I, Ruth am careful what I eat and drink.  I, Ruth also exercise every day.  I am very strict with my patterns and do not allow much deviation (my friends would most agree with this statement).  However, I decided that I wanted to deviate – not be so hard on myself all the time – Yes, I decided that I wanted a soft drink- a nice fizzy, carbonated soft drink.  I, Ruth have not had a soft drink or pop or Coke in so long.  I am dreamy just thinking about it.  I decided it was my mission to find a soft drink that did not have artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup.  I, Ruth went to a local store and went to the drink aisle.  There were so many choices of drinks, which overwhelmed me.  The soft drinks that fit my criteria were double the price.  Yes, double.  I, Ruth debated in the store if it was worth it and I should probably just leave.  I, Ruth debated if I should just give up my criteria of artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup and get something affordable.  I, Ruth wanted to give into my indulgence and just buy the drink that I wanted.  Isn’t that what we all do anyway?  Debate ourselves on what we want versus what we really need.  Did I really need this drink?  Did I really want to pay the extra expense?  Why is the healthy choice always the most expensive?  All I know is that I wanted my drink and after I debated this is in the grocery aisle – I was about to give up the soft drink idea and move to something harder (just kidding).  I bought my bottled Coca Cola and left on my way skipping like a child leaving a candy store.  Did I run an extra mile because of the calories – you bet!  Was it worth yet – you bet!  Does this have anything to do with green living – yes.  Green living is making healthier choices for our world and for our self.  Is this a win for everyone – not sure – that would take more debating.  Was this a win for I, Ruth – Oh yes, indeed!

I’ve been in need of a new cosmetic brush for a few weeks – my old one is splayed in every direction and drops bits on me every morning – but hubby does the shopping usually and I haven’t remembered to ask him.  Not that he would have a clue what to buy anyway.  So he’s working overtime today and I did the grocery shopping.  I remembered the brush but wasn’t sure what kind of selection a grocery would have.  I am so very pleasantly surprised!  I found a brush made by ecotools – bamboo (sustainable) handle, cruelty free bristles, recycled materials – yes!  And the (reusable) package says the parent company “has joined with 1% for the Planet to donate 1% of annual sales from this item to environmental organizations”.

That’s what I’m talking about!  Put it out there and I will buy it.  Was it more expensive than the others?  I don’t know – I didn’t look at the prices on the others.  Retailers – hear this…

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I, Ruth love the idea of Tapric – VHS and cassette tapes that have long ago “dumped” and replaced with compact discs.  Tapric is using this “dumped” tape, spooling and making unique items such as purses, place-mates, wallets, etc.  I, Ruth have been sending and shipping samples of Tapric to many companies for their review and distribution.    When shipping, I use corn starch peanuts (a green alternative) rather than Styrofoam.  What is interesting to me is one “green” company e-mailing me a letter stating that since I used Styrofoam while packing my Tapric that I did not meet their minimum green requirements.  I, Ruth Dilemma – If this company is “green” then wouldn’t they know the difference between Styrofoam and Corn Starch peanuts?  Do I educate this company on the difference?  Defend my honor of being green?  I, Ruth decided that none of the above was suitable – my company and their company would not be a good fit and decided to do nothing – period (simply stated).  All, please be careful when working with companies that are “green” – in some cases they are not!  This is a neutral for the environment, a win for I, Ruth and lose for the other company.

To see some of the TAPRic products, click here.

I, Ruth went to a “living green” expo this weekend.  I saw solar panel displays, composting seminars, landscaping ideas, vegetarian items and much more.  My child loved the many kid friendly items and educational demonstrations.  We were really “WOW-ed”

I, Ruth Humor – I, Ruth noticed there were two concession stands – one outside that had a small line and one inside that had a very long line.  I, Ruth asked the stand outside what the difference was – to which his response – this one is healthy eating and the one inside is not.  I went inside and looked at the menu and sure enough I saw hotdogs, candy, potato chips, etc.  This intrigued me that although most everyone at the expo wants to “live green” and yet hog down on some hot dogs.  I, Ruth did find humor in this.

I, Ruth Unsolved dilemma – the expo claiming “zero waste” and yet, one booth had four bags full of waste – the waste of sample plates that were being circulated through the crowd and then disposed in the bags.  Now, I began to think about this.  How do I take a food item – and get it into the hands of potential customers – and do so with zero waste?  Washing the dishes would take too long.  I, Ruth really haven’t figured out this dilemma (if anyone does – please share).

I, Ruth Solved dilemma – I also saw companies having customers write down their personal information on paper to be contacted at a later point.  First of all, why use paper? and second – I don’t want my personal information left on a table for everyone to read.  I, Ruth am very personal that way.  I, Ruth dilemma – I really wanted the free T-shirt but didn’t want to provide on paper my personal information.   This dilemma was rather easy for me to solve (unlike the one stated above) – I, Ruth provided incorrect information on the paper and I got my free t-shirt.  This may not be exactly honest, but I attributed to the fact that the company wasn’t exactly green by using the paper to begin with.

Overall, my experience at the expo was fun and educational.  I think “living green” is making much progress every moment, every hour, every day and every year.  I think this is definitely a win for all of us – including I, Ruth.

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Material: High Density Eucalyptus is the premium grade of solid “Eucalyptus Gradis” hardwood, grown in 100 % managed forests in Brazil, certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).  The biggest attribute of High Density Eucalyptus is undoubtedly the strength of the timber. It’s renowned for its excellent resistance to every day wear and tear. It is extremely durable and tightly grained to produce a desirable density.  It remains unaffected by all variations in weather; especially its resistance to damp conditions makes itself extremely competent at combating insect attacks and decay.

My first redemption is a coupon good for $10 off my purchase at a popular pharmacy.  It has been sitting at home for several months – I’m lucky – very good health.

Last week my office set up a “Toys for Tots” box.  And in the mail I received an ad from my hair salon offering $5 off my next service if I bring a Toy for a Tot to them.  So…I will take my $10 coupon to the pharmacy and buy two toys.  Then I’ll take toys to both my office and my salon, and I’ll get $5 off my haircut!

What a win-win!  The needy kids get toys, almost for free; I get $5 off my haircut and the pleasure of giving to the needy; and the earth is improved by my neighborhood’s recycling.  That’s what I’m talking about!!!

Happy Holidays!  PS – recycle that wrapping paper!

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