New Project Alert: Doing It For the Kids

We are looking to form partnerships with locals schools in Inwood + Washington Heights.

Our goal is to implement eco-based art and cultural programs for children to participate and learn. Currently, we're thinking chess, painting, photography, and the works with a touch of green.

In doing this, we're following the "get them while they're still young" motto, and hoping that we'll be able plant those [Be + Green Beans] that will later flourish into something greater!

So stay tuned! 

Also, if you're interested in finding out more, please e-mail us at begreenbeans[at]gmail.com.

Recycling the Holidays

The holidays are over and the New Year is finally here. By this point, you've either exchanged whatever you needed to exchange, the kids have broken half of what they received, and the Christmas tree looks extremely less than spectacular.

Luckily, the city and MulchFest got you covered with that last part. This organization will properly dispose of your family's Christmas tree and then use the mulch to spread throughout New York City's parks. Residents are also free to collect some of the created mulch to use for their yard or garden. 

If you're interested in participating or dropping off your tree, there are three locations in our area of Inwood and Washington Heights: Inwood Hill Park, J. Hood Wright Park, and Highbridge Park.

You can also bring them to any of the other parks and centers available, or leave them curbside for the New York Department of Sanitation (DSNY) to collect. DSNY will be collecting clean (minus lights and ornaments) trees from Monday, January 4 through Friday, January 15.

Happy Holidays + Good Recycling to You All!

12 Days 'Til Christmas: Day 12. Happy Holidays!

If you were able to follow the complete [12 Days 'Til Christmas] series, then congratulations!

Please continue to always do your best for the environment, as well for yourself and loved ones.

Enjoys those Christmas presents, food and fun. You've earned it!

For those that weren't able to follow us, feel free to look through the thread and proceed at your own pace. Mother Earth will thank you either way...

Merry Christmas to all our [Be + Green Beans] subscribers and supporters. 

12 Days 'Til Christmas: Day 11. Something Borrowed

We know this is the season of giving, but sometimes it's good not to get completely carried away with that merry spirit. That's why Be + Green Beans is encouraging you to look into:

Day 11: Something Borrowed

As we get closer to Christmas and a New Year, this is a good theory to follow for days to come. Whether it's borrowing some tape, hammer, or a paintbrush, see whether a friend or neighbor could lend you a hand. It will save you a buck, some space and a trip to the hardware store.

Oh yeah...

Plus, the environment will thank you for putting something less in the trash bin.

12 Days 'Til Christmas: Day 10. Shut Off Computers

For those getting ready for a much-needed vacation, today's tip fits perfectly into your schedule.

Day 10. Shut Off Computers

You've done the 'Secret Santa' and thanked everyone for an amazing year. Plus, you've cleaned out your desk and checked your flight (or hotel) information twice. But before you leave the office, make sure that your computer is turned off. U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 75% of energy consumed is due to an idle electronics (and no, screen savers don't count).

As a matter of fact, this should become a resolution for 2010. So go ahead and mark this down on your list, right after healthier eating and [especially] before sky diving.

12 Days 'Til Christmas: Day 9. Last Minute Gifts, Bring Your Own Bag

If you're still doing several rounds of shopping, why not bring your own canvas or eco-friendly reusable bag.

Day 9. Last Minute Gifts, Bring Your Own Bag

This will not only cut down on the 11 million plastic grocery bags used each year, but will also make it easier for you to tug around those gifts. If you have an idea of what you want to get, you can insist on sticking to just the few bags that you carry to get the job done. We guarantee that with this system, not only will you be doing your part for the environment, but also sticking to that shopping limit and budget.  

12 Days 'Til Christmas: Day 8. Maintain Your Vehicle

It's another workweek starting up. Luckily, this one's short and sweet with Christmas at the other end of it. You'll soon be visiting friends and families to drop of gifts and visit à la St. Nick's style. For those traveling far, it's a good idea to follow-through on today's challenge:

Day 8. Maintain Your Vehicle

Even if you're not going far, it's always a good idea to take care of your car and make sure that everything's functioning smoothly. You'll extend the life of your vehicle, while also creating less pollution and saving on gas. When you're car is maintained, this means that everything is working properly and depleting some of that extra gunk that cars are commonly dumping.

Also, while you're at it... When was the last time you cleaned up on the inside too? Glove compartment, trunk and in-between the seats included.