Going "Green" at the Student Leadership Conference

[Nikki+2]

Thanks for the tips. I can't wait till you start your blog- how exciting- that sounds like my husband's dream. Of course I would think it's amazing too but he is constantly reading things like that and has been glued to the Green channel ever since it came out- mostly for building and home improvement ideas most of which we can't implement since we just built our home two years ago. Can't start from scratch now. I get to hear a lot of talks about how we could have done things. I actually do have a stack of cheap Target washcloths I keep in the laundry room and use them for cleaning (with a nice earth friendly cleaner I buy in bulk and dilute myself- hey I am trying), BUT... I still find myself reaching for the darn paper towels in the kitchen. I probably need to stick some of the washcloths in my kitchen and maybe I'd use them more.

Originally Posted by AngelWorks

I bought two packs of flour sack towels from Target. They are big white and lint free.

I keep a bio friendly spray handy (make my own--so much cheaper) and use those for clean ups. Toss them in with the reg wash.

I only use p-towels for doggy accidents.

I buy cheap cotton prints when JoAnnes has a sale and run off cloth napkins. I have a huge stash. Can't tell you when we last bought paper napkins.

[hartygirl]

Originally Posted by Nikki+2

Thanks for the tips. I can't wait till you start your blog- how exciting- that sounds like my husband's dream. Of course I would think it's amazing too but he is constantly reading things like that and has been glued to the Green channel ever since it came out- mostly for building and home improvement ideas most of which we can't implement since we just built our home two years ago. Can't start from scratch now. I get to hear a lot of talks about how we could have done things. I actually do have a stack of cheap Target washcloths I keep in the laundry room and use them for cleaning (with a nice earth friendly cleaner I buy in bulk and dilute myself- hey I am trying), BUT... I still find myself reaching for the darn paper towels in the kitchen. I probably need to stick some of the washcloths in my kitchen and maybe I'd use them more.

In my kitchen I use old rags to clean up and I store one a week (depending on the mess!) on a little towel bar in the cabinet under my sink. That way it can be ugly, out of site and easily reachable! Same in the bathroom. My mom has 2 hand towles one for people and one she wipes the sink out with after each use, OCD I know, but her sinks looked brand new after 30 years of living in her house, when she moved into a 2 year old home the sinks looked awful compared to her old ones!

[AngelWorks]

Originally Posted by Nikki+2

Thanks for the tips. I can't wait till you start your blog- how exciting- that sounds like my husband's dream. Of course I would think it's amazing too but he is constantly reading things like that and has been glued to the Green channel ever since it came out- mostly for building and home improvement ideas most of which we can't implement since we just built our home two years ago. Can't start from scratch now. I get to hear a lot of talks about how we could have done things. I actually do have a stack of cheap Target washcloths I keep in the laundry room and use them for cleaning (with a nice earth friendly cleaner I buy in bulk and dilute myself- hey I am trying), BUT... I still find myself reaching for the darn paper towels in the kitchen. I probably need to stick some of the washcloths in my kitchen and maybe I'd use them more.

Your welcome--I've got a million of them.

The flour sack towels work well as they are then and dry quickly.

I use them in the bathrooms too---p-towels for the toilet though.

[AngelWorks]

Originally Posted by hartygirl

In my kitchen I use old rags to clean up and I store one a week (depending on the mess!) on a little towel bar in the cabinet under my sink. That way it can be ugly, out of site and easily reachable! Same in the bathroom. My mom has 2 hand towles one for people and one she wipes the sink out with after each use, OCD I know, but her sinks looked brand new after 30 years of living in her house, when she moved into a 2 year old home the sinks looked awful compared to her old ones!

I use a micro fiber cloth under the bath sinks for the wipe out.

Guess I'm OCD too----of course I am, I do it at other people's houses too. I hate water spots!

[simonandhallie]

Well today was the conference and I am so HAPPY it's over. It has consumed my life these past few weeks The students absolutely LOVED the recycled notebooks and flash drives! I saved a total of $5500 just by reducing paper, ink and marketing!

It was a great success and now I can relax a little~

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by simonandhallie

Well today was the conference and I am so HAPPY it's over. It has consumed my life these past few weeks The students absolutely LOVED the recycled notebooks and flash drives! I saved a total of $5500 just by reducing paper, ink and marketing!

It was a great success and now I can relax a little~

Wow, what a savings, and while some companies aren't that concerned with saving the planet, they are always concerned with saving money. There are so many little things we can do that make a huge amount of difference. What a great example for the students, you got them thinking in more ways than one. Great job!

[AngelWorks]

Originally Posted by simonandhallie

Well today was the conference and I am so HAPPY it's over. It has consumed my life these past few weeks The students absolutely LOVED the recycled notebooks and flash drives! I saved a total of $5500 just by reducing paper, ink and marketing!

It was a great success and now I can relax a little~

That is just awesome!!!!

Big huge kudos to you.

[red98vett]

Originally Posted by simonandhallie

I wanted to share this with everyone because I'm so excited about it! I coordinate the annual student leadership conference at work every year and this year I decided to go "green"! Here are some things I have done:

No Handouts--all students will receive a flash drive with all the handouts, articles, etc. for each session.

I am binding the student notebooks out of recycled paper from dept. offices using old cardboard boxes as covers!

No bottled beverages at lunch (pitchers on the tables) and all of the plates and utensils are 100% recyclable.

All leftover food will be composted!

I am amazed at how much money I have actually saved by following these few ideas Ok I'm super excited and wanted to share!!!!

you go Madame Professor - I remember last years conference - do we get pictures again ?

[Nikki+2]

That is awesome! Congratulations Kimberly!