Look At That Package

I found a really helpful blog article over at "Moving at the Speed of Life" about eco-friendly packaging that I thought you might like. It's probably no surprise to you that the extra packaging that comes along with the goods we consume is taking an unnecessary toll. In fact, the EPA estimates that 1/3 of landfill waste comes from product packaging. If that doesn't scream "opportunity for improvement," I don't know what does. Though the amount of packaging that comes with the stuff we buy is not really in our direct control, we do have a great amount of control over how we recycle and reuse these things. The article goes deep on some packaging reduction initiatives being done by Dial and Deer Park bottled water. Other companies, like Method, are also known for their minimalism. Likewise, brands like Ecoist take reusing to a new (and quite fashionable) level. Know of any other brands that have cut down on the packaging they use, or have found an alternative use for excess packaging? Please let us know!

Recycle Your Janky Cell Phone

My poor cell phone is on its last leg. It functions 100%, but the screen gets all weird and fuzzy sometimes and it doesn't flip open with ease as it once did. It's a sad, sad situation for all parties involved. I'm preparing for this unfortunate event by looking for electronics recycling companies. I found this article by Earth2Tech on 5 great places to send your dearly departed or obsolete gadgets.

I'm most interested in SecondRotation and BuyMyTronics.com, because I wouldn't mind getting a little money for my phone. I went through the steps at BuyMyTronics.com, which included giving information on my phone model and its condition. Their calculator estimates that I could receive $49 for my phone. Plus, they give an option to donate the money to a charity of your choice. At SecondRotation, their calculator estimated my phone's value at $41. You have to mail your gadget in yourself, of course, but both sites can send payment through Paypal for a quick, simple turnaround.

Pretty Guffly stuff.

Less Baggage is Better

Just as dating is much better with no baggage, shopping is too. So, I was happy to read over at A Greeniac's World (a blog you should indeed check out when you have the chance) that Ikea is creating less plastic bag waste. It turns out that Ikea is going all the way by completely eliminating plastic bags in their stores. Instead, customers can purchase a reusable bag for $0.59 or choose to not use a bag at all. By eliminating the plastic bag option in its US stores, Ikea is saving the world 70 million wasteful plastic bags a year. Check out the entire article here.

I Heart Free Stuff

Love free stuff? Love free stuff that also happens to be Guffly? Perfect. I have quite the opportunity for you. While browsing the web, as I so often do, I came across a great contest that may just score you some great goodies. Check out The Great Green Giveaway over at Life Goggles. You could win some of the over $3,000 in prizes. There are 5 ways to enter; subscribing to the site's weekly newsletter, leaving comments on articles, blogging about the contest on your own blog, subscribing to the RSS feed, or by answering a short survey. Some of the great prizes include a $50 gift certificate to Simple Shoes, a set of organic male grooming products from Male Organics worth $50, a gift basket full of natural household cleaning products from Green-Kit worth $85, and much more. The contest runs through the rest of this month, so go enter. And, feel free to leave my email address on the entry form...

Good Gossip @ Ecorazzi.com

Not interested in Britney Spears' latest tirade? Or, the details of some politico's kinky sex scandal? Me either. Well, not really. What I would rather hear about are the eco-related things that celebs are doing (and not doing) for the world - and Ecorazzi is just the place to find it.

Ecorazzi is a beautifully designed, firecracker of a blog that caters to the eco-conscious, celebrity gossip lover. Whether you are interested in Natalie Portman's new vegan shoe line or Katie Holmes' alleged CO2 dumping, environment disrespecting, monthly shopping trips to Paris, Ecorazzi keeps you up to date. Plus, the finger snapping, "oh, no she didn't" humor reminds me of one of my dearest friends.

Sure, Ecorazzi appears a bit frivolous on the surface. But, I think they're great because they also support (and encourange their readers to support) organizations that help people and the environment. Some of the organizations they support are Sustainable South Bronx, Kiva, and GlobalGreen - all of which I strongly encourage you to check out.

As you may know, I'm all about action. So, if Ecorazzi helps people make better decisions then more power to "razzing" up the eco-friendly news that goes on everyday.

Plus, who said being guffly can't be fun? That's exactly the point!