Did you know that between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day Americans throw out one million tons of trash per week, much of it holiday wrapping and packaging? It takes a little extra effort, but it’s possible to celebrate in a more environmentally-friendly way without sacrificing holiday fun! Here are a few tips: 1. Reuse, or make your own, wrapping paper Almost all wrapping paper is non-recyclable because of the inks used and the shiny coatings. Instead of using store-bought paper, consider using brown or white craft paper and decorate with markers or colored pencils. Turn it into a fun project ..read more

re you and your little eco-warriors eager to embark on a composting adventure that’s as fun as it is eco-friendly? Get ready for a composting extravaganza that the whole family can enjoy! Here’s why you and your little sprouts should dive into composting: 1. Earth-Saving Fun: Composting isn’t just for grown-ups! It’s a super cool way for kids to help save the planet. By composting, you’re turning food scraps into magical soil food for your garden. It’s like a treasure hunt for nature’s secret ingredients! 2. Superhero Soil: Compost is like a secret potion for your garden. It makes the soil sup ..read more

Granite countertops are popular for their beauty and durability, but they still require care to keep them looking great year after year. Chemical cleaners, bleach, and even lemon and vinegar can strip your countertop’s sealant and damage the granite. Here’s our advice: make a solution of warm water and half a tablespoon of all natural dish soap. Use a soft cloth or microfiber towel–not an abrasive sponge–to wipe the counter down. This should remove both oil-based stains and organic stains like tomato juice. The post Green Tip: Cleaning Granite Countertops appeared first on Green Maids Cleaning ..read more

In the second part of our Entertaining Green series we tackle, how can you keep it green as party host? Green Tip #2: Minimize Single Use Items Disposable plates, cups, cutlery and napkins contribute to unnecessary waste. Use cloth napkins and dinnerware and silverware that can be washed and reused, or choose biodegradable or compostable options made from renewable resources like bamboo or sugarcane. The post entertaining green: Part 2 appeared first on Green Maids Cleaning, LLC ..read more

It’s prime barbecue season in New England, and your calendar is likely packed! So, how can you keep it green as party host? This month’s green tips are going to be focused on how to entertain, Green! Green Tip #1: Reduce Food Waste Plan your menu carefully to avoid over-catering and minimize leftovers that will go to waste. It happens every time. We don’t want our guests to starve so we end up cooking enough for triple the amount of guests. If that happens, encourage guests to take home excess food and compost scraps instead of sending them to the landfill. Provide reusable containers so ..read more

So, you diligently recycle your paper, plastic, and metal, and try to use environmentally friendly products in your home, but what about your outdoor space? Here are some tips to keep your yard looking beautiful while limiting the environmental impact. Choose native plants Not only are native plants beneficial to wildlife, they’re more resistant to damage from disease or insects. Native plants are hardier and won’t require as much water or fertilizer to keep healthy, making your job easier! Irrigate responsibly Installing rain barrels to collect water from your downspouts is an ideal way to ir ..read more

You’re mindful of sustainability at home, but can you do anything to make the community you live in more green? The short answer is yes! Here are some ways you can encourage your town to be more eco-friendly: If you live in a city or area where individual yard space is scarce, consider planting a community garden. Not only will neighbors get the benefit of homegrown veggies and flowers, but bringing people together will foster friendships and build a sense of community. Encourage walking and cycling. Advocating for bike lanes and public parks in your town will allow more people to leave the ca ..read more

The average American throws away more than 4 pounds of trash a day and generates 220 pounds of plastic waste per year, less than 10% of which gets recycled! So how can you do your part to reduce the amount of stuff piling up in our landfills? Here are a few ways to go low waste: Whenever possible, buy in bulk. Many cities and towns have refill stores where you can bring your own containers to purchase household staples like laundry detergent, cleaning products, and shampoo. Some grocery stores sell bulk items like grains, nuts, and cereal as well. Choose natural fibers over synthetics, or bett ..read more

Welcome Macaroni Kid families! We’d love to invite you to join us for a local beach cleanup. It’s a great way to give back to the community and have some fun with your family. Kids will learn the importance of taking care of our beaches for decades to come. We hope to see you there! Date: Tuesday, May 30th Time: 6:30pm Beach: Wallis Sands, Rye We also have additional cleanups this fall – so mark your calendars! International Coastal Cleanup Week Date: Thursday, September 21st Time: 6pm Beach: Short Sands – York Date: Saturday, September 23rd Time: 10am Beach: Jenness Beach, Rye Check out our ..read more

Inspired by a newly-burgeoning environmental movement and fueled by public outrage over a massive oil spill in California, the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. Public awareness about the damaging effects of pesticides had also grown in the previous decade, thanks to Rachel Carson’s bestselling book, Silent Spring. Earth Day brought together disparate groups who had been focused individually on combating polluting factories, wildlife extinction, recycling, emissions from leaded gasoline, and chemical dumping in rivers and oceans. United around a common cause–protecting the planet–Earth D ..read more