated Content.
Filed under: Green Lifestyle, Green Tips | Tags: green picnics, Green Tips, summer tips
The warmer weather and sunshine means that picnic season is upon us! Along with ants, however, picnics often bring with them an abundance of garbage. Consider making your picnics a little greener this year with a few simple tips:
- Store food in reusable containers.
- Consider bringing reusable tableware or purchase recycled paper and plastic products.
- Don’t be a Litterbug.
- Enjoy your surroundings!
Filed under: Going Green Programs, Green Tips, Green in Morton Grove | Tags: container gardening, gardening, library events, morton grove, Morton Grove Public Library
Master Gardener Colleen Graudins will present an illustrated discussion about: choosing containers, determining the best types of potting soil, arranging colors, and selecting plants. Registration is requested.
Container Gardening will take place at the Morton Grove Public Library’s Baxter Room Auditorium on Thursday, May 7, from 7-8pm. Registration is required. To register:
- call 847-929-5101
- stop by the Reference Services Desk
- go to the event registration calendar
Filed under: Going Green at MGPL, Green Tips | Tags: events in Morton Grove, green lawn care, organic lawn care
Mike Nowak, WCPT radio host, humorist, and columnist for Chicagoland Gardening Magazine looks at why the concept of the “perfect lawn” is so harmful to the environment and explains how some simple cultural practices can be just as effective as expensive chemicals to keep your lawn green and healthy.
Guys on Grass will take place at the Morton Grove Public Library’s Baxter Room Auditorium on Saturday, May 2, from 10-11am. Registration is required. To register:
- call 847-929-5101
- stop by the Reference Services Desk
- go to the event registration calendar
Filed under: Going Green at MGPL, Green Lifestyle, Green News, Green Tips, Random Factoids | Tags: carbon footprint, newspapers, online newspapers
If you want an easy way to be more environmentally friendly, stop your newspaper subscription. According to The Environment Equation by Alex Shimo, you can reduce your yearly carbon output by 580lbs when you read newspapers online. If you have a Morton Grove Public Library card, you can access more than 500 newspapers from more than 55 countries in 33 languages, all in full page format through our newest online database: PressDisplay.
The Environment Equation: 100 Factors That Can Add to or Subract from Your Total Carbon Footprint
Shimo, Alex
Maron, Christopher J.
2008/04 – Adams Media Corporation
9781598698145 Check the Library’s Catalog 100 Factors That Determine Your Impact on the Earth …More
Filed under: Green Lifestyle, Green Tips, Uncategorized | Tags: green cleaning, National Geographic, natural cleaning, spring cleaning
If winter has you feeling down, why not do a little spring cleaning? This season you may want to try cheaper and greener ways to get your house sparkly and fresh. Many conventional household cleaning products are unsafe for children and pets, and they may also fill your house with unpleasant fumes. Check out this video from National Geographic’s Green Guide for ways to give your cleaning cabinet a makeover.
Filed under: Green Lifestyle, Green News, Green Tips, Random Factoids | Tags: public transportation, saving money
If you’ve been chewing on the idea of ditching your car or at least keeping it parked more often, then here’s yet another excuse to do so. According to a recent study conducted by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), a person can save about $8,300 per year by taking public transportation. If you live in the Chicago area, you might save as much as $10,456 per year. The study takes into account a variety of factors, including the cost of parking. You might be surprised to learn that the savings APTA projects considers the recent drop in gas prices. Read APTA’s entire report, and go to publictransporation.org to calculate the costs of car ownership vs. public transporation.
Of course there are many other benefits to taking public transportation: reducing your carbon footprint, getting more exercise, and decreasing stress.
Filed under: Books, Green Tips | Tags: energy savings, insulation, U.S. Department of Energy
Winter is clearly here to stay, as demonstrated with last week’s bone-chilling, below zero temperatures. Right now, if your house is less than toasty but your heating bill is volcanic, then you might be in need of a some winter energy advice. View great tips from the U.S. Department of Energy’s article “Stay Warm, Save Money.”
If you’re interested in other do-it-yourself projects that save you money, check out this book:
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Save Energy Save Money!: 201 Do-It-Yourself Projects, Tips, and Ideas Family Handyman 2008/01 – Reader’s Digest Association 9780762109029 Check the Library’s Catalog This guide delivers a wealth of conservation and cost-conscious solutions to boost a homes energy efficiency and slash utility bills. More than 300 full-color photographs. …More |
Filed under: Going Green Videos, Going Green at MGPL, Green Lifestyle, Green Tips, Green in Morton Grove | Tags: green gardening, leaves, mulching, winter lawn tips
View the latest Going Green video for a few green gardening tips from Marian Thill (Friends of the Morton Grove Forest Preserve).
