There are SO many EASY things each of us can do to cut back on waste, save energy, and help ourselves out by helping out the planet. Here are some easy tips (or reminders) for you to do on a daily basis to make sure that our WONDERFUL EARTH is healthy for years to come! LIVE GREEN! LIVE FREE!

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ReCYcLE

Recycling is easy–especially in DENVER where we have what’s called a “single stream” program so you don’t even have to separate you different types of materials. If you’re a Denver resident sign up here to get a recycling bin for your home! If you live in an apartment complex, talk to your landlord or HOA about implementing a recycling program for the whole building! We’re all in this together!

COMPOST

Take the organic matter that you accumulate throughout the day (i.e. your apple core, egg shells, tea bags etc.) and collect them so they can break down and become DELICIOUS fertilizer!! To compost in your own home check out these locations of where to find the right compost bin for you! If you want to make this process even more simple, sign up to get a compost bin at your house so that it is picked up when your trash and recycling are! (PRETTY MUCH STELLAR!)

BYOB–as in Bring Your Own Bag

Think about the hundreds of thousands of plastic and paper bags used once by people checking out of the store and then that end up in the landfill, cluttering the streets, clogging storm drains, or even mistaken by an animal for food…YIKES! Either bring your own bags to the store, or re-use the ones you already have. Keep your re-usable bags in the car so that they are always there when you end up at the store for some last-minute shopping! Also, check out these STELLAR bags that fold-up small enough to fit in your pocket or purse!

Reusable Containers

You can even reuse containers from other products (i.e. yogurt containers and hummus containers are perfect for that on-the-go meal!)

Whether it’s for your coffee or your sandwich you take to work, put them in a reusable container! The less we use of paper cups and plastic bags, the better!

Ride, Walk or Car-Pool

These awesome Love Grown fans RODE THEIR BIKES to pick up some BULK granola--that's double the GREEN!

The weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer…take FULL advantage by riding your bike or walking to work. If that’s not an option, look into where you can walk/ride to. Maybe it’s dinner, maybe it’s Sunday breakfast with your friends/family, or maybe it’s just around the block to take a moment to breath, relax, and enjoy the beauty of being outside! Also, think about sharing wheels: carpooling to work might not be an option, but what about Saturday nights out on the town or Sunday BBQs with your crew of friends?

Buy Recycled

Our boxes are made from 70% recycled materials and are also 100% recyclable! PLUS they are part SFI (Sustainable Force Initiate) -- meaning come from trees that are harvested sustainably! WHOOT WHOOT!

When it comes to purchasing new items, look for things that are made from recycled materials. There are so many options out there–whether it’s paper towels or tshirts, cut back on your carbon footprint by supporting companies that are putting greener items on the shelves!

Clean GREEN

We love JASON products--they are organic and earth-friendly!

Not only are the toxins in most cleaning supplies harsh on the earth…that are harmful to you and your family too! Look for “green” cleaners for everything from laundry detergent, dish soap, to all-purpose cleaners. This carries over to your shampoo/conditioner and body wash too! All those crazy chemicals might leave your hair silky and smooth…but the long term use may be doing more harm then good, not to mention all those suds in the water go down the drain and end up somewhere. Try to use organic body products.

preCYCLE

These large containers from COSTCO are better than buying 4 small containers over the course of the week--plus more affordable!

We have heard of recycling, but precycling is a GREAT thing to do too! When purchasing items, buy in bulk. That way you cut down on packaging and in the end produce less waste! COSTCO is great for this! Choose to buy bulk items (rather than snack-pack size) and then put the bulk items into reusable small containers. Rather than stocking up on juice boxes or canned drinks, seek to buy larger containers and then put them in serving-size cups that seal to bring with you (or your kids).

Hand-Me-Downs

Check out our rag-bucket! Great for cleaning and are all from old shirts, towels and sheets! (Plus check out our LARGE EARTH FRIENDLY detergent!)

Whether the style has changed, your body has changed, or you simply no longer wear certain clothes, GIVE THEM TO SOMEONE WHO WILL! Don’t just pitch them, find a local consignment store or thrift shop. They will GLADLY take your unwanted garments. If you do have a whole or rip in something, take advantage: make it a rag! We have a bucket of rags that we use for cleaning to house/car. That way you are not buying new towels to turn into rags and you are not using paper towels that you will have to throw away.

BUY LOCAL

Summer is almost here and farmer’s markets are getting ready for their big debuts! Local produce is KEY to being green. Not only are your cutting back on the amount of fuel used to get that succulent strawberry into your mouth, but you are also supporting your Colorado local community. Colorado is a fruitful state offering everything from fruits and veggies to honey and wine! Plus, there is NOTHING like the taste of that perfect in-season food that was picked literally hours ago! Look for Love Grown Foods at the Cherry Creek Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays and the Stapleton Farmers Market on Sundays this summer!! Mention this blog and there’s a good chance you we will gladly send you home with some form of LOVE from Love Grown Foods!

As always, LIVE FREE!