November 24, 2008

Another Great Way to Recycle Plastic Bags!


Yesterday my family had the opportunity to help feed a hot lunch to homeless people at Roberts Park Church in Downtown Indianapolis. It's a huge operation that takes lots of planning and caring people to make it a tremendous success.

Our “green” moment was when we were given hundreds of used plastic grocery sacks to fill up with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit, donated granola bars, chips, etc. that each visitors took with them to eat for dinner or breakfast. People had collected these plastic bags from their grocery trips and donated them to the church for exactly this purpose. Okay, now this is one of those pale shade of green areas. Yes, they should not be using plastic bags in the first place but yes, these plastic bags are lovingly being collected and reused - to feed someone.

Green comes in many shades and until the plastic companies quit making the plastic bags and stores quit using them…these bags are special. I decided not to think “green” for that day and think with my heart.
On another note, if you are still using plastic grocery bags, our fun Eco Tote Bags from Malia Designs are perfect to cart around your groceries! These small totes are made from recycled Vietnamese rice bags and increase economic opportunity for women in developing countries. You're not only "buying green", you'll be helping a great cause as well!

- e.

November 12, 2008

On the Green Home Front...


We hosted our first Green Open House and I have to say, we were busy, busy, busy and pleased as punch (green punch that is)! We invited friends and local "green people" to our warehouse/showroom for some organic wine and delectable’s, along with the opportunity to shop on the green home front without paying for shipping. Great green combination!

My friend Cathy walked straight out with all her purchases including the Sonoma Lavender Recycled Cotton Spa Neck Pillow heated up in the microwave for a relaxing drive home!

A few thanks that I want to give...

My friend Jan who was busy in the warehouse washing wine glasses since she noticed the crowd growing and the glasses getting low… thanks Jan. Thanks to our friends at Endangered Species Chocolate who have a warehouse down the street, we had a huge bowl of yummy organic chocolate to offer each guest…thanks Renee! Thank you Lynn Jenkins from Indiana Living Green, Jeff Miller with the Indiana Recycling Coalition, the folks from Traders Point Creamery and all of you Green Piece Indy subscribers for celebrating our day with us. Jennifer was a lucky winner of a purse of her choice. Her pick? The Mielie Bag.

It felt good to be embraced by friends and the “green” central Indiana community… to know there are others who are trying to live green and still enjoy shopping!

Also want to thank my mom in law for coming in town to help out….for an “old lady” (pardon me Grandma Kay!) ….she is pretty swift with computer technology and has taught me a few things!
Back to shipping…

e.

November 3, 2008

Green Party Preparations!

I’ve been busy planning for our green Open House event this Thursday. Lucky for the local Indianapolis people…they will get an opportunity to touch and feel all the green goodies at celerystreet.com!

My open house preparations have left me with many choices. Recycled paper plates cannot be recycled again…but they are biodegradable once tossed out the second time in their sad lives. Plates made out of recycled plastics are reusable, but they also have a short sad life depending on how many times they survive the DISHWASHER! We could daintily balance our organic appetizers on the recycled paper napkins, although that would mean return trips for seconds and thirds…. I could bring a collection of china dishes and some dish soap….but then I would miss all the fun! All I want is easy, cheap, chic, and green! Sometimes harder than you think. I’ll ponder more on this tomorrow.

I love the color of recycled wine glasses we just got in. The heavenly venetian red really dresses up a glass of wine, the table it sits on, and the entire room! The color reminds me of the old stain glass windows in churches. I’m looking forward to using these for our holiday, valentines, or any festive occasion.

Now the next question for this soiree….Organic Lemonade? Organic wine? Organic Vodka with Lemonade? Could be an interesting day!

e.