Plant a tree, green the earth, clean the air, live happily.

Today is Scrabble Day!

Pull out your gameboard – or maybe play a round of Bananagrams!

Part 2 of identify that coworker…

"Everyone thrives most in his or her own unique environment."

-Marilu Henner

Here are a few more glimpses of Technology Services work areas…can you identify these unique environments? Points awarded for participation and accuracy!

And now for today's eco-friendly tip:

Tip #7: Borrow instead of buying.

o Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.

o Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbors while cutting down on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage.

http://www.worldwatch.org/resources/go_green_save_green

Save paper, save trees, save the planet

Just a reminder to
Mark your calendars for two upcoming GROUP EVENTS

'Brown Bag Lunch and Movie Day' is back by popular demand on April 14th and 15th from Noon to 1 o'clock in the Alder Room

We will watch Wall-E: An Adventure Beyond the Ordinar-E! In the distant future, a small waste collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind. After 700 years of doing what he was built for - he'll discover what he's meant for.

And now for today's eco-friendly tip:

Tip # 6:  Think before you buy.

o Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products. Whether you've just moved or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist or FreeSharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items cheaply or for free.

o Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.

o When making purchases, make sure you know what's "Good Stuff" and what isn't.  http://www.worldwatch.org/taxonomy/term/44

o Watch a video about what happens when you buy things.  Your purchases have a real impact, for better or worse.   http://faircompanies.com/ 

We are Greenagers

Just an eco-friendly tip today, as we approach the weekend!:

Tip #5 Skip the bottled water.


o Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.

o Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.

o Check out this short article for the latest on bottled water trends.

This past week's tips have all been from:
http://www.worldwatch.org/resources/go_green_save_green

Save our planet think green.

Today is National Empanada Day…or was that Girl from Ipanema Day??

Here is a participation activity for everyone!

Orson Welles once said:  “Create your own visual style…let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others.”

Here are FIVE samples of “visual styles” found in Technology Services work areas…can you identify the owners? Post your answers! Points awarded for participation and accuracy!

And now for today's eco-friendly tip:

Tip #4 Eat smart.

o If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat costs a lot at the store-and it's even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs.

o Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.

o Watch videos about why local food and sustainable seafood are so great.

o Whatever your diet, eat low on the food chain. This is especially true for seafood.

There is no Planet B.

Today is the much-anticipated-never-to-be-overlooked ‘No Housework Day.’ (I like it!)

Today, in 1949, the musical South Pacific, by Rodgers and Hammerstein, opened on Broadway. Thousands of women vowed to wash that man right out of their hair.

If you have a chance today, take one or both of these short quizzes to find out your eco-rating and get other ideas on how to reduce your eco-footprint.

http://www.conservation.org/act/live_green/Pages/ecofootprint.aspx

http://www.myfootprint.org/

And now for today's eco-friendly tip:

Tip #3: Less gas = more money (and better health!)

o Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.

o Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.

o Lobby your local government to increase spending on sidewalks and bike lanes. With little cost, these improvements can pay huge dividends in bettering your health and reducing traffic.

National Caramel Popcorn Day

Today is National Caramel Popcorn Day – so feel free to join in the CELEBRATION! (Samples on the back counter!) Some exciting April 6th trivia - Twinkies (so lovingly showcased in our upcoming feature movie Wall-E) hit the market 70 years ago today. Apparently the first Twinkies were banana filled.

And now for today's quote and eco-friendly tip:

Don't blow it - good planets are hard to find!

Tip #2: Save water to save money.

o Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.

o Install a low-flow showerhead. They don't cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.

o Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.

o Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in your area.

Go Green!

Go Green!

April is 'Go Green' Month

...with Arbor Day and Earth Day...not to mention National Caramel Popcorn Day!  Network Services is hosting this month's focus on our Core Ideology Purpose Statement, and we have several events and activities planned throughout the month...so don't forget to check your blog!  There will be daily tips to help you Go Green both at home and at work, and a smathering of other things we hope you enjoy.  It is also National Humor Month!  Today is also Dyngus Day. (Check it out - http://holidayinsights.com/other/dyngusday.htm) Monika has verified that this is indeed a true celebration!

Mark your calendars for two upcoming GROUP EVENTS

'Brown Bag Lunch and Movie Day' is back by popular demand on April 14th and 15th from Noon to 1 o'clock in the Alder Room

We will watch Wall-E: An Adventure Beyond the Ordinar-E!  In the distant future, a small waste collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.  After 700 years of doing what he was built for - he'll discover what he's meant for.

And NEW for April is 'Tech Services Games at Noon' - on Wednesday, April 28th - also in the Alder Room!  On the AGENDA - lot of fun as we enjoy a few rounds of 'Apples to Apples.'

And now for today's quote and eco-friendly tip:

When it's bright, turn off the light

The first of Ten Ways to Go Green and Save Green

In the following days, we will present 10 simple things you can do today to help reduce your environmental impact, save money, and live a happier, healthier life.

Tip #1. Save energy to save money.

o Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.

o Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.

o Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts "phantom" or "vampire" energy use.

o Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.

o Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying.