And, the Palm Plates go to …
Thanks to all who entered for the palm leaf plates.
There were lots of great ideas submitted. We highly encourage you to browse the comments below for some great eco tips. Here are a few notable ones:
Some people offered innovative eco-living tips like:
I’m greener because I bought 50 white shop towels and keep them next to the sink. I use them instead of paper towels, they get washed every week. I bought them 18 months ago and they are still in use. – Robin T. in Orange, CA
Others employed humor:
I’m greener because I feed my leftovers to my boyfriend instead of throwing them away. – Anya in Astoria, NY
And a special few took their eco-friendly commitment to truly heroic heights:
I’m greener because I dumpster dive to save recyclable bottles, and recycle-bin dive to clean out the trash, making me a little green in the face, somewhat sticky, and wholly devoted to keeping the world green by being green! – Vanessa S. in Solana Beach, CA
We salute you Vanessa (and those like you). We’d love to shake your hand …just as soon as you’ve washed it.
Now, without further ado, here are the four lucky numbers and the people who will be receiving the square palm leaf place settings:
Number 97, Kerrie in Dracut, MA who wrote:
I’m greener because I use a BPA free water bottle every day!
Number 89, Lettie in Orange, CA who wrote:
I am greener because use baby wipes that I have made from cloth scarps rather than disposables.
Number 129, Jacquelynn Franklin in Medford, WI who wrote:
I am greener because, I am just a middle aged hippy type….
And Number 125, Mary in Appleton, WI who wrote:
I’m greener because the garbage man told me we are the best recyclers on his route! What an honor.
Each of the lucky four will be receiving 25 square palm leaf dinner plates, 25 square palm leaf salad plates, 25 biodegradeable birchwood forks and 25 biodegradeable birchwood knives.
Thank you to all of you for taking the time to consider how you can reduce your effect upon our beautiful planet.
Stay tuned, there’s more fun stuff coming up soon!
I’m greener because I got into a fight with an angry farmer in the paint aisle at the hardware store and fell into a display of green paint.
August 4th, 2009 at 3:59 pmI’m greener because I save all my plastic containers in my car to recycle and I grow my own vegetables.
August 4th, 2009 at 4:48 pmI’m greener because I started recycling before it was cool, and because I never throw anything away if there is a way to reuse it.
August 4th, 2009 at 6:01 pmI’m greener because I feed my leftovers to my boyfriend instead of throwing them away.
August 4th, 2009 at 6:40 pmI’m greener because I bought 50 white shop towels and keep them next to the sink. I use them instead of paper towels, they get washed every week. I bought them 18 months ago and they are still in use.
August 4th, 2009 at 7:53 pmI’m greener because I use disposable grocery bags and I recycle.
August 4th, 2009 at 8:43 pmI’m greener because, I can recycle all my food scraps, paper/mail, cans, and most plastics, and all yard waste. I grow many vegetables. The plastic grocery bags are reused on dog walks. I replaced all my toilets with low flow, and all my light bulbs are energy efficient.
August 4th, 2009 at 9:24 pmI’m greener because we recycle when we can and I like to use reusable grocery bags!
August 5th, 2009 at 6:15 amI’m greener because I freecycle and recycle!
August 5th, 2009 at 7:03 amI’m greener because I reuse my grocery bags, I’m greener because I make sure to use plastic containers instead of sandwiches baggies!
August 5th, 2009 at 7:30 amI’m greener because I have (almost) all CFL lightbulbs in my apartment!
August 5th, 2009 at 7:32 amI am greener because I use “designer” grocery bags that I made from fabric of clothes that were going to be thrown out!
August 5th, 2009 at 7:39 amI’m greener because I’m making an effort not to consume as much – better quality, less stuff.
August 5th, 2009 at 8:27 amI’m greener, because I try to be mindful in my choices: shopping bags made of cloth, empty yogurt tubs turned into kitchen containers, paper bags reused until they basically fall apart (at that point they can be used one last time to keep hot bell pepper prior to removing their skin), recyclables brought to the appropriate facility and food scrap composted.
August 5th, 2009 at 10:45 pmI’m greener because:
1. I recycle whatever I can – plastic containers, plastic packaging, paper, etc. I even hang onto cans and bottles when I’m out so I can recycle when I get home.
2. I nag my family and former roommates to recycle.
3. I bought a reusable water bottle so I don’t have to buy water.
4. I use tote bags when reasonable. If I can’t, then I encourage the cashiers to combine items because they usually give me five bags for ten items >.>
August 7th, 2009 at 10:48 amI’m greener because we compost, grow our own herbs and vegetables and collect rain water for watering our garden.
August 7th, 2009 at 1:10 pmI am greener because I use reusable shopping bags, recycle and have a turtle!
August 7th, 2009 at 1:41 pmI’m greener, because we started a compost bin this year. Now our leftover food feeds the “wormins” (worms to anyone over 5 years old)!
August 7th, 2009 at 3:22 pmI’m greener because I walk to school, recycle, and reuse my bags. I also use biodegradable forks, knives, and spoons whenever possible.
August 7th, 2009 at 5:22 pmI’m greener because I recycled my plastic grocery bags yesterday.
August 7th, 2009 at 6:00 pmI’m greener because we try not to waste food or litter.
August 7th, 2009 at 9:40 pmI am greener because I re-use the plastic bags my newspapers are delivered in. I use them to dispose of the solids in my cats’ litter pans.
August 8th, 2009 at 8:12 amI am greener because I use bedsheets from the thrift store to back the quilts I make. Thanks for the chance at your giveaway!
August 8th, 2009 at 9:00 amI’m greener because I like to recycle -ycle -ycle -ycle (it’s an echo…see I even like to reuse my words.)
August 8th, 2009 at 7:53 pmI am greener because, we recycle when we can.
August 9th, 2009 at 6:17 amI’m greener because I use reusable grocery bags and water bottles.
August 9th, 2009 at 7:09 amI am greener because I am composting and recycling/repurposing everything that I can!
August 9th, 2009 at 10:48 amI’m greener because, I use reusable bags instead of plastic bags when I grocery shop, and because I take public transportation as frequently as possible rather than a cab or other motor vehicle.
August 10th, 2009 at 4:08 pmI am trying to go green and these would help. Please draw my name
August 10th, 2009 at 4:08 pmI’m greener because I opened up my eyes and ears and finally paid attention! This year’s new year’s resolution was to recycle and help renew the environment. I’m only sorry it took so long.
August 10th, 2009 at 4:09 pmI’m greener because I drink locally brewed beer (vs. trucking it across the country) and I recycle.
August 10th, 2009 at 4:13 pmI recycle, grow herbs on my balcony, walk to work, and pull cans and bottles out of public trash cans
August 10th, 2009 at 4:15 pmI’m greener because I fill our recycle can higher than my regular trash cans every week.
August 10th, 2009 at 4:18 pmI’m greener because i compost, and grow my own veggies and fruit.
August 10th, 2009 at 4:20 pmI’m greener because, WE HAVE NO CHOICE. Actually I convinced my college to recycle (just a few meetings, hand shaking and a lot of smiling-You can find good statistics on the internet) and they just started. I’m not finished yet!
August 10th, 2009 at 4:20 pmI’m greener because I change my light bulbs to the little cute swirly looking ones!
August 10th, 2009 at 4:21 pmI’m greener because I care about what happens to our Earth.
August 10th, 2009 at 4:25 pmI’m greener because my apartment garden supplies enough pumpkins, chilies, and tomatoes to make my whole street happy.
August 10th, 2009 at 4:37 pmI’m greener because I’m an obsessive recycler. When my kids object to my bundled papers, I tell them the papers may return as a large check.
August 10th, 2009 at 4:39 pmI’m greener because I walk everywhere! I also collect water bottles and recycle them.
August 10th, 2009 at 4:42 pmI’m greener because I use canvas bags at the grocery store.
August 10th, 2009 at 4:45 pmI’m greener because recycling and routine use of reuseable tote bags.
August 10th, 2009 at 4:48 pmI am greener because I recycle, reuse and regift!
August 10th, 2009 at 4:50 pmI’m greener because I use reusable grocery bags.
August 10th, 2009 at 4:57 pmI’m greener because I turn the water off while I’m brushing my teeth.
August 10th, 2009 at 5:16 pmi’m greener because i’m vegan
August 10th, 2009 at 5:20 pmI’m greener because I started a vegetable garden this year and also started composting in order to feed my garden!!
August 10th, 2009 at 5:21 pmI’m greener because, my ‘03 Civic Hybrid gets 50+ mpg.
August 10th, 2009 at 5:30 pmI am greener because I have my own vegetable garden!
August 10th, 2009 at 5:35 pmI’m greener because all my gifts are given in natural fabric gift bags which I sew myself and any leftover fabric scraps are composted.
August 10th, 2009 at 5:47 pmI’m greener because I combine errands to conserve fuel.
August 10th, 2009 at 5:55 pmI’m greener because the economy is awful and I’m always finding new ways to reuse. My grandmother was alive during the great depression and taught me how to save leftovers and make many more meals out of them. I’ve never used palm plate settings before, but hear wonderful things about their durability and construction. I am VERY excited to add them to my “GREEN ARSENAL” and stick it to “the Man”.
August 10th, 2009 at 6:02 pmI’m greener because I have red hair!
August 10th, 2009 at 6:07 pmI’m greener because, I eat wild fresh huckleberries instead of berries grown with pesticides.
August 10th, 2009 at 6:12 pmI’m greener because I have a huge vegetable and herb garden that I am forever weeding!
August 10th, 2009 at 6:14 pmI’m greener because I reuse my double paper bags from grocery store as my garbage bags.
August 10th, 2009 at 6:22 pmI am greener because my parents raised me in a house made of recycled materials.
August 10th, 2009 at 6:26 pmI’m greener because we use our whole house fan rather than the air conditioning whenever possible.
August 10th, 2009 at 7:16 pmI’m greener because I use reusable bags and I grow and freeze as many of the vegetables and fruit I can during the spring and summer.
August 10th, 2009 at 8:10 pmI’m greener because I wash and reuse dish rags and towels and hang them out to dry.
August 10th, 2009 at 8:25 pmI’m greener because I care about our planet.
August 10th, 2009 at 8:33 pmI’m greener because I dumpster dive to save recyclable bottles, and recycle-bin dive to clean out the trash, making me a little green in the face, somewhat sticky, and wholly devoted to keeping the world green by being green!
August 10th, 2009 at 8:37 pmI’m greener because I recyle rain water to use for my lawn and garden.
August 10th, 2009 at 8:46 pmI’m greener because my children says that I recycle all of our food. They say that you never know what kind of “mystery meal” we will be having tomorrow from the leftovers cooked today (lol). We also eat more vegetarian meals than we used to.
I also use my fruit & veggie scraps along with fallen leaves & used food plants in my compost pile. I grow a lot of my own vegetables and dry some of the seeds to harvest for next time to plant. I collect rainwater and recycle my dish water to use on my plants.
I have replaced some of my light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs and use candles and oil lamps more; I wash some of my clothes in cold water to save energy.
August 10th, 2009 at 9:21 pmI’m greener because I got rid of my car and either walk, bike or take public transport everywhere I go, I use re-usable shopping bags made from recycled material, and reuse everthing I can and then recycle it.
August 10th, 2009 at 10:04 pmI’m greener because green is the new black. Oh, and because I’m a vegan.
August 11th, 2009 at 1:33 amI’m greener because I refuse to drive.
August 11th, 2009 at 5:00 amI recycle, use canvas bags, and don’t own a car!
August 11th, 2009 at 6:14 amI’M GREENER BECAUSE I RECYCLE EVERYTHING!!!!
August 11th, 2009 at 6:20 amI’m greener because I recycle in a hard to find a recycle center town, use reuseable bags for groceries, have a garden and compost.
August 11th, 2009 at 6:44 amI’m greener because I retired from work to save on gas.
August 11th, 2009 at 8:56 amI’m greener because I buy more organic food
August 11th, 2009 at 9:04 am“I’m greener because, I have a green thumb, I’ve grown my own organic tomatoes this year!”
August 11th, 2009 at 9:23 amI’m greener because I reuse shopping bags and recycle the ones that I don’t need.
August 11th, 2009 at 10:43 amI am greener because I buy local produce and grow some food in my back yard, but mostly because I can’t win over algies in my pool this year.
August 11th, 2009 at 10:48 amI’m greener because I don’t buy things on the spur of the moment. I’ve wanted these plates desperately for the last two years so I could show them off at our family reunion and try to get my relatives to use them, too!
August 11th, 2009 at 11:55 amI’m greener because we don’t use paper plates, paper napkins or paper towels.
August 11th, 2009 at 11:59 amI’m greener because I use my backpack to carry groceries back from the market.
August 11th, 2009 at 12:58 pmI’m greener because I turn off lights when I am not using them.
August 11th, 2009 at 1:08 pmI’m greener because…
- I use a reusable water bottle and get water from home instead of buying bottled
- I use reusable bags for groceries, say no to plastic OR recycle them if I do happen to get one.
- My husband and I ride together to work every day
- I buy what I can from our local farmer’s market each week before hitting a grocery store
August 11th, 2009 at 1:33 pmI’m greener because: I don’t use plastic bags, take my lunch in washable/reusable containers, only wash clothes in cold water and air dry as much as possible and find new homes/uses for old worn out items.
August 11th, 2009 at 1:39 pmI’m greener because of my reusable lunch containers, stainless steel water bottle, and green shopping bag.
August 11th, 2009 at 2:02 pmI’m greener because I recycle everything, I metro to work even though that means I lose an hour in my day, I buy green products and products from companies that are green
August 11th, 2009 at 2:06 pmI’m greener because I eat one green monster or green oats everyday!
August 11th, 2009 at 2:09 pmWe are eating more locally grown food and I use my own shopping bags at the grocery store…even when the bagger gets mad!!
August 11th, 2009 at 4:27 pmI’m greener because I shop at the Farmer’s Market even though I can get produce for much cheaper at my local grocery store.
August 11th, 2009 at 7:03 pmI’m greener because I use reusable shopping bags and I recycle.
August 11th, 2009 at 9:21 pmI’m greener because I recycle everything that’s recyclable in my house.
August 11th, 2009 at 9:22 pmI am greener because use baby wipes that I have made from cloth scarps rather than disposables.
August 11th, 2009 at 9:36 pmI’m greener because, I sometimes ride the bus to work!
August 11th, 2009 at 10:10 pmI’m greener because I refill my water bottles.
August 11th, 2009 at 10:10 pmI’m greener because I walk to the post office, library, work and grocery store.
August 12th, 2009 at 5:43 amI’m greener because I walk/bike everywhere I can.
August 12th, 2009 at 7:15 amI’m greener because I try to use my reusable grocery bag whenever I go shopping! (:
I’m greener because we all need to be aware of how much we effect our environment. My small town is 20 years behind the rest of the world and has no recycling program. I recycle anyway and drive to the next town.
August 12th, 2009 at 7:31 amI’m greener because I compost, grow my own vegetables and take reuseable bags to the grocery store. I also recycle all paper goods.
August 12th, 2009 at 7:31 amI am greener because, I use reusable shopping bags.
August 12th, 2009 at 9:53 amI am greener because, I make most of my food from stratch.
I am greener because I go to the Farmer’s Market and support my local farmers.
I am greener because my husband & I carpool one day a week.
I’m greener because I use a BPA free water bottle every day!
August 12th, 2009 at 10:23 amI’m greener because I don’t have a car
August 12th, 2009 at 10:29 amI’m greener because we re-use our grocery bags instead of just throwing them away!
August 12th, 2009 at 12:44 pmI’m greener because:
August 12th, 2009 at 12:51 pm-I compost all my non-meat kitchen waste
-I have reuseable grocery and produce bags (and recycle all the plastic bags they manage to sneak in on me)
-I drink filtered water instead of bottled water
-I use cat litter made from recycled newspaper (Yesterday’s News)
-I shop at the local farmers’ market and buy locally produced pastured beef, forested pork, free-range chickens and wild caught gulf shrimp
I’m greener because I eat organic
August 12th, 2009 at 5:54 pmI’m greener because I walk to work, use a tumbler instead of disposable coffee cups, and recycle.
August 12th, 2009 at 6:28 pmI’m greener because not only do I recycle, use fabric grocery bags, bury my citrus peels under my hydrangea, put my coffee grounds around my roses, I even have a green thumb.
August 12th, 2009 at 10:29 pmI am greener because I recycle.
August 13th, 2009 at 2:30 amI’m greener because I’m one of those people that actually rinses out Ziploc bags to use over again until they’re pretty much not clear anymore…
August 13th, 2009 at 5:04 amI’m greener because I grew my own herbs and veggies in a community garden this Summer!
August 13th, 2009 at 5:18 amI’m greener because I walk 40 min to work everyday, bike to other places, recycle, and try to use as little electricity in my home as possible.
August 13th, 2009 at 5:35 amI’m greener because: I have a more efficient car (awesome MPG), I use canvas bags at the grocery store, I recycle and compost.
August 13th, 2009 at 6:26 amDon’t know if Canadians can enter, but it’s worth a shot…
I’m greener because my husband and I went down to 1 car and we carpool to work together. It’s not always easy as we have different schedules some days, but we make it work. We’re also a few thousand dollars richer for every year we do this!
August 13th, 2009 at 6:44 amI’m green because I use reusable shopping bags, recycle, and walk to work.
August 13th, 2009 at 6:51 amI’m greener because my engagement ring is a lab diamond and recycled gold.
August 13th, 2009 at 6:56 amI’m greener because I bike to work everyday through L.A.’s scary traffic.
August 13th, 2009 at 7:35 amI’m greener because I get fancy with cloth napkins at every meal and I use less paper products through that strategy on a daily basis.
August 13th, 2009 at 11:52 amI’m greener because… my “placemats” are old magazines.
August 13th, 2009 at 12:27 pmI’m greener because I moved to a (green) house, started a compost pile, and bought my first (green) rain barrel.
August 13th, 2009 at 2:23 pmI am greener because I use reusable shopping bags
August 13th, 2009 at 4:16 pmI’m Greener because i only eat organic/all natural foods, ride my bike/walk whenever i can instead of using a car and recycle all my newspaper and bottles (even bottles from school/work that i used i will take home with me to recycle!).
August 13th, 2009 at 7:10 pmI’m greener because take my reuseable water bottle with me everywhere I go.
August 14th, 2009 at 5:05 amI’m greener because we have changed all of the lightbulbs in our home (with the exception of two uncompromising fixtures) to CFL’s. I was happy I could do it!
August 14th, 2009 at 10:59 amI am greener because i keep a supply of re-usable grocery bags with me in my car and use them when I go shopping. I usually try to walk to a few places too so the gas doesn’t get used.
August 14th, 2009 at 11:40 amI’m greener because my husband and I carpool to work!
August 14th, 2009 at 1:08 pmI have been “green” before it was a big sensation. For over 30 years I have been recycling my paper, cans, plastic, etc. I take advantage of farmer’s markets to eat locally, organically and sustainably. That has been part of my lifestyle for over 25 years. As a woodworker, I frequently use sustainably raised products. If I find a product that I think has too much packaging or wrapping for the contents, I will divert to different brands in the future. I think about items before throwing them away if I can repurpose them or give to somebody else who would find it useful. It’s part of my lifestyle and has been for years.
August 14th, 2009 at 3:28 pmI’m greener because my parents use reusable bags when they go grocery shopping, if they remember.
August 14th, 2009 at 5:28 pmI’m greener because the garbage man told me we are the best recyclers on his route! What an honor.
August 14th, 2009 at 6:13 pmI am greener because I only use cloth napkins, cloth towels and don’t have a paper plate in my house. I would love to try your plates though.
August 14th, 2009 at 7:54 pmI’m greener because, I have a home-based business so I don’t travel to go to work.
August 15th, 2009 at 9:29 amI’m making the world a greener place by re-using a sports water bottle instead of buying plastic water bottles. I also got my family members and friends re-usable bottles too so that they can stop buying plastic bottles too.
August 15th, 2009 at 11:00 amI am greener because, I am just a middle aged hippy type….
August 15th, 2009 at 3:28 pmI am greener because I recycle bottles, walk daily instead of driving, harvest veggies and herbs at my local school as part of the CitySprouts program and encourage recycle/donating clothes when my son has outgrown them.
August 16th, 2009 at 5:22 amI am greener because I walk to work, reuse paper, recycle plastic containers and minimize use of water and electricity when possible.
August 16th, 2009 at 5:24 amI am greener because I recycle and upcycle.
August 16th, 2009 at 12:57 pmI am greener because I buy my furniture from estate sales and second hand stores. And it is made better than most stuff made today!
August 17th, 2009 at 9:01 amI haven’t driven my car in three months.
August 17th, 2009 at 12:41 pmI’m greener because i love to work as a landscaper and make stuff out of nothing and truly see the true beauty in everything the world has to offer and make the world a happier place knowing i did my job
August 17th, 2009 at 1:26 pmI’m greener because I walk everywhere in Manhattan. I average almost six miles a day! I also grow vegetables and re-use plastic bags at the organic vegetable co-op.
August 17th, 2009 at 1:46 pmI’m greener because I taught my children to recycle everything at an early age and buy used things when you can.
August 17th, 2009 at 5:55 pmI’m greener because I garden.
August 18th, 2009 at 5:10 amI’m greener because I am biking about 2,000 miles a year.
August 18th, 2009 at 1:34 pmI am greener because we have used active solar hot water heating since 1980.
August 18th, 2009 at 3:13 pmThank you you so much for picking my name!
August 19th, 2009 at 12:55 pmThese plates are GREAT! I am looking forward to using them on my next cook out!