Recycle and Swap Books Online this Summer with ThredUp!

Summer is the time to catch up on reading (and help kids stay on an educational path when school is out!) while on vacation, at the beach, at the park or even laying on a hammock in your back yard!  But after you have read all your books, wouldn't it be nice to swap them out for a new stash?  Thredup, the amazing online clothing swap site is offering just that this summer with their new Summer Book Swap program:

thredUP has expanded the swapping platform to BOOKS and launched an online Summer Book Swap! This summer, moms can exchange boxes of books online and will receive recycling rewards in return.

We’ve partnered with BookSwim, eBookFling and Chronicle Books , so every time you send a box of used children’s books to another family, you’ll receive coupon codes redeemable for the books you need.
By sharing the books your children have already read, we can green summer reading, get kids reading more and expose them to new authors! Help us reach our goal of 100,000 books traded by August 1st.

From June 1 through June 14, you can list your boxes of books then from June 15 through August 1 the book swapping goes live so you can pick as many boxes as you would like.  AND to sweeten the deal, Thredup will give you a $5 swapping credit for every box you list that is picked up and reviewed AND a $25 credit towards book rentals at BookSwim.com or 30% off purchased books at Chroniclebooks.com.
How awesome is that!

There are so many great reasons to swap books - for one, it is eco-friendly!  Instead of buying new books that require trees to be cut down, processing, printing (probably not with soy based inks) and shipping, you are REUSING books - giving them a longer lifespan!  This is also a great way to get rid of books that haven't been read in a long time (or maybe have been read so many times it's time for a break!) and its a great way to de-clutter your shelves.

It also gets kids excited about reading because they can receive "new" books and who doesn't like to get a package in the mail with surprises inside?!

So give this Book Swap a try and have a great summer with some good books by your side!  If you are not already a Thredup Member, click here to sign up Free!

*~ Sprout

Earth Month Day 24: Reuse and Swap kids clothes with Thredup

Clothes don’t grow. Kids do.

Many people use springtime as a good reason to do the deep cleaning, reorganizing and purging.  It's also a time that we realize just how much excess we have.  And if you have kids, you know how quickly the out-grown clothes pile up! Last year I was discussing how my closets were overcrowding with a friend - we have both have two kids but of opposite sex of each other so we decided to swap clothes - my infant boy clothes for her preschooler girl clothes.  Not too long after that, I discovered thredUP.com - the online children's clothing swap site!  I thought that was just the coolest thing ever!  I had tried to sell my gently used clothes on Ebay and didn't have too much success.  I have also donated bags and bags to Salvation Army but with the increasing cost of new clothes (and the constant need to get larger sizes!) it would be nice to get something in return for the clothes.  That's were thredUP comes in... you give, you get, it's fast and it's easy!
thredUP is where families swap kids clothing (and toys!) online. Join thredUP's FREE online community to exchange stuff your kids no longer use, for clothing that fits & toys they'll love!

From Thredup.com:

Here's how easy it is to thredUP Picking Boxes of Clothes:
thredUP is the best way to clear out your kids clothes and toys that they no longer use. Take the clothes and toys your child has outgrown and prepare to thredUP—all on your schedule (monthly, quarterly, seasonally, annually). We've found that most parents list new boxes regularly once they learn how easy it is to do. Here's how:

•Receive a pack of FREE USPS flat rate boxes automatically sent to you (free of charge) upon registration.
•Sort clothes by making groups of the same size, season(s) and gender.
•Separate by clothing item type (tops and bottoms) and brand. Keep outfits and matching items together.
•Stuff USPS boxes with your organized groups of used kids clothing.
•Tell us about the clothing in each box in our "Build a Box" template.
•List your box and then wait for another member to pick it!

At thredUP we are committed to helping you exchange fantastic pre-loved clothes and toys. Real world clothing swaps are time consuming and hard to organize. We’ve created one for you that’s always available and always being updated with new listings from parents just like you.

•Navigate our listings similar to surfing eBay, iTunes or Amazon. Sort by gender, size, brand, season or type of item
•Find baby, toddler, or pre-teen clothing, and toys for all ages
•Pay $5 + shipping ($10.95) and it's yours
•Get your box sent directly to your doorstep by the parent who listed it
•Add listers to your Favorite Senders list and filter search results to view only boxes that your favorite senders have listed
•View community ratings to ensure high quality items and picking boxes with confidence

All you'll ever pay for basic swapping is $5 + ($10.95) shipping per box of kids clothes. At more than ten items per box, that's like $1.50 per item. No hidden charges. No recurring fees. You can decide at anytime to stop swapping clothes.



Building your box is super easy - you just simply select the categories your clothes fit into (group your clothes by size when building a box) and the brand names and write a brief description of the items.  You don't need to include photos or do anything special.  Once I got my clothes sorted and tested to see how many fit into the box, I was able to list a box on thredUP in minutes then just packed the box up.  My first few boxes got selected within a few days and my recent boxes got selected the NEXT DAY!  Sending them is even easier!  thredUP generates your shipping label and a USPS pickup will be automattically scheduled for the next day.  That's it - DONE!  SO EASY! Now I have more space in the closets too!

Now I have a credit in my account and I'm ready to start selecting boxes to see what goodies I can find!!

This is the ultimate way to reuse and reduce waste in our landfills!

Use my referal code http://www.thredup.com/Carmichael Nitzky69564 and receive a $5 credit!

*~ Sprout ~*

Earth Month: Recycle your Shoes and get $20

What do you do with shoes when they are out of style or you no longer wear them?  I usually donate them to Salvation Army but it would be nice to get something in return. Now you can! Shoes.com has a program that will give you $20 towards your order of $80 or more when you recycle your old shoes (restrictions apply).  Shoes.com and Naya have partnered with Soles4Souls to give you the opportunity to make a choice that matters. By giving to those less fortunate, you will receive.
Through the Renew Your Soles program, donate a pair of gently worn shoes and receive $20 off an $80 purchase at shoes.com. These shoes will be distributed to people in need in over 127 countries. The idea is that together, we can all leave a softer footprint while helping others.

1.All you need to do is put a gently worn pair of shoes in a box (even the box that contained your new shoes).

2.Fill out the form (found by clicking the box above) and include in your box.

3.Attach the label provided and send your package. Postage is not included.

4.You will receive an emailed coupon for $20 off an $80 or more purchase* on shoes.com.

5.Soles4Souls will also send you a receipt in the mail for your tax deductible donation.

*Exclusions apply.

Soles4Souls is a non-profit charity that distributes donated shoes free of charge to people in need, regardless of race, religion, class or any other criteria.  Check out this program and Renew your Soles today - click the ad at the top of this post.

Plus - check out this promo:

Save 20% on your purchase* at Shoes.com with code 25SALE plus Free SHipping. Valid 5/12 - 5/16/2011. Exclusions apply.Save 25% on your purchase* at Shoes.com with code 25SALE plus Free SHipping. Valid thru 5/16/2011. Exclusions apply.

Check out these Eco-friendly shoes:

Or get into shape with Sketchers Shape-ups:

Earth Month Day 15: Eco Friendly Seed Starting Project

Last weekend we started some of our vegetable seeds and instead of buying the little seed-starting pots, we decided to reuse our egg cartons, since they are the perfect size.  It's super easy to get your seeds started AND be eco-friendly!This is a GREAT project for kids!  First, get some organic potting soil and organic seeds so you know there will be no chemicals in your veggies.  If you can't get them at your local plant store or nursery, you can get them through Amazon.com at great prices and have them shipped in just a few days (2-days if you have Amazon Prime Membership - click the highlighted text for more info). 

I like to start my tomatoes, peppers, peas and carrots early to give them a boost towards their harvest dates and I also got my herbs and radishes started early. Radishes can grow in cooler temps so they are a perfect early spring seed!  Radishes and Basil both sprout quickly so they are great for impatient kids!! (and adults!)

To get your "recycled" seed starter ready, simply cut the top of the egg carton off to allow light to get into the seeds.  Fill the egg holders with soil all the way to the top - soil will condense when you tap down the planting and add water.  Next poke a shallow planting hole with your finger in the center of each dirt area - the depth should be according to planting instructions on the see packets - usually it's about 1/8" - 1/4" for most veggies.

Next - sprinkle a few seeds into each depression.  Usually 3 - 5 seeds is plenty to ensure that you have at least a few sprouts per planter but too many will overcrowd the planters and will require more water and quicker transplanting.  If you plant more than one type of seed in each egg carton, you can label the pots with a sharpie marker or make mini-plant labels with cardboard and toothpicks!

Next - sprinkle some soil on top of the seeds just to cover lightly, then tap down lightly to firm up the soil.  Then it's time to water!  Go lightly with water at first, just to allow the water to absorb into the fresh soil.  We use a water spray bottle and spray at a distance so as not to disturb the freshly planted seeds.  You can add more water in a few minutes after it has soaked in, making sure the soil is consistently moist.  Moisture and temperature are very important for seeds to sprout!

Finally, close the egg carton and cover entire thing with plastic - to make this totally recycled, we reused our veggie bags from Whole Foods, which are the perfect size and opacity, and slide the entire egg carton into the bag - allowing for some air to circulate.  Place in a bright window sill and check on them every day, spritzing them with more water to keep them moist.  The plastic will help to keep the soil and seeds moist but make sure there is some air movement so mold doesn't form.  When the seedlings are about and inch tall, you can carefully transplant them into the garden (if it is warm enough) or into larger containers to encourage good root growth before transplanting into the garden.

Happy Planting!

*~ Sprout ~*

PS - Don't forget to enter the Earth Day Giveaway!!  Low entries still...

http://sprout5.blogspot.com/2011/04/earth-month-day-8-seventh-generation.html

Earth Month: Day 12 - Simple recycling idea for plastic forks

Do you have plastic forks from take out/delivery food?  Here is a great idea to recycle them - use them for plant tags!  My kids and I planted seeds yesterday and made our own plant tags with recycled cardboard (from my Tazo Tea box).  My son wrote the names on the tags (he's 4 and just learning to write) and we set them inside of the fork tongs, stuck them into the pots and Voila!  Now we know what seeds we planted!
Note: you can do the same with the plastic spoons and knives too by writing the plant names on the plastic with a Sharpie marker.

Happy Recycling!
*~ Sprout ~*

Earth Month: Day 10 - Get Ready to Plant

Reuse household trash to start your spring sprouting!

A few nice warm sunny days in the early spring is all it takes for many people to start itching to plant or start seeds.  I got my herbs started several weeks ago as I am impatient to have fresh basil again!  If you have a sunny window it's easy to grow herbs and start many seeds indoors.  You don't even need to have fancy pots or specialty "seed starting" boxes or kits - there are many things you can reuse to start seeds - here is a short list:

• plastic jugs (like half-gallon milk jugs) - just cut the top off and pierce a few small holes at the bottom; you can also use the top part as a scoop for your dirt!  No waste here!
• yogurt cups/containers
• egg cartons - perfect for seedlings that you plan to transplant outdoors
• egg shells - when using eggs for cooking, gently break only the top part of the shell with a sharp knife to keep most of the shell in tact, wash it out well, let dry.  These are also perfect to start seeds then they can be planted - shell and all! into your outdoor garden
• cans - any cans like empty coffee cans, cleaned out food cans, even soda cans - just make sure to punch holes in the bottom for drainage
• take out coffee cups
• you can even create little seedling pouches by making soil balls using old shirts, cut into small circles or squares, then place dirt inside and enclose bundle by tying with string or twine.  Cut a small area out and plant seeds.
• To keep the soil moist to promote better seedlings, reuse your plastic bags or zip lock bags - I find that old zip lock bags (large or small) work really well to create a mini-greenhouse by fitting them over the top of planters
• You can also get creative and decorate your containers - get the kids involved - have fun!

Get some more ideas from Greenopolis: http://greenopolis.com/goblog/canarsiebk/5-household-items-you-can-reuse-start-seeds

*~Sprout~*

Earth Month Day 9: Pretty Little Reusable Shopping Bags!

So Much Prettier (and Friendlier) than any plastic bags!

Several years ago a friend brought me back a gift from Paris - a tiny nylon pouch that opened up into a beautiful orange reusable shopping bag.  I had switched to reusable bags (or bringing my own reused brown paper bags) but so often I would forget to bring them with me or didn't have one with me when I had to stop by the store.  So this nylon bag was the perfect solution!  It was just the right size for my typical urban grocery shopping trips (I don't have a car so I shop more often and only buy what I can carry!).  The best part is that it folded up into a wallet sized pouch - so there was no reason not to always carry it around in my purse or backpack!  Now it seems that this handy little reusable is all the rage and come in so many beautiful and fun designs so they are great for any style and even great gifts!  Check out a small sampling that I really like from Amazon:




























Happy Shopping!
PS - don't forget about my current Earth Day Giveaway - enter now!
*~Sprout~*

Earth Month Day 3: Where to recycle electronics

Americans rely so much on electronic equipment - from tvs to kitchen appliances to computers/laptops to ipod and all other digital gadgets - and these devices all have relatively short life spans due to constant technological advancements and upgrades.  Recycling electronics helps reduce pollution that would be generated in order to manufacture a new product as well as reducing the need to extract valuable and limited virgin resources. Recycling also reduces the energy used to produce new electronic products. Fortunately, many companies and manufacturers recycle electronics as well as many municipalities.

Amazon.com supports the responsible disposal and recycling of electronics products.


Check out their complete list of guidelines for each state for Recycling Electronics

I find this list to be incredibly useful - so if you are not sure what to do with your used electronics, check it out for your state.
And if you want to recycle your computer - check out this book available through Amazon.com:

12 Days of GREEN! Day 12: Reuse Holiday Cards

Day 12: Reuse the Holiday Cards!

Instead of throwing away all the paper holiday cards you received this year, reuse them to make gift tags for next year's gifts!  Cut the card cover or any portion of the decorative graphics into the shape of a gift tag (any size, shape is good) - punch a hole in one end and thread some used ribbon or string through the hole.  Check out this site for more instructions and slide show: (Thanks, Inhabitots!)
http://www.inhabitots.com/how-to-recycle-holiday-cards-into-next-years-gift-tags/

Here is another idea for reusing holiday cards and ribbon to make decorations for next year (Thanks Craftstylish.com!):
http://www.craftstylish.com/item/28902/how-to-recycle-old-holiday-cards-into-garland

And if you just want to get rid of your cards here's another idea: Donate them to St. Jude's Card Recycling Program:
http://www.stjudesranch.org/help_card.php

You send your greeting cards (for any holiday) to St. Jude's and they turn the covers into new cards available for purchase!  Just make sure there is no writing on the cover (they can only use the cover) and they cannot use cards made by Hallmark, Disney or American Greeting cards.  5" x 7" size or smaller is preferred.

You can mail your donations to: St. Jude's Ranch for Children
Recycled Card Program
100 St. Jude's Street
Boulder City, NV 89005

(Thanks, Green Kids! http://www.greenkidsusa.com/?p=618)

Got any other ideas?  List them in the comments section below.
Thanks and hope you enjoyed the 12 Days of GREEN!!

12 Days of GREEN! Day 2: Recycled Wine Bottle Glasses

Anything that can be recycled or made from recycled materials is a good thing... anything that can be recycled TWICE and given a very useful new life just plain ROCKS!  I found some really cool recycled wine bottle tumblers last week - they are made from glass wine bottles (made from recycled glass) then when the wine is all gone they are recycled into tumbler glasses!  They're fun, practical and eco-friendly!  Made by Oenophilia, These Recycled Glass Wine Bottle Tumblers, Set of 4, Assorted Colors are available at a great price on Amazon.com.

Here's a description from Oenophilia's website:

Greenophile takes ecological responsibility very seriously. Our tumblers were bottles made from recycled glass in their first life. The tops of the bottles have been used as globes for our Tealight Holders. In deep and subtle greens and cobalt blue, they are the perfect size for your favorite cold beverage.

Assorted colors and diameters.
Set of 4.
Gift Boxed in Greenophile Packaging.

These would go great on the recycled vinyl record coasters from my last post!  Here are some other great GREEN gift ideas:
1.  If you are going to a party and want to bring a bottle of wine, choose something local - ask your wine store to recommend something or better yet: if you live in a state that produces wine, take a little trip to the vineyard, do a tasting and purchase your favorite ones for gifts - you'll have a nice story and your own recommendation for the wine you give!  Obviously California, Oregon and Washington are know for their wines but if you live in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut or Michigan you also have plenty of local wineries to choose from. (more about this on a future post!)
2.  If you give wine as a gift, choose Eco friendly and reusable wrapping or bags like the ones below instead of the standard issue mylar or plastic bags that most wine stores carry: 






















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12 days of GREEN! Gifts and Ideas to make your holidays Greener! Day 1: Recycled LP Records

Day 1: Recycled LP Records

LP records are a thing of the past (although I still have some of mine!) but they have been given new life with these fantastic recycled beverage coasters! When I saw these listed on Inhabitat.com I was so excited! I was looking for good eco-friendly gifts and my sister is a huge music lover (she's a performer and rock star!) and I thought this would be perfect for her! These coasters are created from the center of actual vinyl LP records with the labels still intact and cut around the label then coated with a clear mylar seal. East set includes 6 coaster with different labels from a wide assortment of artists, genres and colors. Another great feature? They are MADE in the USA!

Get these for your nostalgic music lover - they are sure to be the talk of their next party! $18.95 (+ $3.98 shipping) Gift Wrap available at checkout

Click here to purchase: Vintage Vinyl LP Record Coasters - Set of 6

More Great Gift Ideas from Recycled LPs:


Small Recycled LP Bowls - from cereal to snacks, these 6.5" bowls are perfect for your music fan and are only $6.44 with FREE shipping!

Vinyl Record Bowls - 70's/80's Pop Genre - 12" bowls with labels from artists such as Madonna, Duran Duran, Blondie, etc.

Vinyl Album Record Bowl - Rock Essentials - also 12" may have labels such as Aerosmith, The Kinks, Hendrix, and Eagles

Recycled Vinyl LP Record Bowl - Crooners Genre includes labels such as Sinatra, Tony Bennett or Dean Martin

Reuse your old socks - make #Halloween Sock Spiders!

Green Halloween Craft Idea: Sock Spiders!

Do you have single socks or worn-out socks taking up space in your closet or dresser?  For some reason, I have a mound of these and even though I use them for cleaning - they just seem to multiply!  Since I have a lot of black socks, I thought I would reuse them and create "Sock Spiders" to use as Halloween decorations.  This past weekend, we walked over to Michael's Craft Store and purchased some black pipe cleaners and what my son calls, "googly eyes" then came back and collected all those socks.  We stuffed the end of the socks with other socks or old ripped t-shirts (you could use cotton, paper or tissue) and folded the open end of the sock over the whole thing and tucked it into the open end.  Then we poked through the bottom with 4 pipe cleaners to form the legs.  I sewed the end of the folded sock top to make a smooth bottom.  My son stuck the googly eyes onto the top then I pulled some thread through the top using a needle and hung one over the doorway to the kitchen.  They turned out so cute!  We can use these every year now AND I got rid of all those lonely socks!  Way to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!!

If you have black or brown socks that have patterns or colors on them. you can have some fun - here is a sock spider using argyle socks!

 If you make your own recycled Halloween decoration, please share by posting a comment and if you have a photo, please send it to me and I'll post it here!

Thanks!
Happy GREEN Halloween!

Want more Green ideas? Go to  http://greenhalloween.org/`