Since it seldom snows in Texas, let's make this holiday season especially "green":
For all of your holiday shopping, whether it is groceries or gift buying, don't forget to bring your reusable shopping bags with you. Keep them in the car, pin your shopping list to them or put "bags" as the first item on your shopping list. Another option is to ask your children to remind you to bring them into the store.
Replace your furnace filter. A dirty filter makes your furnace work harder, so cleaning or replacing yours can cut your heating costs by as much as five percent. Beyond the savings, clean filters keep dust and mold spores out of your house, which help reduce allergy symptoms. They can also prevent more expensive maintenance work or even the failure of your furnace. Consider a high-quality permanent filter, which may cost $100, but over its lifespan it will save far more than you would spend purchasing disposable filters, which can cost up to $15 each. When replacing a disposable filter, you'll find a range of prices, but the cheapest products will be the least effective. Look for a Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) rating of between 7 and 13, which the EPA says is nearly as effective as a true HEPA filter (which most furnaces cannot use).
Consider replacing your indoor and outdoor lighting with LED holiday lights, which use 90 percent less energy than incandescent ones. LED lights also work for more hours than incandescent bulbs. Note that lead is still used in many light strings, including LEDs, so wash your hands after handling, and keep them away from small children and pets. A timer will ensure that lights are not left on all night by mistake.
Gift giving, from purchase to presentation, can be environmentally friendly. If you aren't sure how to identify "green" products, learn more about eco-labels before you hit the stores. Gifts made from recycled materials, Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood and electronics with the ENERGY STAR seal are usually great choices. If you purchase electronics, be sure to recycle the old ones. Products made locally or found in vintage and antique shops provide another avenue to reduce your carbon footprint by supporting your local economy or purchasing used goods. Reusable products like water bottles, lunch bags and cloth shopping bags are always in style. Don't know what to give the person who has everything? Supporting a favorite charity or cause is a truly thoughtful alternative to trinkets and trifles. If you're new to giving, groups such as Charity Navigator or the American Institute of Philanthropy can help you make informed decisions. There's a charity out there for every interest. If you are purchasing toys, please be sure to consult the Consumer Product Safety Commission for recalls, safety reports or to report a toy-related injury at www.cpsc.gov or 800-638-2772. And finally, wrap your gift in a reusable item, container or bag, or recycled paper products.
If you purchase a fresh tree, be sure it is pesticide free; some growers use 40 different pesticides, as well as chemical colorants. The good news is that there are now a number of tree-farms that sell pesticide-free trees, so ask your local Christmas tree seller, or check out http://www.localharvest.org/ to find organic farms and sources for locally grown food and other products. Furthermore make sure your tree does not end up in the landfill. Many cities offer programs to turn your tree into mulch or wood chips. Call (800) CLEANUP or visit www.earth911.com to find the tree-recycling program near you.
Stop Bullying Now! Welcome to the Stop Bullying Now! Campaign Web site created especially for adults. Here you’ll find resources about bullying awareness, prevention and intervention. No matter how you interact with children and youth, there are many ways you can Take a Stand. Lend a Hand. Stop Bullying Now! Learn more here: stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/
Still have questions about the new booster seat law? Download this updated document (PDF) "New Booster Seat Law Clarified" from Texas DPS Click here to download information (pdf) from Texas Department of Public Safety regarding seatbelt, child's passenger safety seats, and driving law changes.
The "Why" Stopper
For all of you with children who are constantly asking questions, or those of you that are just inquisitive and have a few minutes, call the “Why Stopper” for your kids. This is a phone line that was set up by ConocoPhillips 76 brand. You really need to call it once and listen to it for a few minutes. You might learn a thing or two yourself!
