The Green Frugal

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Over the course of the last twelve weeks, I have learned to be Green. Obviously, the best way to summarize what I’ve learned is to interview myself.

It’s so nice of you to join me today.

Umm, thanks, I guess? What’s this about? Am I in trouble?

No, no. This is about summarizing everything you learned about Green Living. What it means, how it helps the world, and how it makes you a better person.

Oh, okay. So it’s not about the dishes I haven’t washed yet. That’s a relief.

You haven’t washed the dishes?

Let’s not talk about that. Let’s talk about this Green thing. Y’know, how I’m saving the world one recycled paper bag at a time.

You’re so incredibly lazy. Those dishes are from three days ago.

How dare you call me lazy. I learned all about Green living. I couldn’t do that if I was lazy.

Really? Tell me something you learned.

I learned that Farmers Markets have really good food. I got a pulled pork sandwich and popcorn and a fresh squee—

What does that have to do with Green Living?! Do you even know what Green means?

Greens means things are good for the environment. Like recycling. And buying locally grown food. And using a water filter on your faucet instead of buying bottled water. And using wind power. How awesome is wind power? I can’t even see the wind, but it can power my house.

You don’t even have a house. You live in an apartment.

Invisible wind can power that, too!

This interview is getting out of hand.

I have to agree, you’re not a very good interviewer. You didn’t even ask about algae gas. Algae can turn into gas and power your car. Ha.

It’s not exactly gas. Algae is biomass, which has a high amount of carbon dioxide, can be converted into a variety of—

Blah, blah, blah. Cars run on algae. Yeah, I just said that. I don’t need the science lesson, Professor Boring Pants.

I’m not boring!

Whatever. You need to wash dishes, so let’s wrap this up.

Fine. What are your final thoughts on Green Living?

Well, we only have the one planet, so we should take care of it. If we keep ruining the environment, we’ll end up leaving nothing for our kids but a big planet full of junk.

It took you twelve weeks to realize that?

Maybe.

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Last week I spoke with a customer who was raising money for her daughter’s high school grad night.  She came up with a brilliant idea to collect books from students, parents, and teachers.  She would sell the books collected to Cash4Books and deposit the proceeds into a PayPal account she had created for the school.

This got our brains at Cash4Books thinking: what an amazingly green and creative way to get rid of unwanted books and raise money for a great cause! She inspired us to share with you how Cash4Books can help fundraising groups raise money.

However, before you start emailing, texting, tweeting, and changing your facebook status – here are a few things to consider before collecting boxes of books!

Cash4Books may not buy all books.  What we buy can change day-to-day depending on resale values, our current inventory, and market demand.

What kind of books is Cash4Books more likely to buy?

To get started with your fundraising, there are five easy steps.

1. Set up your group’s PayPal* account.  The coordinator of the group shares the PayPal account (email) name with group members.  When each group member registers an account on Cash4Books, they choose PayPal as their payment preference and then they enter the group’s PayPal email at the bottom of the Cash4Books registration form. Each group member must register with their own Cash4Books account, but the PayPal email is what is common across all group members.
2. Second, each group member types in ISBNs, of their books to donate, into the box on the Cash4Books.net homepage.  They do this from their own home computer, at their own convenience. They will get a price quote for each book we are buying.
3. Third, each group member chooses their own FREE shipping method.  Cash4Books will provide everyone with prepaid shipping labels, so there is no cost to the group or group members! If any of your group members to not have a printer at home, we have a solution for that too–they simply contact us and request free shipping labels be mailed to them.
4. Fourth, group members pack and ship their books to us. The group coordinator may optionally help facilitate this process by providing boxes. Read our FAQ for suggestions on where to find boxes.
5. Five, Cash4Books receives and inspects the books, and then deposits payment into your group’s PayPal account within three business days.

For questions, special requests or considerations please contact us.

This method of having group members enter their ISBNs from their own home computer is generally preferable to the alternative method (not described here) of having a book drive and a single point drop-off location. This is because book drives tend to get older books that are in low demand, which decreases the chance that Cash4Books will buy them. For more information, read our blog article “Why didn’t Cash4Books want to buy my book?“.

* As an alternative to PayPal, Cash4Books can also issue a check to your group by sharing the name and address field across group members in the registration process.

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If you remember my last post, I was freaking out about petroleum oil because it’s ubiquitous in our culture and it’s not great for the environment. So, I went digging for more information on Wikipedia (and I hoped it was all true). It turned out that smart people had discovered an alternative to petroleum and that alternative is plants.

Yes, plants. Those green things that stick out of the ground can be converted into biofuel. The most familiar form of biofuel is Ethanol, a type of alcohol.  Across the world, it’s added to gasoline and used as fuel for automobiles. Here in America, most Ethanol is produced from corn, but other countries use other sources (Brazil uses sugar cane). Unfortunately, corn is not the most efficient crop to use as a source for ethanol, partially because only the kernels are used.

So, a lot of scientists are researching the production of ethanol and biofuel. While some researchers study using different sources–like using entire plants, not just the seeds—other researchers focus on different methods for creating biofuel. One of the hopeful sources of biofuel is algae.

Since algae grows quickly and in many different climates, it is an ideal source for biofuel. They have more biomass that can be converted into fuels. In addition, the algae can be used to create biodiesel, biobutanol, biogasoline, methane, and jet fuel. And that doesn’t even include the other chemicals that can be derived from oil.

It’s neat to think there is a good, sustainable alternative to petroleum. And while a lot of the technology to create biofuel is in its infant stage, it’s nice to think that the technology will only get better with time.

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Recently my wife and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary. It was my year to plan (she plans the even years, and I plan the odd years).  With three kids, two of which are still in diapers, getting a sitter is both challenging and expensive.  So, this year instead of going out, I decided to try and create a little magic in our living room after the kids went to bed.  Here is a picture I took of our anniversary dinner, right before I escorted her into the room. Think also of some soft piano music playing in the background:

Now I know the ladies are thinking, “this is great and easy to do”.  And, the guys out there are probably thinking, “impossible”. Well, you’re in luck, because I’m going to give you the step by step guide to creating some romantic magic at home (and you don’t even have to tell your significant other that you read how to do this online).  To take it a step further, why not surprise your significant other with this?

Let’s start with your shopping list. Keep in mind that you may already have some of this stuff around the house, or you could borrow from a friend, or you may find most of it at your local thrift store.  I think it is definitely feasible to keep it a cheap date night but at the same time very special and romantic:

1. A round table with two chairs. Yes, you could do this with a square table, but round is a nicer touch I think.
2. A round table cloth and some cloth napkins.
3. Two wine glasses or champagne flutes (the flute style is shown in the photo).
4. Piano songs (12-15 songs should do). This could be done via an iPod if you have a way to put your iPod on speakers. Or, a portable CD boombox will work just fine. Whichever way you go, make sure to put the music on REPEAT.
5. If this is for something special, such as an anniversary, be sure to pick up a card and gift while you are out as well. Flowers perhaps too?
6. Wine or champagne. Recommendation for Oregonians: If you are ever in Seaside, Oregon, pickup a couple bottles of Centive Moscato D’asti from The Wine Haus. It is a really great lightly carbonated sweet white wine.
7. Corkscrew to open the wine, if you don’t already own one.
8. Candle holder and candle(s).
9. Card stock or some other heavy paper.
10. Optional: special plates and special flatware to make the evening even more special. I went with two dinner plates, plus two smaller salad plates.  Also, matching bowls for dessert can work great too.

Putting it all together:

• The food–OK, first I’m going to admit that I cheated a bit and ordered the ravioli and bread sticks from Olive Garden. I drove and picked it up a couple hours before our dinner date started. But, the salad and dessert I made myself. Don’t forget about dessert! Anything with chocolate is usually a good choice for dessert.
• If you purchased flatware, glasses, and/or plates, be sure to wash them. This can be done a day or two ahead of time.
• Sign the card and wrap the gift (if applicable). Again, do this a few days ahead of time and cross it off your list!
• Make a menu. Remember that card stock paper from #9 above? Type out the night’s menu (and activities?)  and print it out. Put two copies out on the table.
• Choose a napkin fold for your cloth napkins and learn how to do it.
• The finish line: Put out the table cloth, folded napkins, flatware, glasses, and menu. Light the candle(s), pull the cork, fill the glasses, put dinner on the table, and get the music playing softly. Escort him or her into the room for a surprise and a special evening together.

Have other ideas for how to create a romantic dinner date at home? Be sure to leave a comment! Thank you.

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In this digital age, I have found I take hundreds of photos each year – all which end up stored on my hard drive never to see the light of day. Rather than let my memories remain zipped up in files on my computer, I have found a creative and economical way to not only put these photos to good use, but share my experiences with friends and family.

Each year I take my favorite ten photos and create personalized stationery as gifts for the special people in my life. It is a lot more simple than you think, and definitely cheaper than buying the same thing in the store. Not to mention, the store won’t carry photos of your trips, hikes and family get-togethers!

Turn your photos into personalized stationery with the following steps…

First, choose 6-10 of your favorite photos. I recommend an even number, as two photos easily fit on an 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper.

Next, create a template for each note card in a Microsoft Word Document.

1. Change the page setup to ‘landscape.’
2. Insert two of your favorite photos from files into the document. Adjust the margins so that the images appear at the bottom of the page, side by side.
3. These will serve as the cover of  your stationery.
4. Complete this task for the rest of your photos.

When it comes to printing…

1. If you decide to print from a home computer, I suggest using a semi-gloss cardstock with a matte backing. The glossy finish will really dress up your photos, and the matte backing will ensure you are able to write on the stationery.
2. If you do not have the ability to print from home, I recommed saving a copy of each template on a USB flash drive or memory stick. Your local Kinkos or printing store will be able to make copies for you. In this case,  have them print one master copy of each template, and use this master to make copies on a color printer. This will save lots of time and money!!!

 Finally, once the prints have been made, all that is necessary is to cut the cards and fold them.

1. Cut along the solid line to create two cards per page.
2. Fold along the dotted line for a fold over stationery card.

My favorite part of creating stationery and postcards? Getting them back in the mail over the years! Good luck with your projects!