Posts Tagged ‘eco-friendly tips’

Seven Tips for Honoring Earth Day

It’s that time again, and while most people love trick-or-treating or spreading yuletide cheer, we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate our favorite holiday of the year – Earth Day! 

Earth Day is a time to celebrate the planet, raise awareness about our need to protect it, and reflect on what we can do to show our respect. 

This year, we challenge you to go beyond contributing just one day this year. We want you to change a habit (or a few!) to take care of our planet all year long.

Turn off the lights. 

It’s pretty simple – if you leave a room and no one else is there, turn off the lights. If your done watching television, turn it off. Being mindful of your electricity usage is one of the simplest things you can do to protect our Earth. So, shut them off, pull back the curtains and let that natural sunlight pour into your home.

Decrease water usage. 

Believe it or not, leaving the water on while brushing your teeth wastes 5 gallons of water a day – yikes! It’s a small thing to remember, but so important that we all do it together because it makes a huge impact. 

Also, be aware of any leaky toilets in your home. Leaks can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day, so pay attention to your bathrooms and ensure everything is working correctly.

Go paperless. 

Does your bank offer paperless services? It may be time to give it a try. Receiving banking statements online means you’ll still get a statement every month, and you can review older statements at any time. Trust us; once you try paperless, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do this a long time ago!

Fortunately, there are many places where you can opt-out of paper. Some of those areas include:

  • Sign up for email billing statements and online digital payments.
  • Request no receipts at grocery stores and Fast-Food restaurants. 
  • Utilize apps for keeping a calendar and creating a to-do list.
  • Consider switching your favorite print media to an online version. 

[Want to know about recycling paper at the office? Click here!]

Avoid plastic when possible. 

It might be easy to buy bottles of water in bulk for your family, but it’s not good for the environment. All those empty bottles pile up in landfills, which release greenhouse gases. 

Want to know a secret? Bottled water is treated tap water, so why not invest in a filter to treat your water? They’re not expensive and overall will save you money compared to your monthly bottled water expanse.

Start composting. 

Composting is an excellent way to give back to the planet, and it’s fun to get the whole family involved to reach a common goal. There is a misconception that food simply breaks down in a landfill without any issue. However, those veggie scraps from that salad you made will rot and produce methane gas if not composted.

There are several ways to compost but if you don’t have a garden, try collecting your food scraps and keeping them in the freezer during the week. When you’re ready, bring the leftovers to your local farmer’s market if they have a compost station. You can also ask your local natural foods store if they compost.

Take electronics to a recycling center. 

Do you have old cell phones, computer parts, cords, headphones, and other electronics sitting somewhere collecting dust? Electronic waste is becoming the biggest category of trash globally, so gather your unused techy items and bring them to the nearest recycling center.

Green up your commute.

The ability to drive a car to any destination is convenient but not so great for the Earth. Each day you leave your vehicle at home, you’re saving over 750 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions each year! Try other means of getting to your destination, such as carpooling, public transit, biking, or walking. In addition to saving the Earth – you will be saving money! 

Earth Day is about enjoying and appreciating the world around us. This Earth Day take a moment to remember why our planet is worth protecting and start giving back to our Earth every day. 

We hope you try some of our tips above and discover new ways to help our world. For more ideas, Carolina Fibre is here to help. Check out our blog for more information, or contact us today! 

Six Tips for Getting Your Eco-Friendly Garden Ready for Spring

The temperatures are rising, the birds are chirping, and the buds are blooming. Spring is almost here! It’s time to get ready for the upcoming season and prepare your garden. While working to create a beautiful and spring ready garden, you can also help to create a more beautiful planet.

You might not realize it, but gardeners play a crucial role in developing a healthy eco-system. In fact, eco-gardening can even impact energy use, reduce common waste and slow down climate changes. It’s time for you to play a part in this amazing environmental impact movement! There are various ways to create a more self-sustaining environment within your very own yard that can have an incredibly positive impact on the world around us. Here are a few tips on how to make your very own eco-friendly garden!

Bugs are not the enemy. 

I think most of us can agree that some insects are downright scary. Who doesn’t scream when they see a cockroach crawling across their kitchen floor? And who doesn’t jump when a spider is spotted on their desk? However, not all bugs are the enemy!

Many bugs can enhance the sustainability of our earth and your home garden. For instance, ladybugs, lacewings, and even ground beetles help reduce the population of bugs harmful to your plants. They play a part in eating aphids (small bugs that suck the sap and nutrients from plants). Let the “good guy” help you reduce the risk and damage that could happen to your gorgeous garden.

The early bird gets the worm.

The good bugs can’t handle all those nasty bugs on their own. They need a little help from their friends. With regard to defeating those slimy snails, caterpillars, and grubs – birds are there to step in and save the day!

These guardians of nature feed on the wormy creatures that tend to destroy your blooms. It’s time to put up bird feeders around your garden to encourage more visits from our beloved bird friends.

Celebrate the natives.

Native plants are those plants that grow naturally in your region, and we should celebrate them! It’s easier to grow and sustain these plants because they’re already suited to your region’s soil and climate. Some Native North Carolina plants include: 

  • Wood-Anemone
  • Carolina Lupine
  • Eastern Blue Star

Native plants will require less effort and even less water to maintain and grow. Additionally, by growing native plants, you will also help preserve the birds and insects in your area by providing food and shelter for them. Ask the local gardening experts about the native plants in your area for more information.

[Check out this post if you want to know other ways to help the environment!]

Keep it diverse.

Healthy gardens tend to be healthiest when filled with a diverse mix of plants. Also, combining specific complementary plans can even enhance growth. Growing a tall plant, such as sunflowers, can naturally provide shade for those sensitive to the bright UV rays.

Consider which plants you want to live in your garden because some plants can hinder others’ vitality. Do your research before planting so that you don’t risk the deterioration of plants in your garden.

Keep composting cool.

Although you can quickly run by Lowe’s to buy dirt, why not participate in composting for creating your soil? Composting is not only simple, but it is also becoming more and more common.

Plus, it provides additional nutrients that your garden needs to grow. Set up a composting bin in your yard, save money at the local gardening store, and protect the environment!

Remember the 3 Rs. 

Reduce, reuse, and recycle – our three favorite “R” words! Yes, it’s easy to use everyday packaging for your plants, but why not recycle your plastic bottles and use them to enhance your garden?

Protect your seeds with those used water bottles by cutting off the base and placing them around your future blooms. Or reuse your recycled plastic a make a DIY watering can for your thirsty crops.

Developing an eco-friendly environment this spring will not only brighten up your home garden but will also play a huge role in making Mother Nature healthy and beautiful. Home gardening promotes a healthier environment and sustainability. Sustainability is all about implementing good habits to help our planet.

At Carolina Fibre Corporation, we believe in sustainability, whether it’s gardening, composting, or recycling.

Five Tips to Make Your Holidays a Little Greener This Year

It’s getting colder (though not as cold as it should be here in Eastern North Carolina), the days are shorter, and nights longer. The holidays are here and with it an opportunity to have fun while creating an environmentally friendly celebration.

Make your holidays joyous in spirit and gentle on the environment with these five tips from Carolina Fibre!

Be conscious of gift wrapping.

When it comes to wrapping those gifts, consider natural, renewable materials over the shiny and metallic gift wrap. Newspaper, cotton, and woods are excellent options that add charming character and a personal touch to your gifts.

Sift through your Sunday paper and find stories that resonate with each gift recipient. For example, comics for the family clown, a sports story for the sports enthusiast in your friend group. Grab pages from old, worn-out, or damaged books for the co-worker who loves to read and write, or various advertisements from an old magazine for the marketer in your life. Old greeting cards are an innovative replacement for gift tags. According to a study at Stanford University, if every family wrapped just three presents in reused materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields.

Do holiday lights right.

Recent research shows that if everyone replaced their conventional holiday light strings with LEDs, at least two billion kilowatt-hours of electricity could be saved in a month. So, it goes without saying: at home, in the office, and around the tree, make it a point to use LED holiday lights.

They’re more energy-efficient and will save you money on your electricity bill this season!

Decorate with items found in nature.

Avoid buying cheap plastic items that fall apart easily, cannot be recycled, and take up space in landfills. Using green plants and fresh flowers, fruits, pinecones, and evergreens for home decorating are creative and stylish ways to protect the environment.

Natural holiday decor saves money and provides organic beauty. Green holiday decorating ideas are simple and classic, plus they create more time to enjoy the festive season and relax with family and friends.

Compost when the celebrations are over.

When the holiday season is over, try composting your pine garlands, dried up wreaths, and other flower arrangements.

Unlike fake Christmas trees, real trees are recyclable or compostable – so go real this year. If you already have a compost heap, your tree will have a happy home. Tree branches provide a generous base layer for composting. In both cases, chop the tree into smaller, more manageable sections, and add to your compost bin. If you don’t have a compost pile, some cities will convert your tree to mulch for free, which is fabulous for your garden later in the year.

[Click here for more Christmas tree recycling ideas!]

Set an earth-friendly table this year.

The leading cause of deforestation, and another massive source of greenhouse gas emission, is agriculture. The choices you make when you’re at the grocery store can help you reduce your agricultural carbon footprint.

Meat intake is an excellent place to start; just by slightly reducing your meat consumption, you can help reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions. You can also be environmentally conscience when the meal is over by:

  • Saving scraps.
  • Distributing leftovers.
  • Utilizing your freezer.

Make this holiday season one to remember by creating new traditions with your loved ones, saving the planet, and having a blast by bringing these earth savvy and festive projects to life!

What steps has your family or workplace taken to green the holiday season? We’d love to hear; let us know on our Facebook page.

Seven Tips for Greening up Your Travels

There is no disputing that travel is great for our economy. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the travel industry is one of the world’s most powerful as it supplies 10 percent of the world’s jobs, at 313 million worldwide.

Unfortunately, it comes with some adverse side effects, like tourists putting a strain on cities, environmental degradation, litter, and fossil fuels by major airlines.

With global travel mostly on pause during the Covid-19 pandemic, a sizeable drop-in travel has helped heal our planet.

But is it possible to have the best of both worlds? A strong economy, millions of jobs, and healthy Earth? Now is an excellent time to re-think our travel with our planet in mind. Check out these seven tips to help you stay on top of your green game, even during your globe-trotting adventures!

Book non-stop flights.

Filling your car with fuel is one thing, but have you ever stopped to think about how much a plane uses just to get off the ground? By booking a non-stop flight, you can help conserve some of that valuable fuel.

Just as it happens with cars, taking off and landing takes more energy than cruising along at high altitudes does. So, when you take a direct, non-stop flight instead of hopping onto multiple planes that have to start and stop, you’re actually helping to ensure that the minimal amount of fuel is being used for the duration of your trip. Plus, who doesn’t want to avoid the stress of making connecting flights?

Utilize sustainable accommodations.

Did you know that many hotels have adopted green policies to cut down on the amount of waste that vacationers tend to accumulate? Many of them will advertise these measures on their websites to become familiar with them before you even arrive at your destination. 

Instead of booking a high-end hotel full of every amenity, try staying somewhere that guarantees a lighter carbon footprint. There are tons of “green” and “eco” hotels out there that try to balance comfortable and luxurious accommodations with sustainability.

Bring reusable bottles, containers, and bags.

Instead of using disposable trash bags to store your dirty laundry on a trip, use a reusable laundry storage bag. This will keep any worn and dirty clothes from contaminating your clean clothes, and you won’t have to waste a garbage bag and contribute to the landfills. 

Be sure to grab a reusable water bottle for your travels as well. It will be especially handy for while you’re traveling. And it’s not just to keep plastic out of landfills; over a lengthy trip, the cost of buying disposable water bottles every time you get thirsty can really add up! Bringing your own along saves you the trouble of repeat purchases and keeps trash cans a few ounces lighter. So, when you’re putting together a packing list, make sure you include a reusable water bottle – for both the environment and your wallet.

[Need some green ideas for road tripping- click here!]

Eat and drink locally.

Eat and drink locally to support the community or country that you’re visiting and consume food items that didn’t have to travel far before reaching your plate.

If meals come prepared with local ingredients, think about all the carbon that’s saved when putting together breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Limit energy use and conserve water

Long, steamy showers are the perfect way to scrub off a long day of travel. Still, travelers’ staggering amount of energy and water negatively impacts locals much more than most tourists realize. 

Ask your hotel about their water conservation approach and what you can do to minimize your impact; it should be much more than washing fewer towels.

Linens and things

Speaking of washing towels, you wouldn’t change your sheets and bath towels every day at home, so why do it on vacation? Request that your sheets and linens not be changed out every day to save on water and other resources expended during each load of laundry. 

Most hotels have a housekeeping system anyway, so it’s a simple matter of conveying your request in the right way.

Leave a place better than you found it.

Communities need travelers more than ever, so while you are traveling, make a goal to contribute to the community and leave it better than you found it. So, soak in as much of the local flavor as you possibly can! It is a great way to experience a new place and doing so can help cut down on the pollution and waste products in that region.

Some other things you can do include: 

  • Cleaning up after yourself and minimizing your impact.
  • Clean up after others. For example, if you go to the beach for the day, remove all your trash and make a vow to take away four to five extra pieces of litter that you find. 
  • Support local causes that interest you. We know it’s your vacation, but setting aside a half a day to do something good is amazing for the travelers’ soul. 
  • Donate what you don’t need.

There are many simple ways we can give the planet its own sort of vacation while you’re off sightseeing and exploring. Stay tuned to our blog for more eco-friendly and sustainable life tips! 

Why Recycling and Using Recycled Paper at the Office is so Important

There has been a lot of discussion about reducing our American workplaces’ footprint, but unfortunately, statistics show that U.S. companies continue to be huge contributors to environmental destruction. Pollution, climate change, waste in waterways, and deforestation are just some of the environmental degradation that comes from our corporations. Many of those contributions are in the form of discarded paper.
But why does saving trees matter, and why should American companies care? Let’s explore the many benefits of using recycled paper and how we can help our earth by initiating a paper recycling program at your office.
The benefits of recycling paper and using recycled paper.
When your office recycles and uses recycled paper, you help promote a more sustainable corporate climate and a healthier earth for decades to come. Among other benefits, recycling your paper and using recycled paper may:

  • Save forests and reduce environmental degradation.
  • Reduce landfill waste.
  • Reduce pollution.
  • Save energy.

Keep reading to find out how these can help your business and our environment!
Save forests and reduce environmental degradation. 
Recycling paper allows your used paper to be repurposed. This article from Small Biz Trends shows that paper products can typically be recycled into additional paper products seven times before the materials start to degrade. This highlights how recycling dramatically reduces the need for raw materials needed to make new paper products.
Many people think saving trees isn’t a huge concern since it’s always possible to plant more trees. However, not only is this a misconception, but healthy forest eco-systems are essential for preventing soil erosion, sustaining healthy waterways, and maintaining wildlife habits. Over-managing our forests disrupts these processes that are vital to our eco-system. Even when trees are replanted, it can take forests decades to recover.
Research shows that almost half of the trees cut down in the U.S. are headed for paper production. By utilizing recycled paper and recycling your office’s paper products, you can help reduce these numbers and maintain healthier forests.
Reduce landfill waste.
Our American landfills are growing every day. Because they are so full, they are taking up large parcels of land and destroying essential natural resources. Waste dumps are also significant emitters of methane gas, one of the primary gases proven to be responsible for climate change.
By using recycled paper and recycling our paper, we can help slow the rate at which our landfills are filling up and the number of greenhouse gases generated by them.
Reduce pollution
The paper production procedure is a crucial contributor to environmental pollution. While using recycled paper doesn’t completely reverse these effects, it does greatly diminish them. Recycling paper also limits the amount of pollution that ends up in our waterways.
Saves energy.
According to an article in the Printing News, the energy needed to produce paper from raw materials is almost double what it takes to make paper from recycled paper.
Supporting paper recycling results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions and reduces the drain on energy resources.
[Need some tips on encouraging sustainability in the classroom? Click here!]
Recycling paper can save your business money!
On top of all the environmental benefits, recycling your paper and utilizing recycled paper can save your company a lot of money in the long run.

  • Investing in paper recycling may make your office eligible for tax credits.
  • Utilizing recycled paper can help your company gain approval among clients, who are demanding that brands take steps to limit their footprints.
  • Purchasing recycled paper drives up demand for these materials, which reduces the cost of recycling as the industry invests in the necessary infrastructure to meet demand.
  • Choosing sustainable options such as recycled paper will push down the cost of these goods. As resources grow scarcer, the price of paper goods will skyrocket. Investing in recycling now can help keep the cost of paper more reasonable over the long term.

How to set up a paper recycling program at your office. 
Now that you know all the recycling paper benefits, it’s time to put that new knowledge to good use by initiating an office paper recycling program. Here are a few tips to get started:

  • Designate an office “green team.”
  • Use a waste audit kit to determine the volume of your waste.
  • Research collection options.
  • Identify what to collect.
  • Select appropriate recycling bins.
  • Use images to so your team can quickly identify each bin.
  • Contact a professional recycling company like Carolina Fibre! At Carolina Fibre, we offer extensive recycling services, including paper, plastic, and aluminum recycling, and confidential shredding. Our confidential shredding service ensures your company is protected against identity theft and the divulgence of private information by complete destruction of company records. Once the information is shredded, we send a certificate of destruction for all materials destroyed.

Not only does investing in recycled paper provide your office with some immediate benefits, but it’s also simply the right thing to do when it comes to preserving the natural resources relied on by everyone.
By knowing the facts, engaging your team in a recycling program, and investing in recycled paper products, your company can help make our future healthier and more prosperous for us all.
With the services and facilities offered by Carolina Fibre, it’s easier than ever for businesses to jump on board with green efforts here in North Carolina. Contact us today if you’re ready to get started on your company’s commercial recycling plan!

The Many Benefits of Fiberon Decking

Many companies worldwide recognize the many issues with the way we approach waste and recycling, so they are stepping up with innovative solutions. This new approach these companies are taking is pushing for positive change in their industries and inspiring hope for sustainability.
One company leading the charge of innovation is Fiberon Decking. Fiberon is a supplier of composite decking solutions. They design outdoor spaces that are not only created to sustain, but also to leave the smallest possible footprint. For almost two decades, Fiberon has been working to help those looking to create outdoor spaces, with quality and sustainable products made in the USA.
Beautiful outdoor spaces.
Fiberon takes great pride in creating outdoor living products that offer lasting beauty, maximum value, and easy maintenance.
Outdoor living is nothing without the outdoors and its natural beauty, so Fiberon incorporates eco-friendly materials and sustainable processes into everything they create.
Protecting the environment.
Fiberon’s amazing products are made from recycled materials, they source local recycled content, and utilize a closed-loop water cooling system for zero water discharge.
Their decking materials are made with locally-sourced recycled plastic, leftover sawdust, lumber mill scraps, and other materials. Each year Fiberon prevents more than 60,000 tons of plastic and other waste from ending up in landfills. Plus, Fiberon composites prevent further deforestation, do not contain the toxic chemicals often found in pressure-treated lumber, and are manufactured in a zero-waste process. Some other important facts about Fiberon and their processes include:

  • They are saving more than one million trees every year.
  • 100 million pounds of recycled plastic put to good use every year.
  • Manufacturing composite decking requires a constant source of water and they reuse almost all of it.
  • They reuse 98.5% of the waste from their manufacturing process.

Composite decking is cost-effective. 
While pressure-treated lumber may cost less initially, maintenance costs are significantly higher. Composite decking is a lot like prefinished flooring. It arrives as a finished product and never needs sanding, staining, or painting, just an occasional soap, and water cleaning. Wood needs to be finished after installation and then refinished every 1-2 years, meaning you’ll spend a significant amount of time and elbow grease maintaining that deck.
What’s more, wood decks are susceptible to mold, decay, weather elements, insects, and in general, have a shorter lifespan. Composites continually retain their good looks year after year.
According to Fiberon.com, maintenance costs with composite decking will be about $5-$15 per year, whereas wood decking will cost about $450-850 per year.
[Check out some more outdoor sustainability ideas here!]
Composite decking is safer. 
Wood-plastic composite decks will not splinter, split, crack, or rot, making your outdoor space safer for children, pets, and bare feet.
Fiberon decking looks just like wood.
Today’s composites genuinely reflect the organic beauty of hardwoods, complete with subtle streaking and wood grain patterns. And when it comes to color choices, you’ll find many more options to suit your tastes than with traditional wood.
As summer comes to a close, and the crisper temperatures creep into the Carolinas, start thinking about your outdoor space. Does it offer you the peace and joy that it should? If not, contact the experts at Fiberon today!
And for more tips on living green, whether outdoors or in, stay tuned to Carolina Fibre’s blog.
 

Ten Eco-Friendly Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and while we may have big things going on in the world around us, we must focus on a bit of normalcy.

Whether you’re ready or not, it is time to start thinking about dear old dad and what you want to give him to show how loved and valued he is. And while you’re thinking, remember that choosing an eco-friendly gift is not only thoughtful for Dad, but it is considerate of the planet as well.
Choosing a gift that is kind to the planet ensures it will continue to give long after the holiday is over. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are ten eco-friendly Father’s Day gift ideas to get you started.

Organic shirts and socks.

Dad will feel cozy and comfortable during these hot summer months with lightweight and breathable materials so close to his skin.
Find soft organic cotton that is gentle on him while being gentle on the environment.

Wooden fashion accessories.

Sunglasses are more than necessary this time of year, and what could be fancier than a premium pair of wood shades? Find a luxurious pair made natural materials for the perfect blend of style and sustainability.
Check out these from the Shwood Shop. Some other wood yet super chic accessories include:

Grilling sets.

Invest in some high-quality barbecue products this year so they can be reused rather than pitched once the season is over.
There are many eco-friendly grill kits available, including this set made from environmentally friendly pakkawood. Set dad up for a season of grilling and fun in the sun while taking care of our planet.

Homebrew kit.

There is no better way to be kind to the earth than to have dad brew all that beer he drinks. Not only will he stay busy, but he will be saving all those bottles and cans with a homebrew kit.

Water bottles made of sustainable materials.

This present is ideal for the active dad that needs a functional object to keep him hydrated. A collapsible water bottle is the perfect eco-friendly Father’s Day gift, as well as an ideal travel companion since it breaks down small enough to fit in a pocket. It is also perfect for eco-minded dads who want to save the planet from the plague of plastic!

Stainless steel mug.

If Dad is a coffee lover, a durable stainless-steel coffee mug is a must. It’s better than drinking it out of a disposable cup and can be used repeatedly, eliminating any extra waste.

Plant a tree.

Planting a tree in his honor is the perfect gift for dad this year. Trees are essential to our environment as they offer shade, produce fruit, and keep the air clean.
So, plant one for dad this Father’s Day and generations will enjoy it for years to come.
[Check out these other gardening tips here!]

Beach day essentials.

Gift dad these with these swimming trunks from Joseph and Alexander that are stylish and good for the planet. They are made from 100% recycled plastic so that dad will be styling and ecstatic that his shorts are helping to recover plastic from the oceans and put it to good use.
Some other excellent eco-friendly beach goodies that dad will love (and need) this summer in North Carolina include:

Recycled journal.

If dad has a creative streak and enjoys drawing or journaling, a recycled journal is perfect. Pair it with a pen, and he will love jotting down his thoughts — or his to-do list!

Snacks for days.

You can’t go wrong with snacks, so make dad’s day with a basket of his favorite organic snacks. There are many to choose from, but popcorn, nuts, dried fruit, crackers, and spreads are some options that are sure to satisfy his taste buds.
There are many eco-friendly gifts available to suit just about everyone. Give it some thought so you can give dad a gift he is sure to love, and the planet will appreciate it too!

Hopefully, you are inspired by our list and can find the perfect gift this Father’s Day. However, if you still have concerns about eco-friendly living, Carolina Fibre is here to help. Check out our blog for more tips or contact us today!

Living Green: Buzz Words and Choosing Healthier Products

Grocery shopping gets complicated. You can’t walk up and down the aisles without finding at least five varieties of one product, each claiming to be the healthiest, highest quality, supercharged item out there. So which one is the best option for you and your family?
Maybe we should instead say that picking the right products for your budget can get more difficult than your weekly shopping trip actually warrants. Because even though it is easy to get lost in the endless debate between organic products versus all-natural ones (and just what are clean foods, anyway?), knowing what these hit terms and buzz words actually mean can help make the trip faster, easier, and much more beneficial to you and everyone else raiding your kitchen’s pantry.
Organic
At its core, the word “organic” refers to a product that hasn’t come into direct contact with pesticides, herbicides, or growth regulators. These are the kinds of items you might also find at your local farmers markets, where preservatives aren’t necessarily needed to keep food fresh before they sell. Organic farming does do a great job of reducing pollution as well as reduces the risk of having a reaction to added chemicals. The downside? These same products can also put a massive dent in a carefully outlined budget, so be sure to consider that as you shop.
Biodynamic
So you’re less likely to see this term on any label in your regular grocery store, but if you decide to really get into some food science and questions of sustainable practices, it’s a good one to know. First coined by an Austrian philosopher, Rudolph Steiner, biodynamic practices combine a study of nature’s cycles and the ecosystem to produce a holistic version of organic farming. For your dinner table? All this means is that anything you purchase that has a label certifying it as having come from a certified biodynamic farm is going to have received premier time and attention throughout whatever process preps it for common consumption. The most common purchase you would probably make on this front would be a nice, aged wine. Again, these will usually be in a higher price range, so just plan to splurge if you’re sticking to that budget.
All-natural
Another popular word in today’s markets across the board: all-natural. According to the USDA, foods with the word “natural” on the label simply don’t contain any artificial ingredients or preservatives, and are minimally processed. This doesn’t cover all of the other things that a certifiably organic product does, but these items are still much better for both you and the environment. The thing to remember about this particular term is that it tends to be a catch-all in the industry. There is no strict set of guidelines from any agency that dictates what does and does not specify a natural food product, so be sure to review the entire label before purchasing. There might be something that doesn’t fall under this umbrella that you don’t want your family to consume!
Additives
More often than not, additives in food exist to add color or flavor, or even to help preserve a product’s shelf life. And not all of these are bad; people have been using pickling and salting methods, both of which are technically additive processes, for years. Additives can end up in food at any time between production and when it lands on the shelf, but the long-term effects they can have on us aren’t always known. If you want to reduce the negative impact these substances can have on you and your family members, we recommend minimizing your consumption of overly processed foods.
You won’t always choose the healthiest selections over all of the junk food out there, but it doesn’t hurt to know what the labels say! And here at Carolina Fibre, we’re all about keeping you informed about your environment so you can work with us to make it greener. Stay tuned to our blog for more info on recycling, sustainable living, and more!

Go Green for St. Patrick’s Day

March is the greenest month of the year thanks to St. Patrick’s Day, but Carolina Fibre knows how to turn the holiday into our own “green” celebration. Make St. Patrick’s Day one of the most eco-friendly holidays and check out some of our fun, go-green ideas.
Home Decor 
Recycled paper is key when it comes to decorating. Grab some stencils and cut out shamrocks, leprechauns and pots of gold to hang from the ceiling or tape to your windows. Instead of buying a themed wreath, make your own using old materials like green t-shirts, denim, curtains or tablecloths. The wireframe can be recycled after the holiday is over. The only tool you need to create your wreath is a pair of fabric shears. Simply cut up the fabric of your choice in strips, tie them to the wireframe and cover every last inch. The best part is that once the fabric is cut up, the project becomes kid-friendly as there is no hassle or mess from glue and paints. You can also brighten up a room by inserting lights into green beverage bottles or vases. Don’t have anything green? Use an eco-friendly spray paint to add a green tint your bottles or vases. Great Green Goods has some great ideas for fun and creative ways to make eco-friendly and recyclable wreaths for any occasion.
Festive Apparel 
Who says you have to buy what’s popular at the party supply and craft stores? Get in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day by creating your own holiday wardrobe. Shop at local thrift stores and other retailers in which used items are sold. Create your own handmade bow ties or spray paint an old pair of shoes. Scan your closet for green t-shirts, dresses, socks and accessories. You can even take it a step further and wear eco-friendly clothing like 100% cotton shirts. Complete your festive look by making leprechaun-themed hats using recycled paper or fabrics. When it comes to dressing up, your eco-friendly options are unlimited!
Themed Foods and Beverages 
Bake your favorite St. Patrick’s Day dishes by cooking with locally-grown produce. Aside from the benefit of fresher ingredients, you’ll be supporting your local economy instead of corporate chain stores. Make baking fun for the entire family and use green food dye made from natural ingredients. Green Living Ideas provides step-by-step instructions on how to make any color dye for all holidays and events. If you plan on drinking beer, stick to locally-brewed beer or even organic beer. And always choose draft over a bottle if given the option. Not all bars and restaurants recycle glass!
Do you have any green tips for St. Patrick’s Day? Share your ideas below in the comment section or on the Carolina Fibre Facebook page.