A Camp Fire Collaboration

 Last Thursday, the TfP team had an awesome afternoon hanging out with middle-school students in the local after-school Camp Fire chapter. And I can't lie to you, it was all fun and games! Over two separate sessions, we implemented our Trash for Peace curriculum that incorporates fun icebreakers and discussions to illustrate the importance of reducing, reusing, and then recycling. The students then had a month to prepare a design for the painting and construction of two recycle bins out of "trash;" one large bin made out of plastic bottles and a mini-bin made with bottle caps!

The students making holes in the bottle caps for the mini-bin.

Excitement filled the goggle-protected eyes of students as they used the power tools.

But we found out the best part during our 2nd session; the students had conducted surveys and gathered more information to create a display in the hallway of their school to show the importance of taking care of the environment in regards to waste. We were absolutely thrilled!

Be sure to check out our facebook for more photos of painting and assembling the bin and of course, the finished bin! Trash for Peace couldn't have had such a successful event without the partnership of NGO Long Way Home and Camp Fire Columbia, so a grand thank you to them! We're excited to work with these organizations in the future and more schools.

Forever Young

You're never too old to play with paint (and recycled materials)! And that is exactly what we learned last Wednesday evening from our guests at the Recycled Crafts night for Lake Oswego's Sustainability Action Month. Our creativity soared while we rolled up our sleeves, cut cardboard, envisioned, painted, glued and sipped on soda (from aluminum cans, of course!) as the projects dried. These ladies taught the TfP team a thing or two as we chatted about the paint colors, where to glue a jewel and how great these crafts would also be for kids. Take a look at our craft fun!

Caught in a moment of concentration, these ladies are creating their vision.

Choosing a nice, bright color scheme of teal, pink and green flowers.

She created a 3-D sunflower bookmark! Complete with coffee bean seeds.

Learn more about Lake Oswego's Sustainability Action Month events here.

Why is bottled water bad?

We found this awesome infographic breaking down the negatives of bottled water. And these are just the basic numbers. It is astonishing (and appalling!) to find out how much we, as Americans, spend on bottled water when large amounts of oil use and waste created far outweigh the benefits of a bottle of water. Spread the word and remember your reusable water bottle! Find a larger version of the infograhic at http://www.onlineeducation.net/bottled_water.

Earth Week 2012: Trashy Fashion

Whew, what a crazy Earth Week it was! The TfP team kept busy with bin-building events throughout the week, always keeping Laura's trunk full of recycled cabinets, nails, bike tire tubing, drill bits and of course loads of empty plastic bottles. We constructed bins with students and the Sustainability Leadership board members on PSU campus on Wed. and Fri. afternoons in between classes. TfP members also braved the wet, chilly weather Saturday morning at PCC for yet another bin build. Look for our photos on facebook!

But we must highlight another event at PSU's campus on Friday afternoon, the Trashion Show, where students designed, created and sewed fabulous dresses from trash! Here is the lovely Laura modeling a strappy, summer dress made completely of Chinook book coupons. Just in time for the sunshine!

Now, who doesn't think upcycling is sexy?!

What does your trash can look like today?

Happy Earth Week! It's only the beginning of a week-long celebration of TfP's favorite holiday, Earth Day. Not only does this day represent our appreciation for our Earth's natural beauty but also a chance to spread our mission by encouraging others to reduce waste and think about environmental concerns. Now I have to admit, just these past couple of months of working with TfP have increased my awareness of waste in general and trash bins in particular. Yes, I do look at trash and recycle bins throughout my day. And I know the other TfP team members do too!

I was exploring last week and came across the restaurant, Little Big Burger, set up like a fast-food burger place with a Portland twist. I noticed that all the food came wrapped in brown paper or compostable cups AND that no trash can existed in the place. Here's proof:

And I promise the fourth bin says compost too! Could I really have asked a person to move from my photo of compost bins?

Now I do understand that there still a lot (and I mean, A LOT) of compostable material still being produced, processed and thrown into these bins. Without going further into those complications, I just want to say how interesting of a concept that it to not have a trash can in a restaurant. How bizarre! So let's all pretend that trash cans don't exist this week. (And longer!) What would you do with that granola bar wrapper? Or plastic bag that veggies were in?

It's quite the concept. Share your ideas with us on how you are reducing your carbon footprint this Earth week.

The no-plastic Easter

Happy Easter everyone! It's a meaningful holiday in our lives but also a holiday full of plastics and non-sustainable practices. TfP wants to share our ideas on how to easily change Easter into a green celebration.

1. We can make our own cardboard eggs! Just cut the top off of a cardboard egg carton. Cut the bottom part into 6 sections, each containing two egg cups. Decorate the outsides with marker, paint, crayons or whatever you desire. Fill one side with candies. Fold the second side over to close and attach with a twist-tie or tape. Volia! Recyclable eggs. And ones that can be easily hidden for children to find.

2. Instead of buying a plastic basket, invest in a wicker basket. These can be found inexpensively at flea markets or vintage shops and can be found in unique shapes! If these baskets are discarded, they break down much easier than plastic.

3. Layer the basket with fabric, a cloth napkin, rafia, tissue paper, torn newspaper...the possibilities are endless! Just please don't buy plastic grass when there are so many other options available.

4. Fill with goodies! Instead of commercial candy, try a local chocolate shop for homemade treats that aren't packaged in plastic. You could also add items such as craft projects, books, gardening gloves and seeds, bathing suits for fast-approaching summer.

We also want to hear your creative ideas! Share with us what you are doing for this sustainable Easter.

Spring cleaning: vinegar is in the air!

Ahh, Spring at last! The birds are chirping, the sun is staying out longer and the flowers are starting to bloom. But there is still that layer of dark winter looming around the house. Instead of using toxic chemicals to do your spring cleaning, make your own eco-friendly products. You can lighten, brighten and freshen up your home with three simple products: vinegar, baking soda and lemon.

Vinegar

• Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water to make an all-purpose cleaner for kitchen counters, bathroom tops and tile floors.
• Pour vinegar around the rim of the toilet bowl and scrub to remove rings
• Add a couple teaspoons to a spray bottle for a great window cleaner

Baking soda:

• Sprinkle a little baking soda and water on dirt, mildew, grease and rust stains. Scrub to form a paste and quickly remove the grime!
• Shake baking soda on the carpet before vacuuming to deodorize smells.

Lemon:

• Pour lemon juice on white linens and clothes and dry in the sun to bleach away stains
• Cut a lemon in half, sprinke with salt and use to clean and shine brass and copper fixtures

Mix it up, our favorite!

• Add lemon juice to vinegar and/or baking soda for a super trifecta all-purpose cleaner!
• Add a 1/2 cup of vinegar or 1/2 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle instead of a fabric softener
• Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down drain, followed by 1/2 cup white vinegar and close drain. Wait 15 min. then pour 1 gallon of hot water down drain to remove buildup.

So open up the windows, grab an old tshirt to use as a rag and get to mixing up your very own cleaning concoction!