Author Archives: bcruz4

Why Texas needs bees

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Save The Bees, Tx

Now that it’s officially spring time here in Tx, it’s the perfect time to talk about the importance bees play in our environment. If it weren’t for these tiny fuzzy creatures, we wouldn’t have those beautiful flowers that have been popping up along our road sides. If Texans are not made aware of the importance bees offer our state’s population, then we made all be in for a rude awakening.

Don’t worry, GoGreenGo is here to educate you on the importance of bees in Texas as well as what you can do to help keep them here. So keep reading, taking notes, and spreading awareness!

Pollination

If you’re from the great state of Texas, you have at least one picture of yourself standing next to our beautiful state flower (bluebonnet). Thanks to bees, you are able to get them cute lil pics. They pollinate $587 million worth of crops in Tx every year! There is 800 different bee species here in Tx, who have helped contribute to that amount of money. Unfortunately that number will drop due to pesticides being used. When we say pesticides we mean Neonicotinoids: impairs the bees ability to fly and look for food.

How to help: call on our state leaders to limit or ban the use of harmful pesticides here in Tx!

Urban Sprawl

GoGreenGo is located in Austin, Tx where we have seen some major urban growth. People from all over the world have been moving into our tiny city. Buying a home or starting a business in the outskirts/suburbs of Austin has become a lot cheaper than living near the inner city. In order to build more houses in those areas, bee habitats have to be destroyed. If bee habitats are destroyed to make homes in these areas, then the residents can plan on not having free pollinators to keep their gardens growing.

How to help: Educate yourself on the areas you plan to build a new home/start a business, before doing so. Buy and renovate if need be.

Commercial Honey

We all know how important honey is to us Texans, we wouldn’t know what to do without it. Most commercial honey is heated, taking out all of the nutritional value it has to offer. When there is no nutritional value, then it does not do what it is supposed to do. Texans who use honey for allergies, should shop local. The commercial honey does nothing for those horrible spring time allergies here in Tx.

How to help: In order to keep the Texas bee keepers in business, shop local honey!

 

Spread the word!

We hope that you have learned a thing or two about the importance of bees here in Texas. So spread the word and shop local honey! If you know of or find a good local honey, then tag us on Twitter: GoGreenGO10 or Instagram: @GoGreenGo_tx

 

 

 

Go Squeaky Clean Green

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3 clean green products: Sold in TX

How many of y’all have been cleaning nonstop for the past, well, year now? We all wanted to quarantine in a safe squeaky clean home. It’s important to be conscious of the cleaning products you purchase, so that you are keeping yourself and the planet safe. Time to ditch those harsh chemicals and start cleaning with some biodegradable and sustainable products!

Not only are these products going to be good for your home, but they are also good for your health (boo, bleach is bad). They may cost a bit more $, but the earth will thank you later. Waste free packaging and natural ingredients, YES PLEASE. We’re going to focus here on brand’s all purpose cleaners that can be found at a retail store near you, so convenient!

1. Puracy

Just like Go Green Go, Puracy was birthed in Austin, Texas. So if you like to shop local, this is definitely the brand to buy. We don’t know about you, but scent matters. Puracy offers some of the most natural and unique scents, that wont give you a headache after power cleaning on a Sunday haha. If you try Puracy’s cleaning products and like them, they also sell bath products as well! Take a look at the list of the pros we made below.

  • Biodegradable: yes
  • Natural dyes: yes
  • Packaging: sustainable
  • Price: $6.99
  • Scents:
    • Lemon grass
    • Green tea & lime
    • Unscented
  • Available at: Target
  • Products: disinfecting spray

2. Seventh Generation

If you’re a cleaning product collector, then you’ll Seventh Gen. This brand offers so many different types of green products to keep your home or space clean. It is easy to find products from seventh gen, because they are available in over 5+ different stores in TX. Make sure to try Seventh Gen’s green laundry products when you get the chance! Take a look at the list of pros we made below.

  • Biodegradable: yes
  • Natural dyes: yes
  • Packaging: sustainable
  • Price: $3.99
  • Scents: 
    • lemongrass citrus
    • eucalyptus & spearmint
    • lavender
    • unscented
  • Available at: Target, Walmart, Amazon, Home Depot
  • Products: disinfecting spray, all purpose cleaner, wipes

3. Method

Method is the most eye catching of all. Their products are colorful and offer a variety of scents, one of the largest scent arrays to choose from! The brand is non for their nontoxic plant based “Powergreen” technology ingredients. Apparently, Method puts the “hurt on dirt” with the technology, haha. Not to mention all of the ingredients are biodegradable, since they’re plant based! The all purpose cleaner is rather large in size, at 28oz of cleaner per bottle, so a big bang for your green buck. Take a look at the list of the pros we made below.

  • Biodegradable: yes
  • Natural Dyes: yes
  • Packaging: yes
  • Price: $3.29
  • Scents: grapefruit, lime+sea salt, mint, lemongrass, citron, lavender, bamboo, apple, eucalyptus, almond, wildflower, spearmint, etc
  • Available at: Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Amazon
  • Products: cleaning, hand soaps, dish soaps, personal care, laundry care, etc

After reading about some of the products the Go Green Go team knows and loves, we hope that y’all get the chance to try some of these brand’s cleaning products or any of the other products they offer. Happy spring cleaning, everybody! If you try any of these brands, we’d love for you to share your thoughts and opinions with us on our: Twitter @GoGreenGO10 or Instagram @GoGreenGo_tx

 

It’s The Little Green Things

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3 little ways to start your green journey

By: Brianna Cruz

Edited By: Caitlyn Gonzales

Want to end climate change, but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry we have all been there too. It may seem like anything one single person does will not be enough to fix the condition our planet is in, but thankfully that isn’t true. It takes one person to want to make an impact, in order for more to follow! Going green is contagious. Thank you for making the planet a priority and thank you for including Go Green Go in your journey. We all appreciate the support.

So, you want to make a change, but don’t know where to start. No problem! I’m here to give you the best and easiest options to start at. Going green may seem like more work or a chore, but it’s actually so fun! Let’s get started on some these options, so that you can have as much fun as we do!

Ditch your ride:

Yes, the vehicle. You absolutely can do it! If you live in a city this will be a bit easier for you. Bust that old rusty bike out, air up those tires, and go green! I began using my vehicle less by riding my bike to the grocery store (can be anywhere). If you live alone or have a small family this is totally doable. Not to mention a good little sweat and calories burned! If you do not have a bike, don’t worry, there’s more options below.

Or you can rent a MetroBike on the CapMetro app. There’s 75 bike stations spread throughout Austin! The bike rental lasts 1 hour and anytime after that is $4/30 min. If you like your rental experience you can purchase a membership For an even bigger incentive… students receive a DISCOUNT! Check out more information on https://www.capmetro.org/metrobike

Here is a list of tips for your first CLEAN grocery run:

  • Air up your tires
  • Take backpack
  • Wear helmet
  • Wear comfortable shoes/clothing
  • Only buy what you need!
  • Take a pic and tag @GoGreenGo10 on Twitter!
Remember Recycling:

I promise it gets easy with practice. There is nothing better than having a full recycling bin and a partially empty trash bin on trash days. The first thing you need to know prior to becoming a recycle enthusiast. There’s a small triangular recycle symbol on the bottom of plastic containers with a #, 1-6 are recyclable! If they have any # higher than 6, then they can’t be recycled (boo). It was helpful for me to get my whole family on the same page, so communicate! Show the fam the brand new recycling bin they should place recyclables in and educate them over which plastics can be tossed in the bin. Before you know it, your family will be excited to toss something in the recycle bin (yay).

Beginner’s Tips

  • Buy a separate bin to store recyclables inside your home
  • Try and buy only recyclable plastic items!
  • Rinse all items out before recycling
  • Take a pic and tag @GoGreenGo on Twitter!
Excessive Electricity:

I am absolutely guilty of walking around my home, broad daylight, with every light on in my home (smh). But no more! I have been refraining from flicking any light switch, from the moment I wake up (6a) to sunset. Open those blinds and draw your curtains = enjoy the sun’s beautiful natural light! Your plants will also appreciate the sun’s rays hitting them all day. Even your wallet will appreciate the change lol. It may be hard to knock the habit during the first transitioning week, but with some effort + reminders, it will be a habit that sticks.

Tips:

  • place sticky notes next to every light switch in your home (DON’T USE)
  • set an alert on your phone for 7a (DON’T USE LIGHTS)
  • remind all family members
  • compare electricity bill to previous!

Now, I wish you all the very best start to your GoGreenGo journey! Just keep reminding yourself that it’s the little green things, that make the big green difference. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @GoGreenGo for more info and thanks for reading!