Tissue Paper

The names Kleenex, Puffs, Charmin, Cottonelle, and Bounty all have one thing in common. No, it isn't the fact that they're all disposable paper products, but rather that they all use "virgin fiber" in their products. Basically, that means that entire forests are being cut down just so someone can blow their nose into it.

That's certainly unnecessary, considering the amount of alternatives there are. Companies can use post-consumer fiber in their products instead of virgin fiber! We, as consumers, have been naive enough to purchase these name-brand products, but it is time for us to stop. Stay away from those companies until they begin using post-consumer fiber in their products, and wipe your nose with a different brand.

For a list of eco-friendly brands go to: http://www.nrdc.org/land/forests/gtissue.asp

NOTE: STWF is planning on hosting a bake sale on Friday the 13th of this month. Please check back soon for more information.

EDIT: The bake sale has been moved to the 20th. Please come to the meeting on the 13th in order to sign up to bring baked goods!

Bike Riding

Recently, I got my permit. As I've started to drive around, I've noticed the abundance of bikers. The more I see, my day seems to get a bit better. However, only about half of them follow the law. Biker saftey is very important to keep the biker from getting hurt, and even getting a ticket. The safest place for a biker is in the bike lane, if they choose to act like a driver (following traffic lights and stop signs). When on the side walk the biker must act like pedestrian. The law states that anyone under 18 must wear a helmet but it is in the best interest of the biker to wear one, whatever his or her age. Hand signals, seem to be the biggest problem for bikers. When changing lanes or turning you must signal which way you are going(left or right). At night, reflective gear and lights should be used to be seen in the dark. If you aren't already riding your bike to work, go ahead and do so now that you know the rules. For those still hesitant, many bike shops offer a road 101 course. Information provided by: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/about/bicycle.htm

Potential Designs

If you haven't heard, STWF is looking for a new design. So far, four potential designs have been submitted by Sienna Crespin. To submit designs, either post a comment with a web URL to your design, or email stwfatsdhs@gmail.com!

Carbon Offsets

It is unavoidable to consume energy, and for a while there hasn't been a way to avoid that. However, since 2003 Carbonfund.org has been working to change that by selling carbon offsets. Their motto: Reduce what you can, offset what you can't.

Carbon offsets is money donated to a company (in this case http://www.carbonfund.org/) which is then used to fund third-party offset projects. The company promises that a certain amount of carbon will be offset by your donation, which of course also depends on how much you donate. For every dollar you donate, a tenth of a ton of a carbon is offset.

Try something new this year during the holidays, and ask for carbon offsets! Let's do our best to keep our world green.

Is saving the world too expensive?

Many people attribute their not becoming environmentally friendly to the cost. I agree, to become more environmentally friendly you do have to give a little, but you will get so much back. For instance, a regular bottle of water costs about two dollars. If you buy one a day, estimated to spend forty dollars a month on water alone! Water from the tap costs about a penny. Investing in a kleankanteen (kleankanteen.com) or something similar is well worth it.