happy (belated) earth day!

last sunday, 4/22, was earth day. over the past few years, i've tried to make small changes that can have a big impact.

we got a separate can to keep in our kitchen just for recyclables, and we recycle as much as we can.

i'm trying to convert M to using cloth rags instead of paper towels for clean-ups, and we (mostly) use cloth napkins at the dinner table.

i generally bring my lunch to work, and i hate using plastic utensils that just get thrown away. a previous secretary ordered a box of spoons made of corn starch that are biodegradable, but they still use packaging, some of which isn't recyclable. last week i saw a nifty set of bamboo cutlery that comes in its own pouch, and even has a carabiner so you can clip it on your backpack or lunchbox or whatever. there is a fork, spoon, knife and chopsticks! i immediately ordered a set, using my amazon.com visa points, and it arrived on saturday. i went ahead and stuck them in my bag that i carry to work so i wouldn't forget them on monday. i used the spoon for my breakfast yogurt, and the fork for tamales and pineapple later in the day. today i used the knife to slice an avocado half. they washed up easily and i put them back in their pouch, which i'll leave on my desk now so i'm never without them.

you can order a set here, and the pouches come in different colors if you don't like the one pictured above.