PLANETPALS's Open Salon Blog

Thanksgiving Travel Can Be A Gas....Saver

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:11:51 -0500

According to AAA 38.4 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home during Thanksgiving and the weekend, a 1.4 percent increase over last year when 37.8 million traveled for the holiday. That's a lot of gas!

With gas at a premium cost this year and the planet in need of less emissions here are some simple useful tips to help you conserve and cut those costs Thanksgiving and everyday:

Saving gas is a gas!

Travel together in groups to your thanksgiving destination
Plan your trip: Use the most efficient route
Have a local dinner or drop in for neighbors
When preparing for your event combine errands, and trips.
Carpool errands with a friend and you will both save on gas and have fun!
Don't use drive up windows...park and drive in
Service your car it will keep it at peak performance
Go lightly on the gas pedal
Don't pump your brakes
Don't idle for long periods of time
Empty the car and trunk of extra items
Put items in the trunk instead of your roof
Drive 55 mph instead of 65 (you save 15%!)
Don't use your air conditioning
Use your 5th gear whenever possible
Keep your tires properly inflated
Buy a Fuel Saver of some kind
Use the lowest octane gas
Don't rev your engine
Of course walk, bike, bus when you can and save gas altogether!

Planetpals puts an 'E' in your Thanksgiving

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:11:47 -0500

15 great 'E'cology tips to help you make a greener world this holiday!

1. When food and holiday shopping combine trips to save gas and energy

2. Buy in bulk: Use large soda containers instead of many small cans.

3. Bake your pies and dishes in reusable pans not disposable aluminum

4. Cook Many things in your oven at the same time to save energy

5. Light a fire in the hearth to save on energy. Even better, make newspaper logs!

6. Have a cooler with drinks for a large gathering-opening and closing the refridgerator let's the cold air out and uses more energy

7. Have a designated Recycle Bin for guests Use Planetpals Free Recycle Sign

8. Use cloth napkins, placemats and table covers. It not only makes the day more special, it saves paper!

9. Make your own paper place cards and menus. Make them from your own handmade paper. See Planetpals Paper Making Recipe.

10. Make a delicious recipes from those decorative pumpkins, berries and gourds (yes, you can cook some varieties) after the holiday. Don't just throw them away!

11. Recycle your decorations from year to year.

12. Make decorations from recycled materials. this is a great craft for kids.

13. Make paper mache decorations such as paper mache pumpkins. They not only can be reused, you are reusing paper! See Planetpals Paper Mache Recipe.

14. Make decorations from edibles such as fruit and cloves. The options are endless, just use creativity!

15. It takes a lot of energy to make new containers, paper products and packaging. Be diligent in recycling all your newspapers, cans, bottles, plastics, cardboard and other materials.

Always Remember the 4 "R"s. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair!

For more great ideas see this month's Earthzine: Planetpals.com

Top 15 E-Tips for Recycling this America Recycles Day

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:11:06 -0500

15 "E" for "Easy" Tips to Help Your Whole Family Learn Where to Recycle!

It's easy to recycle if you learn some basics.

Get familiar with the recycle center in your town
Use curbside recycling when available
Use bottle, can and plastic bag returns at your store
Compost right in your own back yard
Use Drop off bins for clothing and other items
Find out about recycling drives for non profit groups
Sell items at a yard sale, consignment shop, or through your local publication.
Donate clothes and bedding to a homeless shelter
Donate books to your local library
Donate toys to daycare centers
Donate equipment to schools and organizations in need
Organize a drive of your own at work or school to collect items and sell to a buy back center or donation center
Start a recyle program such as Funding Factory and earn points while you recycle
Buy previously owned items at resale shops and yard sales
Trade with friends!

Learn more about America recycles day on Planetpals November Issue of Earthzine and Planetpals America Recycles Day Page

Planetpals Exhibited at Licensing Asia

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 22:11:58 -0500

Planetpals was exhibited for the second year at Licensing Asia. The show was held Oct 14-16 ,2009 in Tokyo Japan . Planetpals was exhibited along with Sanrio Far East's other properties which include Hello Kitty, AndyWarhol, and Marilyn Monroe.

For licensing Info

America Recycles

Sun, 1 Nov 2009 15:11:41 -0500

Only 15 Days Until America Recycles Day--Planetpals has loads for you to do.

America Recycles Day and Earth Day are couple of our favorite holidays at Planetpals.com. On this 12th anniversary of America Recycles Day, November 15, we have an America Recycles Day Page loaded with handy helpers for you and your kids to learn about recycling and aid you in spreading the word. Each one educational and fun.

You can solve the recycle puzzle, learn from the recycle lesson, construct the recycle chart, as well as sign up for the ARD Contest! These are just a few of the handy helpers available from us for you, your family or classroom.

Get ready to learn what you can do or perhaps what you can do better:

America Recycles Day Activities History Ideas Tips