Every little thing we do to help the earth is worthwhile. Recycling, reducing the amount of resources we use, and composting are awesome. Intentionally reducing our plastic use adds up. Wasting less food is key. But, unfortunately, because of time sensitivity, we need more than just individual action. We need public policy change.

One public policy change is implementing a carbon fee so the polluters pay for unfairly warming the earth. Pricing carbon will help speed up our transition to a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. It’s a similar idea to when there was a cigarette tax started when they found out how bad smoking was for people’s health.

If you want to help, go to your senators and representatives “contact” page on their website and send them a message letting them know you care about reversing global warming ASAP and that you would support pricing carbon.

Other issues to mention would be giving credits for purchasing electric vehicles and/or renewable energy, etc. as well as ensuring our country continues to have a strong Environmental Protection Agency.

Are there any other environmental issues you’d recommend reaching out to our representatives about? In the meantime, while we’re waiting for our government to act, we’ll keep using our leftover water to water our plants. Or maybe that’s just me. (=

~Carrie

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With the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea starting on February 9th, I wanted to share some world trivia.

First, about half of the 197 countries have a qualifying team participating in the 2018 Winter Olympics. Last I checked, the exact number was 92 qualifying countries.

Second, did you know there are some countries where the capital city is the same name as the country name?

Here are the five countries:

Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Monoco, Monoco

San Marino, San Marino

Singapore, Singapore

Vatican City, Vatican City

Enjoy watching the Olympics! My favorite has always been ice skating. Hopefully I can make time to watch some this year.

~ Carrie

If this kind of trivia interests you or your kiddos, I have a World Capitals resource:

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Here are a couple of easy gift ideas to give cash at the holidays. I love giving cash because it’s a great eco-friendly option!

Mini Stockings with “Coffee Fund” Written on Them (or whatever kind of “fund” you want)

We did this last year for a few different friends and family members. I found the mini stockings at the Dollar Store. It shows the recipient that you know what kinds of treats they enjoy. Wrap it up in a little box and you’re good to go.

A few ideas for different kinds of funds:

Coffee Fund

BBQ Fund

Wine Fund

Beer Fund

Book Fund

Movie Fund

“Play-doh”

Put cash into an old play-doh container and wrap. I first saw this idea shared by About Family Crafts on Pinterest. They also put a little note on the lid saying “Enjoy some extra dough!”

Do you like to give and/or receive cash as a gift?

Happy Holidays, everyone!

~ Carrie

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How can we make our holidays even more earth-friendly? Just by the fact that you clicked on this article, I’m guessing you already try to live as sustainably as possible.

Twelve ways to make your holidays even more green:

Shopping

1. Choose gifts that have less plastic and less packaging.

2. Remember your reusable bag and keep extra reusable bags in your vehicle.

3. Purchase from companies that show they care about the earth- Patagonia, Ikea, Nike, Coca Cola, just to name a few that have been listed as “Most Eco-Friendly Companies”.

4. Shop locally when possible.

5. Try to give gifts that don’t require batteries.

 

Wrapping Gifts

6. Buy the individual tape rolls that can be refilled into a tape dispenser.

7. Reuse wrapping supplies, such as gift bags, bows, and ribbons, and/or reuse brown paper bags to wrap some gifts.

 

Gatherings

9. If people want to know what gift they could give you, ask for gift cards or a food or drink you like, etc.

10. If you’re hosting, use real silverware and as few disposable products as possible.

11. Focus on experiences and fun memories like playing games, baking cookies, and being in the present moment. Give the “gift” of joking around without the recipients even realizing that was your plan.

12. Create new, earth-friendly traditions with your family and friends. Try a white elephant exchange in which guests bring an item from their house that they don’t want anymore and get a few laughs as guests “steal” each others treasures.

Do you already do some of these eco-friendly holiday ideas?

Best of luck as you maneuver through one of the busiest, most magical times of year!

~Carrie

p.s. I enjoy posting on Instagram. Follow me there by searching “my book boost”.

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I have given this unique women’s gift to many of my friends and family. I had seen the idea in a magazine years ago, and they are so useful!

It’s a jewelry roll. You can put any sort of jewelry inside the zippered pouches, including earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings. I like the styles with see-through pockets, which makes it easy to find what you need.

Jewelry rolls are so nice for traveling, whether it’s just for a weekend or a longer trip. If you like to get your holiday shopping done early, I’d recommend picking up one of these for the ladies on your list. And don’t forget one for yourself as well.

How do you keep your jewelry easy to find and untangled while you’re traveling?

~ Carrie

p.s. Keep this in mind for a useful graduation gift as well.

Here are a few holiday resources found in my TPT store:

If you’re not familiar with TPT, it’s an awesome marketplace where you can find free or priced educational downloads. Great for teachers, homeschoolers, and parents!