Go Green. Save a Tree. Then, Hug It

Some eco-friendly tips on becoming a tree-free home (that is, refraining from products that come from trees) from GlobalStewards.com. It's not easy, but it's possible to make progress, even with baby steps:

• replace paper napkins with cloth napkins
• replace paper towels with a special set of cloth towels/napkins (or cut up old t-shirts for great towels) - store the used ones in a small container in your kitchen and just wash and reuse
• purchase bleach-free, toilet paper that is made from the highest post-consumer waste content you can find (80 percent minimum)
• if you print documents, print on once-used paper and/or bleach-free, recycled paper with the highest post-consumer waste content available (or hemp/alternative-source paper, if you can afford it)
• switch to a digital organizer for tracking your to-do and grocery lists. A few free suggestions: Wunderlist, Remember the Milk, GroceryIQ
• reuse envelopes, wrapping paper, the front of gift cards (as postcards) and other paper materials you receive wherever possible
• read books, magazines, and newspapers from your local library or online (many have email newsletters)
• create and use note pads from once-used paper
• leave messages for family members/roommates on a reusable message board
• make your own cards/letters from once-used products or handmade paper or buy at thrift stores
• if you will be doing construction on your house, search out alternatives to using newly cut wood (no endorsement of any company intended):
  • Eco-Friendly Flooring Guide
  • straw bale
  • bamboo -- two sites to check out: Plyboo and Teragren
  • true (natural) linoleum
  • previously used wood -- one site to check out: Vintage Timber Works
  • cob -- three sites to check out: Cob, Cob Cottage, andEcoBusiness-Cob Building Resources