tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post8473251428926064785..comments2023-11-03T03:14:34.188-05:00Comments on Alabama Kitchen Sink: Some of my New Year’s Resolutions are GreenSheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17482567840321600439noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-78280531283222851752008-01-02T09:26:00.000-06:002008-01-02T09:26:00.000-06:00Many thanks for your suggestions and comments Jim....Many thanks for your suggestions and comments Jim. I've switched to ALL for laundry since it is offered in the concentrate. I like the smaller bottle and it works fine.Sheilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17482567840321600439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-5294786018904304562008-01-01T18:51:00.000-06:002008-01-01T18:51:00.000-06:00Cloth napkins over paper.No idling your car while ...Cloth napkins over paper.<BR/><BR/>No idling your car while you wait.<BR/><BR/>Hybrids only get great gas mileage if you drive like an old person. Slowly accelerate, reasonable speeds, things that never work on my freeway.<BR/><BR/>If you're using a cloth bag for your groceries, you can launder that bag. Cold water naturally.<BR/><BR/>Speaking of washing, many vendors are now offering concentrated laundry soap. Less plastic used to carry it home, less soap in the water supply.<BR/><BR/>Such little things.Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17510491840179413478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-83963770833791049032008-01-01T14:20:00.000-06:002008-01-01T14:20:00.000-06:00Many thanks Derek. We have Direct Marketing's Mail...Many thanks Derek. We have Direct Marketing's Mail Preference Service to opt out of receiving unwanted mail. The link for U.S. readers is https://www.dmachoice.org/MPS/mps_consumer_description.php<BR/>and I would like to point out that it costs $1 to have your name removed and that you may also be removing your name from some preferred mail like catalogs and such. I actually like a couple of catalogs but you can apparently pick and choose.Sheilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17482567840321600439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-90380780938132760382008-01-01T11:31:00.000-06:002008-01-01T11:31:00.000-06:00Some good suggestions especially the taking your b...Some good suggestions especially the taking your bag to the store, I try to do this.<BR/><BR/>I have blogged my green resolutions here...I am not sure if you have mail preference in the USA in the Uk you can go online to stop getting junk mail....I wonder whether my other suggestions will travel across the atlantic<BR/><BR/>see what you think of these http://another-green-world.blogspot.com/2008/01/green-new-year-resolutions.htmlDerek Wallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05462511891409913195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-74590001606338046512008-01-01T11:00:00.000-06:002008-01-01T11:00:00.000-06:00Palm Springs,You are no shill. I remember what you...Palm Springs,<BR/>You are no shill. I remember what your response was during the recent fires with regard to helping the pets.<BR/><BR/>Diane,<BR/>I know we all can get impatient with those in front of us in lines. It is silly. I wish people would behave in a certain way sometimes, but dang it, when I start down that road, I'm most always disappointed.<BR/>So, I try to bide my time and know that one day I could be that little lady slowly and carefully writing out the check.<BR/><BR/>I'm sure you have plenty of stories to share about your experiences just as Jay does. Most of us are incredibly insensitive to people in wheelchairs, people whose vision or hearing is impaired, people who are different in some way from what we consider normal. Every time, though, someone takes the time to "educate" me, I feel I increase my understanding. For example, last year during tornado warnings in Alabama, Jay brought to my attention something I had never given thought to--how do deaf folks know there's a warning?<BR/><BR/>Marion,<BR/>Kudos to Graham and my Bill for nudging us in the right direction. I look forward to hearing about your transition.Sheilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17482567840321600439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-52828346869317885192008-01-01T09:32:00.000-06:002008-01-01T09:32:00.000-06:00Sheila, I'm going to print out your post and place...Sheila, I'm going to print out your post and place it on my fridge. Graham is like your husband...very 'green'...and as a result, I have become more green, as well.<BR/><BR/>I know how fashionable it is to throw those words around, but I really do feel better when I do all I can to lower my footprint.<BR/><BR/>This lifestyle may be a bit more challenging for me in the near future!Marionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00607220451457829777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-51831489617498877932007-12-31T15:59:00.000-06:002007-12-31T15:59:00.000-06:00Hey, Jay, avoid me in lines too, I have MS, can't ...Hey, Jay, avoid me in lines too, I have MS, can't reach the machine to punch in my debit code, sometimes drop my apple, and if the guy behind me gives ME attitude I give it back, loud enough the whole store knows HE is the guy making me feel too slow. Works for me. Happy New Year.Diane J Standifordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11862850657925658079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-53731274650334319262007-12-31T15:52:00.000-06:002007-12-31T15:52:00.000-06:00I am in a wheel chair (MS) and my backpack takes m...I am in a wheel chair (MS) and my backpack takes my groceries. Will our good intentions cause harm down the road? Perhaps, but I prefer to err on the side of saving this earth. Will we make mistakes along the way? Of course! But not trying would be the biggest mistake of all.Diane J Standifordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11862850657925658079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-1863135231745789322007-12-30T11:15:00.000-06:002007-12-30T11:15:00.000-06:00Sheila- Thanks...I work for the one "where the pet...Sheila- Thanks...I work for the one "where the pets go". I hesitate to name it directly so I don't look like I am a shill for my employer!<BR/><BR/>:-)Rick Rockhillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06856000993966687796noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-57091979416971088952007-12-30T10:05:00.000-06:002007-12-30T10:05:00.000-06:00Palm Springs,I think it's neat Petsmart, Petco and...Palm Springs,<BR/>I think it's neat Petsmart, Petco and other chains are expanding into organic products. I can't remember which company you work for, but it seems like what you all are doing is right on. If I ever get a dog again, I'll seek out your company's stores. It takes a little effort to find these companies but many are getting on the organic, green and sustainable and fair trade bandwagons.<BR/><BR/>Cyndi,<BR/>I am happy to hear the good news about Wal-Mart on this front. Now this is a job I'd love to have. Thanks for visiting and sharing. And keep up the good work. Those light bulbs are really a great deal too--a real energy saver and practically the easier way to green up your home.Sheilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17482567840321600439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-90151947680183667272007-12-30T08:04:00.000-06:002007-12-30T08:04:00.000-06:00I work at a local Wal-Mart store and we have a tea...I work at a local Wal-Mart store and we have a team of PSP (personal Sustainability Program). Some of us are in charge of making special sandwich bales (made up of cardboard and plastic and aluminum cans) to recycle. Others are in charge of getting the associates to exercise, eat right, give up soda and etc. Others are in charge of helping customers and associates to invest in the new squiggly light bulbs. There are many ways we can get GREEN. I am proud that Wal-Mart is taking a stand on being more GREEN.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-53856697411527634042007-12-29T11:05:00.000-06:002007-12-29T11:05:00.000-06:00Sheila- I totally agree with you on this subject m...Sheila- I totally agree with you on this subject matter. Now I should admit that I was a non-believer for quite sometime. however, strangely enough it was working with a few dog food companies (in my job) that started to change my perspective. We started selling more organic pet foods and ones that practice renewable resources, sustainable farming, bla bla bla. So it raised my curiosity. Now at least half of my food is organic (reduces pesticides in farming) and have become more green minded. I added those reusable shopping bags in our stores too. Its catching on with me and I owe it all to dog food! (ok I'll stop rambling now)Rick Rockhillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06856000993966687796noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-12496959081758543132007-12-29T10:35:00.000-06:002007-12-29T10:35:00.000-06:00Lorelei, so what if the cashiers act "annoyed." I...Lorelei, so what if the cashiers act "annoyed." <BR/><BR/>I'm more annoyed when elderly folks in the checkout line wait till the total is rung up, then they go into their purses, dig up the checkbook, slowly write a check, write the amount in the register, etc. They could have done most of that before they left home.<BR/><BR/>I have nothing against oldsters (I'm one myself) but when I see them in a checkout line I try to find another line.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-18961934126219279052007-12-29T10:34:00.000-06:002007-12-29T10:34:00.000-06:00Sarge,Don't give up resolutions or dreams for that...Sarge,<BR/>Don't give up resolutions or dreams for that matter.<BR/><BR/>Lorelei,<BR/>You are younger than I am. When I was younger, I worried more about what people around me thought, even strangers. How silly! And while I don't advocate being intentionally rude or inconsiderate, I am more likely these days to make them wait. It's life and they will deal with it.<BR/><BR/>PD Warrior,<BR/>Did you happen to see the new Will Smith movie, "I am Legend?" The questions you raised reminded me of the questions I had after seeing this movie. Yes, humankind must be aware of those issues you raise for in our rush to do good, great harm can result. Thank you for such a thoughtful response. And if you haven't seen the movie, go.Sheilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17482567840321600439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-55259474741265185302007-12-28T23:50:00.000-06:002007-12-28T23:50:00.000-06:00I'm all for "Going Green." I believe saving the en...I'm all for "Going Green." I believe saving the environment we live in is not only the noble thing to do, but the smart thing as well...after all, we still have to live here.<BR/><BR/>I can't help but ask a couple questions though: <BR/><BR/>What's it going to be this time?<BR/><BR/>Every time mankind comes up with something new, even though our intentions are good, something about our inventions/processes will inevitably back fire. <BR/><BR/>So, will saving the forest produce an overgrowth of mutant trees, fed by long forgotten stockpiles of buried toxic waste? <BR/><BR/>Or will the chemicals used to recycle all the paper, plastic and metal products eat an even bigger hole in the o-zone? Or perhaps drive the workers in the recycling plant <I> mad</I> as the proverbial <I>hatter?</I> <BR/><BR/>Just curious...<BR/><BR/>I too am on the recycling band wagon, looking for ways to save both the environment and some cash at the same time. But, something in the back of my mind can't help but wonder at the "folly of man."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-20916173214163642292007-12-28T18:39:00.000-06:002007-12-28T18:39:00.000-06:00I tried using paper bags at the grocery store inst...I tried using paper bags at the grocery store instead of plastic but it only lasted about three weeks. The clerks seemed to get annoyed with me when I'd ask for them, and I hate it when people get annoyed with me. Of course a lot of people are probably annoyed with me, but the ones standing in front of me are the ones I'm most worried about. :) Good for you on all the green plans.Loreleihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13579062148278799367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-62394256610298941262007-12-28T16:27:00.000-06:002007-12-28T16:27:00.000-06:00I gave up on resolutions years ago, never seemed t...I gave up on resolutions years ago, never seemed to keep themSarge Charliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03533766216808955625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-6877445336824613302007-12-28T12:36:00.000-06:002007-12-28T12:36:00.000-06:00Thanks Jay for the Prius endorsement. I don't imag...Thanks Jay for the Prius endorsement. I don't imagine I can change husband's mind to buy me a Miata--it's the only car I've ever longed for. Anyway I leave that chore to him. We are still hanging on to the old Toyotas for as long as possible.<BR/><BR/>Naomi,<BR/>It's good to hear that some supermarkets are encouraging people to use a more environment-friendly way to get the groceries home. Thanks for the good wishes. I continue to enjoy your writing and wish you happy blogging too.Sheilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17482567840321600439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-75525757643483846132007-12-28T11:47:00.000-06:002007-12-28T11:47:00.000-06:00Great New Year resolutions Sheila! Everyone in En...Great New Year resolutions Sheila! Everyone in England is trying to cut down on plastic bags. Some supermarkets have banned them altogether. I've heard about the Prius. Apparently they're much better for the environment than a normal car. I'd like to wish you and your family good health and happiness for the new year.Naomihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13524989873664135095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-91124350899176917442007-12-28T11:36:00.000-06:002007-12-28T11:36:00.000-06:00Hooray for the Prius!40 mpg. I drive from Montgom...Hooray for the Prius!<BR/><BR/>40 mpg. I drive from Montgomery to Mobile three times monthly, and do it on less than 10 gallons of gas.<BR/><BR/>However, because the tank holds about 11 gallons, I don't want to run out, so I fill up again when I leave Mobile. (Gas is generally a few cents cheaper there, too!)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-92231563089408161362007-12-28T10:44:00.000-06:002007-12-28T10:44:00.000-06:00Bee,I am not sure what kind of bag you are referri...Bee,<BR/>I am not sure what kind of bag you are referring to. Are they provided by the grocery store itself? If so, I'd be like you. I was talking about the kind of bags you buy yourself and take to the store each time you shop. In our area the stores offer plastic or paper as far as I know.Sheilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17482567840321600439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31956135.post-2843430161618693492007-12-28T10:08:00.000-06:002007-12-28T10:08:00.000-06:00regarding those eco grocery bags: i freak out at ...regarding those eco grocery bags: i freak out at the check out belt every time and make the cashier clean it. they are filthy and our food is setting on it. then you put the food into those bags and not THEY are full of germs. then it goes into your cabinets and they are germy as well. is it just me? and do those germs in those bags multiply while you are waiting to use them the next time? just askin'...<BR/><BR/>smiles, beeEmpress Bee (of the high sea)https://www.blogger.com/profile/08300140506585000934noreply@blogger.com