Brrrr……One Warm Coat

It’s incredible how affected we are by the weather isn’t it?  Here in New England we flip flopped from unseasonably warm temperatures last week, to unseasonably cold this week.   Time to pull out the winter woollies!

The nip of cold sent me running for the coats, sweatshirts and socks!  I am kind of anti-sock and each year I put off wearing them for as long as possible.  Their appearance on my feet is a sure sign of things to come yet I feel fortunate to have what I need to keep me warm.  Not everyone does.

Each year when we pull our coats out of summer storage, we downsize the collection.  With three daughters, there are always a few to pass long.   Last year I found an organization that collects coats for those in need.  It is nationwide and you can donate a single coat or organize a drive.


How about you?  Need to free some closet space?  Want to help someone in need?  Want to do a green “deed”?

I am joining Suzan of Old*Grey*Mare for the November edition of Project Genesis.  Won't you?

Paper Pollution in your Mailbox - Project Genesis

On the 1st day of each month Suzan aka Old*Grey*Mare  hosts a meme where people are invited to share their tips for a more eco-friendly lifestyle.    Aptly named “Project Genesis”.   

One day at a time.  One person at a time.  One thing at a time.

The common mindset used to be that a single person could not possibly make a difference.   I never agreed with that notion.  In my mind, we can all make a difference.    A “grassroots” effort.  Each of us can make a difference.  Like a cold, we can be contagious.  

So let me get on my proverbial “high horse”.  Paper pollution is not only wasteful but extremely annoying.    I used to get stacks of mail that were 1 to 2 inches thick.   There were days when I thought I might have to hire a mail handler!  Opening my mailbox to 8+ credit card applications and 1,2, 3 or more catalogs was not unusual.  That WAS then.  Then I signed up with Catalog Choice.



It’s easy and it’s free!   And it really works!   Just add the names of the catalogs that you get but don’t want to receive.   Within a short time, the catalogs stop.   You can add more catalogs  as needed.  It  made huge difference in the amount of junk mail that I get.

My other huge pet peeve is credit card offers but you can also stop receiving them here:  



You should know that they will ask for your personal information (including SSN) so you should read it carefully and make your own decision.    It has reduced the credit card offers in my mailbox 98%.

Don’t forget to to visit Suzan aka Old*Grey*Mare  to see and share more tips on living a more earth friendly lifestyle.

Buy Local - Project Genesis

I recently came across a blog that sparked my interest.   It’s interesting, and fun, and sometimes more than just skin deep.  Just the kind of thing that I like to read.  It is hosted by Suzan aka Old*Grey*Mare.



Suzan is hosting a monthly (1st of each month) blog post where everyone can share tips for living a more socially responsible life.  Aptly named “Project Genesis”.   (Suzan, I hope you don't mind that I used your header.  Just this once.)

I remember back to the earliest days of recycling.  In my town, in Canada, that was more than 20 years ago.  Back then, the consensus was kinda “what one person does, doesn’t make much of a difference”.   And the experts agreed.  It had to be widespread.   Regardless, I didn't care who said I wasn’t making a difference, with just a little amount of conscious thinking, it quickly became habit in our house.   I can only imagine how much has been kept out of landfills from just our family.

Now, something else has been on my radar recently with the recent outbreak of salmonella in the egg industry .   The television coverage of these recent events has made me cringe, turn away, and change the channel.   And cry.    I suppose I have been functioning in “ignorance is bliss” mode.  The way these poor creatures are forced to live is heartbreaking.  

So next on my agenda is to become more diligent about buying local eggs. 



I already buy whatever I can locally and this is just one more reason to support our local farms.    Fresher food and money spent in the local economy.  Why not?

I think each and every one of us can make a difference.