Hormel April - Earth Month Ideas

April is Earth Month, but we're pretty big fans of the earth during the other 11 months too!

If you hadn't figured it out by now, the bentos, the cloth napkins, and the stainless steel water bottles are just a hint of how we do things. Even on the days we absolutely have to use disposable items, we try to at least reuse something recyclable first.  We were thrilled to find out we live on one of the Net-Zero Energy installations, and have to admit the Colorado climate makes using less a/c energy much easier than back home in Texas.  After living here 7 months, we have yet to pay an electric bill, since it's quite easy to stay under our allotted amount.  We also raid the recycle bin for crafting materials, projects, etc.

Thanks to Hormel, we've got some great Earth Month facts and ideas to share!

Did you know that about 80 percent of Hormel Foods’ product packaging by weight is recyclable and/or made from recycled materials? Over the past few years, Hormel has found many ways to reduce, revamp and change the size and material of their packages. In 2009, a half-inch in height was removed from each Jennie-O Turkey Store turkey burger carton, generating an annual paperboard savings of more than 68,000 pounds!

 There are plenty of simple ways that you and your family can help out without completely overhauling your lifestyle!
  • Plan an eco-friendly picnic! Skip paper plates and bring along utensils and dishes from home. Pack products that are known for their eco-friendly and sustainable packaging. One example is Hormel® Natural Choice® deli meats. As part of its commitment to be 100 percent natural inside and out, Hormel® Natural Choice® deli meats now has recyclable packaging made of 100 percent recycled material and they are the only national brand that features 100 percent recycled packaging. 
  • On your next trip to the grocery store, avoid the plastic by bringing along a cloth, reusable bag. Not only are they inexpensive, but they are a lot stronger than regular plastic bags! We do this all the time! 
  • Take a shorter shower or brush your teeth without running the water. Not only will you reduce water consumption, but the energy costs associated with heating the water. We do this one too. 
  • Contribute to an online campaign through the Earth Day Network! There are also plenty of opportunities for you to volunteer on the actual day in your communities! 
Another fun fact: Last month, Hormel introduced a brand new eco-friendly package for Hormel™ Country Crock® sides! This new “in-mold” package design replaces the paper sleeve, placing the printed information directly on the tub, which saves more than 8,500 trees a year!

What are your favorite eco-friendly tips?  We'd love to hear them, especially for ones with kids!

Disclosure: I have received product and information from Hormel Foods in exchange for being a Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger. All opinions expressed within the post are my own.

Comments

  1. I try to wash and reuse my freezer bags and veg fridge bags, to avoid throwing them away (sometimes they get torn though). I think the biggest waste of water is running the tap constantly whilst washing up - it is much better to fill the sink or a bowl with hot water and a little soap, wash everything in that and not rinse things unless absolutely essential.

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  2. So, not to be a total downer, and not to discount whatever good faith efforts Hormel is making in reducing its packaging, but I'm not sure that any amount of environmentally friendly packaging makes up for the damage that factory meat processing/production causes: http://www.organicconsumers.org/toxic/factoryfarm.cfm

    Also, they are already on my list for this: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2011/06/hormel-spam-pig-brains-disease?page=1

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