Spranq, a Netherlands based company, has figured out a cool way of saving ink. They developed a new font, aptly named “ecofont,” that uses up to 20% less ink than a traditional font. Essentially, when the letters are viewed at a large font size (like the diagram above), it looks like somebody riddled the letters with holes. But at a normal size type (font size 9 – 10 looks best) you can’t tell the difference AND you get the benefit of saving money and the earth by using less ink when printing. The font is free and can be downloaded for both Windows and Mac platforms directly from Spranq’s Web site.

To celebrate Earth Day I suggested to my sons that we clean out a creek near our house. I thought for sure they would moan and groan about doing physical labor, but believe it or not, they enthusiastically replied, “Sure, Mom.” In fact, they approached the job with determination and vigor. Turns out, they were just as disgusted as I was that people were deliberately throwing trash out of their car window as they drove by.

“I don’t get it, Mom. Why can’t they just wait until they get home to throw their trash out?”

“I don’t know, dear. I guess they just don’t care that they are ruining our environment.”

“That’s so, so…WRONG.”

“Yes. Yes it is.”

As a mom, this was such a proud moment for me. I felt like all of my “preaching” about the environment was actually getting through the noise of the video games, television, and computer games they surround themselves with on a daily basis. Perhaps I’m doing something RIGHT? Hallelujah!

Now, if I could only get them to clean their rooms.

Our family is big on the whole green living thing and we try and recycle anything and everything possible. Fortunately, we live in a town that is also very environmentally conscious and they recycle just about everything at our local transfer station.

This isn’t the case where my sister lives and it drives me…and her…crazy. When I visit and have something in my hand, like an empty yogurt cup, that we would normally recycle I always ask, “Do you guys recycle these?” Usually the answer is “no.” It is of no fault of their own. In fact, my sister took it upon herself to stop the constant flow of catalogs coming into her home by signing up at www.catalogchoice.org. Unfortunately, not all companies will participate in this service so she called all of the non-participating companies and asked them not to send them anymore.

Cleaning out your basement. I’m sure you’ll come across old lamps, clothes, computers, bikes, exercise equipment, etc. that you want to get rid of. But before you load up that U-haul and drive it to the dump, think about giving the items away. I’m not talking about the rusted out hubcap that is probably of no use to anyone, but you would be amazed at what people will take if they know it’s for free.