indoors
L IV IN G G R E E N
FA M ILY S P O T L IG H T
T A L K I N G T R A S H
O n t r a s h d a y , S t e p h a n i e a n d S e a n H a s tin g s u s e d t o
h a u l t w o g a r b a g e c a n s a n d o n e r e c y c lin g b in t o t h e
c u r b o f t h e i r N a p e rv ille , Illinois, h o m e . Now their waste
fits in one can, recyclables fill two bins,
and their sons enjoy helping. “I saw the
importance of reducing our environmental
footprint,” Stephanie says. “One way was by
minimizing what we send to the landfill.”
Jack, 5, and Clark, 3, like separating trash
from “special garbage” (to be recycled)—a
task simplified with an extra bin next to each
wastebasket in their home.
The Hastings family goes paperless on
bills and financial statements, avoids buying
individually packaged food, reuses serving
containers, and donates what they no longer
use. The family also gets new ideas for
reducing and reusing from
idealbite.com.
Stephanie says everyday victories keep
her motivated—like the first time Jack
reached for the big jar of applesauce at the
grocery store instead of the individually
packaged containers. “It’s these little wins
that make a big difference,” she says.
FROM THE EXPERTS
It’s easy to take
recycling even further, says Eric Lombardi,
executive director of Eco-Cycle
(ecocycle
.org),
one of the largest nonprofit recyclers
in the U.S.
■ Ask kids where items such as paper come
from. “Understanding that resources come
from the earth is critical,” Lombardi says.
■ Buy only what’s recyclable and reusable.
■ “Your next step is composting,” Lombardi
says. For more, visit
grrn.org.
—TIM LAEHN
W H A T ’ S N EW
K I T C H E N H O T S H O T S
R EC Y C LE D -G LA S S
CO U N TERTO P
Made from recycled bottles,
this i^-inch-thick countertop
offers heat resistance up to
6oo°F. It’salso sun-resistant,
so haveyourfabricatorturn
leftovers intogarden pavers.
Charisma Blue,$no-$i6o/
square foot, installed;
vetrazzo.com
E L E C T R IC C O M P O S T E R
Use only 5 kWh per month
to turn food waste into
compost Just lift the lid of
thisautomaticcomposterto
add scraps, then empty the
tray about every two weeks.
At 20x20x12 inches, this unit
tucks intoastandard kitchen
cabinet. Plus Edition,$300;
naturemill.com
R EC Y C LE D -P LA S T IC
CO LA N D ER S
Designed by Evo Design,
these eco-friendly colanders
feature easy-grip handles,
fast-draining holes, and fun
colors. Matching cutting
boards,food storage, and
mixing bowls are also
available. Preserve, $12.50
each; recycline.com
E N E R G Y -E FFIC IE N T
LIG H TIN G
This Energy Star pendant
teams a compact fluorescent
bulband a marbled glass
shade with a diameter of 10
Y*
inches—ideal asa pair ortrio
over an island. The fixture
features an antique bronze
finish. Braridywine,$i73;
seagulllighting.com (n£)
9 4 OCTOBER
2008
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
PHOTO: (PORTRAIT) CAMERON SADEGHPOUR
