Staying Hydrated with @BritaCA The #Gift That Keeps On Giving - #BetterBringYourBrita

Brita: For a happy, healthy and hydrated holiday season.

The holiday season is here and we're busier than ever, shopping, baking, and visiting! 

We're so busy we often skip meals, and forget to drink enough water to keep us healthy and hydrated. To make sure you stay hydrated this holiday season you better bring your Brita!

H2O: 2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen atoms = Water 

One small molecule essential to life.

Water has a multitude of functions and responsibilities both in our bodies and the environment. So not surprizingly the health benefits of staying hydrated and drinking enough water are many. 

Water & Wellness

"Amount of water a grown person should drink daily - usually 8-12 240 ml/(8oz) glasses"

Did I mention we are busy? So convenience is a priority. But convenience with a complete disregard for our Earth is not acceptable. Clearly there must be a way to have the convenience of hydration without adding millions of  plastic bottles to landfills. 

My demands of products I buy either for myself or others are as follows:

Convenience.

Adherence to the principles of: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Good price point, and value.

WAIT ... I'm not done! 

I also want the functional to be fashionable!

I love that Brita has pitchers and bottles in a plethora of colours, sizes and styles to suit everyone's hydration management plan for the holiday and all year long.

In my opinion they make fantastic gifts and truly are gifts that keep on giving! 

The bottles and filters make perfect stocking stuffers! Grab a pitcher for the college or university students in your life, or as a house warming gift for a first apartment or home. The 18 cup capacity dispenser sits on the counter top and is perfect for a cottage or chalet owner.

Both Brita bottles and pitchers are convenient, easy to use and come in a variety of price points. Brita's bottles and pitchers are BPA free, and the bottles are dishwasher safe (top rack). You'll find the pitchers available in multiple shapes and styles ranging from 5 - 10 cups capacity.

Using refillable bottles drastically reduces the number of disposable bottles going into landfills. Also, you can opt to participate in BRITA'S Filter For Good - Recycle Your Brita Filters Program. 

Each Brita you gift to someone is a gift of better health, for that person and our earth. 

Be sure to follow Brita Canada on Facebook and Brita Canada on Twitter for all their updates and news! Brita Canada - Where to Buy

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about staying hydrated this busy holiday season.

Note: I receive Brita product for the purpose of a review. All opinions are my own and reflect my personal experience with the brand and product.

Repurpose Return Envelopes for #School FieldTrip Authorizations & Payments. #Recycle #GreenIdeas

Repurpose all those return envelopes for bills, charitable donation requests, credit card offers you get in the mail.

We all get them, no matter how hard we try to stop or limit them from reaching our mailboxes; the return envelope for bills, charitable donation requests, credit card offers. I'm always trying to think of ways to reuse or repurpose items instead of, or before recycling them.

These used to go straight in the recycle bin, but then I started using them to sent authorization forms, order forms and payments for school field trips, and pizza days to teachers instead of a new envelope or ziploc bag. 

Okay maybe they're not as pretty as a new envelope, but they do the job of keeping payments and authorization forms together, information private, and make it easy for the kids to hand to their teachers. If you need pretty try using a pink marker instead.

They reduce the use of new paper envelopes or ziploc bags, save money, serve a purpose before the teacher recycles the paper, and are better for the environment. 

BONUS: It's a great way to teach your kids by example how easy it is to be green by Reusing, Reducing and Recycling.

For more GREEN ideas check out my 
Recycle and Green Ideas Pinterest Board.

Do you have ideas about being green? 

I'd love it if you shared them with me in the comments section.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about being green.

Use 3-Carton Juice Box to #Recycle Into Hanging File Holders #GreenIdeas #BeingGreen

The boxes 3-pack cartons of  juice and soy milk come in hold hanging file folders perfectly, and can be instantly recycled into free document and paper organizers.  

Do you ever buy juice or soy milk in a box of 3 cartons? 

Turns out the boxes they come in are the perfect size to hold hanging file folders, and to sort and store all sorts of papers. 

You can clip several together using binder clips to make them into a whole filing system. 

Here are a few ideas on how I have used them:

• I put the whole box into a tote bag and bring it on road trips to organize the kids homework by child and subject. I store the textbooks right in the box. 
• I do the same with my blog "stuff" and conference information when attending conferences. 
• I use one to organize school papers for the current year: such as course contracts, teacher contact information, the school board calendar, and current semester schedules.
• I clip 4 boxes together for each of my kids. One box for each of their current school subjects, and have them file notes from completed units, quizzes, tests, etc. into the boxes. Their notes are organized and ready when it's time to study for exams.
• These boxes are perfect for storing warranties, and/or instruction manuals.
• I have used them to file forms, notes, ideas, templates, sample letters, and contact information during the planning stages of volunteer projects or events that I have organized. It's so easy to put the entire box into a tote bag and bring with me to a meeting, and at the end of the event I give the box to school council for future reference. 
• They are perfect to tidy up and store magazines by title, year, or theme.
• Use them to store the kids' art work using one for each child.

Recycling these into hanging file holders is fast, easy, free and a perfect way to sort, organize and store papers and documents. 

If you're crafty cover them to coordinate with your room, or in a theme for the kids.

Got a green idea? I'd love it if you shared yours in the comment section. 



 For me green ideas click on the BEING GREEN tab on the blog, or check out my Recycling and Green Ideas Pinterest Board. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about being green.

Stacking Produce Boxes: #Recycle to Vertically Store & Dry Wet Artwork #GreenIdeas #BeingGreen

Attention: Crafters, DIYers, Parents, Caregivers and Teachers.

Recycle stacking produce boxes to save space and vertically store wet artwork and DIY projects while they dry. 

Here is a great space saving way to vertically store wet paint or glue artwork, or projects to dry. Turn recycled stacking produce boxes into art and project stations.

Have children do their craft or project right in the box on top of a table or desk to save time on clean up and make it easy.

Then stack boxes while the project dries. The side holes on the boxes allow air to circulate for fast drying times. Put student's names on the side of the boxes, so you and the kids can easily identify whose work is in each box. Kids can store the craft tools and materials needed to complete the project in the box as well. Bonus: Makes it easier for kids to quickly take out and put away their own work.

This also works great for your own projects, such as small painting projects, or DIY projects that require several days to finish, or dry between steps.

For more green ideas click on the blog BEING GREEN tab, or check out my Recycle and Green Ideas Pinterest Board.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about being green.

IT'S SO EASY TO BE #GREEN RECYCLING IDEAS FOR PLASTIC CLIP HANGERS

Don't throw away those clip hangers that come with the clothes you buy. Here are a couple excellent uses for them.






They are a must have on vacation! Be sure to bring at least a few. Perfect for hanging wet towels and bathing suits to dry. Think you don't need them for a ski vacation? What about wet mitts, socks, or your bathing suit for the pool or hot tub.










They work are great for hanging your kid's, or student's wet artwork to dry.

One last idea: Put your recipe in a ziploc bag, and clip the hanger on, then hang from a kitchen cupboard door handle to easily see the recipe you are using.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking about being green.

IT'S SO EASY TO BE #GREEN @StaplesCanada #Recycle for Education Contest 2014

This week's It Is So Easy To Be Green post is about

Staples Canada Recycle for Education Contest 2014.

What a great opportunity for schools and students. 

Schools can win 1 of 10 computer labs valued at $25,000 by sharing what their school does to recycle, and their green initiatives.

Hurry! The deadline for submissions is February 21st, 2014. 

Lets spread the word. I can't wait to hear about all the great green initiatives our students and schools are involved in.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about being green.
Note: I have been compensated in anyway for this post, and all opinions are   my own. 

Three Ways to Reuse 2-Litre Plastic Soda Bottles #greenideas

Three Ways to Repurpose and Reuse 2-Litre Soda Bottles

Plastic bottles are everywhere and hard to avoid these days. But instead of just recycling them I like to find ways to reuse or repurpose plastics bottles. They can always be recycled later. 

Here are a few ideas to reuse plastic soda bottles with your plants and in the garden.

via KidsTimeWordPress.com

via Gardening World.Org

via DIY Simply Made

If you have other ideas for using plastic soda bottles in the garden, 

please share them in the comments section. I would love your feedback.

You can find more green ideas
 under the blog BEING GREEN tab, 
or check out my Recycling and Green Ideas Pinterest Board.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about being green.

Note: You can find instructions and full details in the link underneath each image. (Image via site linked to image)

Five Great Uses for Citrus Peels #ItsEasyToBeGreen #greenideas

Five Great Uses for Citrus Peels

We all know that using the zest of citrus fruit can add aroma and flavour to a recipe, 
but they have lots of other uses. 


Here are a few of my favourites:

Make your own citrus scented cleaner: 

• In a large glass jar: 
• Add: the peel and pith (no skin or pulp) of 3-4 oranges, OR 4-6 lemons, OR 4-6 limes, OR 3 grapefruits to 1 litre of white vinegar.
• Leave mixture for minimum of two weeks.
• Strain the peel from concentrated vinegar mixture. Store in fridge until you are ready to use it.
• Pour 50% water and 50% concentrated mixture into a spray bottle.
• Proceed to use your citrus cleaner enjoying the fragrant citrus smell as you clean.
• IDEA: Put into decorative spray bottle, and add a label  and give as a hostess gift.
• (thanks @readyowl for this idea!)

Easy microwave cleaner:

• Place the rinds of 2 oranges in a large microwave safe bowl.
• Cover the rinds with water to the half way mark on the bowl.
• Place in centre of microwave.
• Microwave on high for 5 minutes, or until the water boils and condensation forms on the sides of the microwave.
• Carefully remove the hot bowl of rinds and water.
• Wipe the insides of the microwave using the condensation to clean. 
• Voila! Your microwave should look clean and smell great! 

Easy way to remove stains from the inside of your favourite mug:

• Place a handful of citrus peel into you mug.
• Add boiling water to the mug to just below the top.
• Let mug with mixture sit for an hour or two.
• Pesto! You should have a stain free mug!

Keep cats away from your garden & the sandbox! 

• Cats hate the smell of citrus! Toss fresh orange and lemon rinds around the area you want to cats to stay clear of. Repeat regularly.

Dried orange peels make excellent fireplace kindling and fills the room with a fragrant smell.

• Take peels only (no fresh or pulp) and lie them out flat on a tray to air dry for about 2 days or until completely dried. 
• That is all there is to it. Use the dried peels with other kindling to start a perfect fire. 
• IDEA: Package up dried peels in a decorative box, add a beautiful bow, and you have a perfect hostess gift.

If you have other ideas and uses for citrus peels,
please share with me in the comments section. 
I love your feedback!

For more GREEN ideas check out my 
Recycling and Green Ideas Pinterest Board

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about being green.

IT'S SO EASY TO BE #GREEN RECYCLING IDEAS FOR STARTING SEEDS INDOORS

I know it is still cool and snowy outside, but before you know it Spring will have sprung, and it will be time to start your seeds indoors for your Summer garden. Just thinking about the summer, and all the delicious veggies from the garden should make you warm up to these ideas about how you can recycle and reuse, while starting seeds indoors.

via Gardening World

via Gardening World 

 via Gardening World  

Hopefully these inspire you to find ways to reuse and recycle while planning this years summer garden. If you have ideas, or stories about being green please share in the comments section. I would love to hear them.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about being green.

Great #GreenIdea - Make Pot Scrubbers From Mesh Produce Bags #ItsSoEasyToBeGreen

Make Dish and Pots Scrubbers From Mesh Produce Bags

The first time I did this was out of necessity. I was camping and had no way to scrub the pots, so I took mesh bags from produce (onions, potatoes, oranges) and tied them into knots to give me a ball that I could easily hold to scrub with. Although not pretty it did the trick. 

The following use the same idea but look much nicer a ball of knotted bags. 
Plus they save you money, and reuse, and recycle something that would otherwise end up in landfills.

via Northern Nest Blog

via Crafting A Green World 

via Mrs. Green Blog

Don't forget to put these to work in the bathroom or on outdoor patio furniture. OR

Why not make some as a hostess gift. Perfect for post party clean up.

You can find more Green Ideas 
under the blog BEING GREEN tab or check out my 
Recycling and Green Ideas Pinterest Board

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about being green.

IT'S SO EASY TO BE #GREEN - SMALL CHANGES THAT BRING ABOUT BIG RESULTS

Everyday small changes can bring about BIG results. Take for instance if you used inexpensive mess bags for your produce instead the plastic bags you get at the grocery store. Assuming that you purchase 5 types of produce a week, that is 5 bags x 52 weeks = 260 plastic bags that will NOT end up in landfill! Now multiple that by each person or family in Canada! Small changes bringing about BIG results!

• These mess bags are light weight so don't add weight or increase the cost of your produce.
• They are see through so cashier can see the produce and UPC codes.
• They are washable since they are laundry bags. You can use them to wash and store your produce in.
• They can be purchased inexpensively at a dollar store - 2 for $1.00.

But it doesn't stop there. Every time I use these bags someone in line or the cashier comments on what a great idea that is, thinks about doing the same thing, and the impact is multiplied! 

So the question now is What are you waiting for? and How many friends and family are you going to share this idea with, so together we can make small changes that have BIG results?

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about being green.