And I’m sure many may be sad to hear that I participate in Black Friday. I don’t come home with two truckloads full of "stuff", but I do take care of a decent part of my holiday shopping on this day. My husband and I find it fun, whereas others find it just too crazy.

This year, I tried to turn my Black Friday into a lighter shade: green. In our Thanksgiving weekend shopping, we did not use any plastic shopping bags. Correction: until 6pm Sunday night.

When we left the house at 5:30 on Friday morning, I was ready. I carried my orange tote as my purse, and packed the hemp bags in, as well. We filled these up, and when switching stores, unloaded them in the truck and returned with empty bags.

Our downfall was a last minute stop at the Miramar Outlets last night, before crossing the state to return to Miami. We popped in for just 20 minutes to check out the stores and make a quick pit stop. We completed one purchase, and realized the bags were in the car. Oops.

Christmas shopping = basically done. Plastic shopping bag count = 1. Not too shabby.

My sweet hubby bought me this set from reusablebags.com. It includes 4 hemp totes, 4 produce bags, and a set of 10 of these Evert-Fresh bags. You use the totes in place of the plastic shopping bags, the produce bags in place of the clear plastic bags in the product department, and the evert-fresh bags to store the produce in your fridge.

I’ve only used the bags twice so far. The first time, I got nothing but praise from both the cashier and the bagger. "Can you imagine if everyone did this?" "Only you and one other lady bring your own bags here." On, and on. And I thought I was going to have a problem because my tomatoes weren’t in a clear bag…no problem. Then yesterday I used them again. No praise, but no problems either. So far, so good!

Additionally, in order to cut down on shopping bags at the mall, I started to carry an extra bag. I was using some random, not very pretty bag that I got free somewhere. It didn’t look that nice, so my husband & I picked up this tote from Crate & Barrel. I now use it as a giant purse when I know I’ll be shopping. It has a small zippered pocket inside that is big enough to fit my cell, wallet, pen, lipstick, etc.

I encourage you to start bringing your own bag. We can’t expect the stores to give us incentives for doing so, when it is obvious to them that no one cares.

To make your transition to BYOB a bit easier, follow these tips:

• Carry the bags in your car, or stick a small foldable one in your purse. That way you’ll always have it. When you bring them into your house, empty them and place them by the door to return them to your car.
• Have the bags ready as you approach the cashier. They are fast baggers and will stick your stuff in plastic if you aren’t quick enough.
• Tell the cashier as soon as they start ringing you up that you have your own bags. Then tell the bagger.

Let us know how your BYOB experiences go!

Our A to Z guide is growing, and we owe it all to our readers. Since starting this guide, we’ve received lots of helpful suggestions for donations.

Reader Anne told us about Miami Waste Paper, an industrial style place that doesn’t mind if individuals drop off their cardboard or newspaper. In fact, they pay up to $3 for 100 pounds!

She also pointed us in the direction of the Habitat for Humanity ReSTORE. "The ReStore sells donated building materials, tools, and appliances to the public at discounted prices. The profits help finance Miami Habitat’s housing building efforts."

Reader Gus told us about SoBe Thrifty, and when we forgot to post it, reader Zeb reminded us what a great store it is. It is part of Care Resource, "South Florida’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organization serving both Miami-Dade & Broward Counties."

So please, keep those suggestions coming! We want to make this a really complete resource! Thanks Miami!

Ideally, a bag needs to be used 11 times before it makes the production worthwhile.

I like the care package padding idea. Shipping something? Make a bunch of plastic bag balls instead of styrofoam peanuts or foam. (Old newspaper also works great.)

It’s not perfect, but thanks, Target. It’s a step in the right direction.

See previous hunt posts: Part I, Part II

The hunt is over! After researching one last time for more types of reusable water bottles, GreenerMiami decided on this Sigg. We purchased the "closeout color" of Slate Green for a $6 discount. Incidentally, the color looks very much like a metallic dark gray. Total cost, inflated by almost $5 shipping was about $17.

A lot for a water bottle, maybe. But not really. Didn’t bring water with you? Buy a bottle for $1. Happens a lot, right? Plus, you are creating trash. Not to mention the distribution for each bottle to get to you. It really works out in the end.

So, my review of this Sigg bottle. Overall, very happy with it. Lightweight, doesn’t leak at all. Water tastes clean, though with a slight ‘metal’ taste. I have mistreated it sufficiently, sometimes leaving it closed for days without cleaning, and it never develops that disgusting sour smell that plastic water bottles tend to do. Additionally I purchased a clip (Sports Authority, $1) to place through the hole in the lid that allows me to connect the bottle to a backpack, purse, or bag. The bottle comes with clear instructions on how to clean, store, and use. I am a pure water drinker, so I have not tried with flavored or carbonated drinks, but they are included in the guarantee. It is my assessment that the Sigg 0.6 Liter Traveller was a great find for Product Hunt: Water Bottle!

The Sigg website lists that the bottles are sold locally in Genius Jones on Lincoln Road, although I couldn’t confirm it.

This guide is meant to help residents learn how to dispose of items properly, as well as provide ideas on where to donate items that may still have further use for another individual. Updates to this list will be continuous. For additions, deletions, and corrections, please contact: greenermiami@gmail.com.

There are some general organizations that accept varied donations:

Goodwill: Non-profit. Provides education, training, and career services to people with disadvantages. They accept many items including clothing, household items, furniture, computers, vehicles. Items should be clean and in working condition. Drop off at any Goodwill location, or arrange a pick-up for large items.

Craigslist: Local community classifieds and forums. Post your item for free, or sell it locally.

Freecycle: Free group organized locally, with the purpose to give and receive items for free. Join the Miami Yahoo group. Post a listing for your item. Provide free of charge to person interested.

A – Z listings

Air Conditioners: Habitat for Humanity ReSTORE, must be undamaged and in working condition.

Appliances: Habitat for Humanity ReSTORE, must be undamaged and in working condition.

Batteries: Miami-Dade County recycling, green bin. Rechargeable – Check Call2Recycle for drop-off locations near you.

Boat: Miami Rescue Mission, handles DMV paperwork and pick-up. (305)573-6340.

Books: Ask your local library if they would like the donation. SoBe Thrifty (map)

Boxes: see Cardboard.

Car: Miami Rescue Mission, handles DMV paperwork and pick-up. (305)573-6340.

Cardboard: Miami Waste Paper, 2120 NW 14^th Ave, Miami (map). 305-325-0860. Monday – Friday 7 am – 5 pm, Saturday until 12 pm. A very industrial looking place, they will let you drop off your cardboard. They even pay $3 for 100 lbs. Similar businesses: Southeastern Recycling (map) 305-634-1180, Eco Paper Recycling (map) 305-887-5864.

Cell Phones: Recellular Trade-In, Wireless Recycling, Call2Recycle, TerraPass. Miami Beach: North Shore Park & Youth Center (map) and City Hall Answer Center (map), call 305.673.7080 for more info. Most Best Buy stores have prepaid envelopes available at the entrance/exit of the store.

Chemicals: Miami-Dade Home Chemical Collection Centers (West Dade: 8831 N.W. 58th Street, South Dade: 23707 SW 97th Avenue Gate-B) open 9 am – 5 pm, Wednesday – Sunday.

Clothing: Goodwill, SoBe Thrifty (map), Monday-Saturday 10am – 7pm. Located on Miami Beach, the store provides funding for HIV/AIDS clinical programs. Chapter 2 (map), Wednesday-Saturday 10am – 4pm. Items must be ready-to-wear: clean, pressed, all buttons, no stains/holes, on hangers if applicable. The revenue helps provide professional attire and career skills training to low income women seeking employment.

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs: Miami-Dade Home Chemical Collection Centers (West Dade: 8831 N.W. 58th Street, South Dade: 23707 SW 97th Avenue Gate-B) open 9 am – 5 pm, Wednesday – Sunday.

Computers: Working condition – SoBe Thrifty (map). Non-working condition – Miami-Dade Trash & Recycling Center.

Cooking Oil: Put old cooking oil and grease in a container with a lid, freeze it then put it in the trash.

Electronics: Residents of unincorporated Miami-Dade County only – Trash & Recycling Center Drop-Off, with locations in North Dade, Palm Springs North, Golden Glades, West Perrine, West Little River and Moody Drive.

Eyeglasses: Any Lenscrafters store location, which goes to the Gift of Sight program.

Furniture: SoBe Thrifty (map), Habitat for Humanity ReSTORE, must be undamaged and in working condition

Grass: Do grasscycling, and help the environment.

Hair: Locks of Love, minimum 10" long plus other requirements. Used to create wigs for financially disadvantaged children with long term hair loss.

Household goods: SoBe Thrifty (map)

Ink Cartridges: Miami Beach: North Shore Park & Youth Center, 501 72nd St.; City Hall Answer Center, 1700 Convention Center Dr. (map) call 305.673.7080 for more info. Most Best Buy stores have a drop off station located at the entrance/exit of the store.

Lighting Fixtures: Habitat for Humanity ReSTORE, must be undamaged and in working condition.

Magazines:

Military Uniforms: Army Navy Military Surplus, Cutler Bay (map) 305.232.7631 or Miramar (map) 954.981.1974.

Motor Oil: Up to 5 gallons, various locations in Miami Dade. Earth911 allows you to search by zip code.

Moving Supplies:

Newspaper: Don’t have recycling pick-up at your home? Stephen P. Clark Center, 1st floor near information desk before entering security. Whole Foods in Aventura between the registers and the cafe. Miami Waste Paper, 2120 NW 14^th Ave, Miami. 305-325-0860: A very industrial looking place, they will let you drop off your newspaper. They even pay $1.75 for 100 lbs.

Oil-based Paints: Miami Dade Home Chemical Collection Centers (West Dade: 8831 N.W. 58th Street, South Dade: 23707 SW 97th Avenue Gate-B) open 9 am – 5 pm, Wednesday – Sunday.

Packaging Peanuts:

Paints: also see Oil-based Paints. Habitat for Humanity ReSTORE.

Pesticides: Miami Dade Home Chemical Collection Centers (West Dade: 8831 N.W. 58th Street, South Dade: 23707 SW 97th Avenue Gate-B) open 9 am – 5 pm, Wednesday – Sunday.

Plastic Bags: Most local grocery stores offer recycling of plastic bags, such as Publix and Winn Dixie. Typically accept all types of plastic bags, including those from department stores, newspaper sleeve bags and clear dry-cleaner bags. Handles made from other plastics, paper or string must be removed as they are contaminants. The bags must be clean and dry.

Plumbing: Habitat for Humanity ReSTORE, must be undamaged and in working condition.

Pool Chemicals: Miami Dade Home Chemical Collection Centers (West Dade: 8831 N.W. 58th Street, South Dade: 23707 SW 97th Avenue Gate-B) open 9 am – 5 pm, Wednesday – Sunday.

RV: Miami Rescue Mission, handles DMV paperwork and pick-up. (305)573-6340.

Solvents: Miami Dade Home Chemical Collection Centers (West Dade: 8831 N.W. 58th Street, South Dade: 23707 SW 97th Avenue Gate-B) open 9 am – 5 pm, Wednesday – Sunday.

Tires: Up to 4 standard automobile tires, residents of unincorporated Miami-Dade County only – Trash & Recycling Center Drop-Off, with many locations.

Tools: Habitat for Humanity ReSTORE, must be in working condition.

Vehicles: Miami Rescue Mission, Goodwill

Wedding Gown: If you are willing to ship it, send it over to Making Memories – a nonprofit that uses the proceeds from the dresses to grant wishes to breast cancer patients.

Wigs:

Windows: Habitat for Humanity ReSTORE, must be undamaged and in working condition.

Basically, today has been a day designated for immigrants to flex their muscles and show the country just how much spending power they hold. No working, no buying, peaceful protests. Additionally, this past week, there was a lot of talk about raids going on in Miami. People talk about INS buses arriving to buildings under construction, malls, and other places. That the INS would wait in the service area and surprise the workers. The Miami Herald says they are all rumors. I’m not so sure, however did not witness anything with my own eyes.

May 1 Events in Miami: A mass will be held at 11:45 am in St. Martha Church in Miami Shores. Additionally, El Nuevo Herald is reporting that a "multi-cultural event" will be held at the Orange Bowl today from 1pm – 5pm, with thousands of people expected. Finally, pro-immigration groups will gather at 6pm in Jose Marti park for a vigil and to register voters and accept applications for citizenship. A Los Angeles DJ asked everyone this morning to wear white, carry an American flag, and bring a trash bag so they can pick up trash as they walk, in order to leave everything as they found it. (Nice!)

So, how does this all relate to greenerMiami? Well, it’s a stretch, but I wanted to talk about another group of people protesting consumption. It is a group called the Compact, originating in San Francisco. This group decided to go beyond recycling, and just stop buying new stuff! With it’s members pledging to not buy or buy only used items, they are stopping the trash before it starts. Of course they have exceptions for things such as food, children’s pajamas, and necessary medicines. It is something that reminds me of the 100-mile diet, as well as Swaporamarama. Check out some of the details: The San Francisco Compact blog and Yahoo group.

How it’s green? You’d be reusing something and not purchasing a new product. But don’t buy it unless you need it!

They were previously charging $5 admission, but today I went and was charged only a 10% buyer’s fee. Street parking (meters) are best choice, and they might even let you park inside. Do not go up the entrance to the resort. Immediately past that entrance, park on the street, if possible.

In the lobby of the hotel, the sale goes from 10 am to 6 pm Monday – Saturday, 1 pm to 6 pm on Sunday. It will probably run through April 15.

Thanks for the tip Miami Monthly.

(First photo: how it originally "came out of the baskets". Second photo: bags combined)

So, what have I learned?

1. No more fresh produce from Costco. As much as I think that my husband & I can finish a giant bag of broccoli from Costco, we can’t. I was filled with good intentions. Broccoli is so good for you. But I threw away almost an entire bag. So sad. So embarrassing to have to admit to the globe. Same goes for the 6 pack (or 8?) of giant portobello mushroom caps.

(Photo: All organic waste for 1 week. Potential to be composted.)

2. I really, really want to start composting. I’d do it any way that was available to me, which right now are zero ways.

3. Most of my trash comes from the kitchen. Between organic waste & product packaging, mostly from food, we create the majority of the household waste.

4. Product Packaging is a big deal. This is something that Melissa in LA is dealing with, too. We buy products that come in packages. So maybe we need to put a little more pressure on the industry to do two things. 1) Create less packaging, please! 2) Use materials that are typically recyclable.

(Photo: All (most) product packaging disposed of in one week.)

5. Paper comes from every direction. And I still don’t know what to do about all of it. I have a problem. I love to read. Miami has about a gazillion free publications, some weekly, some monthly. I love to read them. I learn from them. Yes, many have websites. No, I don’t enjoy reading off of the websites. No, I don’t know what to do with them after I’ve read them. It’s like the newspaper. It’s a completely different experience reading it on paper than it is online.

6. I (we) need to learn to say, "No, Thanks". No Thanks, I don’t need a bag with that. No Thanks I don’t need a brochure, I’ll look it up online. People hand out stuff everyday that is just garbage. We look at it for a second, or only use it for a second, and then this brand new item has just become garbage.

7. I need to find some courage to challenge the authorities. Through my Recycling Chronicles I have tried to find out more about why my building doesn’t recycle. I have no fear calling the city or the county with questions. Who do I fear? The property managers for the condo. Why? I don’t know, I’ve always been a ‘fraidy cat for certain things. I rent here, so I don’t pay maintenance fees, and I don’t pay these property managers. So I feel like it gives me no right to complain. But I have to find it in myself to really get to the bottom of this, directly with the source. Additionally, I think that I really need to talk with my commissioners, to try to make recycling a bigger deal, especially in the City of Miami.

8. Buy products made from recycled materials. From what I understand, if a municipality doesn’t recycle something that is, in fact, recyclable, it is because they do not have a buyer for that particular type of waste. If we recycle, but do not buy products made from recycled materials, we are not completing the circle and we are not creating demand for wholesale/industrial buyers of the materials.

(Photo: Of all of the trash, the only potential recyclables.)

9. Think twice before tossing it out…as if the whole world would know. I really thought about my trash this week. I even salvaged some things that were about to be trashed, and found some "reuse" for them. Throwing out trash should always be a conscious action, for all of us.

(Update 4/4/06: see all WoT posts, including links to Living Green in LA’s version)