Archive for August, 2009

As summer ends (boo!), stay green with back-to-school basics

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

As summer draws to an end, I am reminded that class has begun yet again. Say goodbye to the peace and quiet that I have grown used to in Boulder. The flocks of students, myself being one, have returned to Boulder.  To start off the new school year on a positive note, I have looked into the newest back to school basics, of course all eco-friendly:

  1. One of the worst parts about getting back to class, for college students at least, is the cost of the text books. But there is a new site, Chegg.com, that you can rent textbooks from. Not only are you cutting down your costs but they plant a tree for every book rented.
  2. While this next one may be a bit bizarre, it’s a crazy concept that has a big impact. I’m speaking of The Elephant Poo Poo Paper Design Company. They make journals and paper out of Elephant Waste. Who knew that was possible? I sure didn’t.
  3. If you couldn’t tell, writing is something I do a lot. Of course an eco-friendly journal is a must, so I go with EcoPaper. They hold everything from note cards and paper to envelopes and journals.
  4. With all this recycled paper, I’m sure you’ll need something to write with. My first choice would have to be the Green Apple Recycled #2 Pencils, made from wood scraps.
  5. With all these supplies you are going to need something to carry them all in. The English Retreads Model T Tote Luxe or the Bentley Messenger Bag are perfect bags to truck all your supplies around.

While I realize that everyone may not want a journal made from elephant waste, there must be some items on this list you can use. And when the cost is nearly the same, why not?

Sammy, Blog Maven

Become an affiliate: get a little piece of our money

Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

We recently started up our own affiliate program, not only to better our company but to offer you an opportunity to earn some money.

What’s the point? The main idea behind the affiliate program is to refer customers from your website to our online store. Affiliates will receive access to banner ads and text links to place onto their website linking to English Retreads. Affiliates earn 10% of the sales amount on all purchases resulting from English Retreads. Not too shabby huh?

How does it work?

  1. Post a banner ad and link on your website
  2. Visitors to your site click on the link and buy at English Retreads
  3. We pay you commission on all sales

What are the benefits? By being an exclusive ShareASale Merchant for English Retreads you will receive monthly coupons and promotions, monthly newsletters as well as use of professional banners.

Not to mention that it costs you nothing to sign up! English Retreads has partnered with ShareASale to host our affiliate program. Visit their site for more information and to start making some money!

Think small: one-room living for singles

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

I have recently come across a way to adjust into the “green” world. It’s called small living. It is the newest way to decrease our carbon footprint that we are all leaving on the planet.

While the rest of the United States may be focused on their expensive over-sized meals or their expensive over-sized houses, I am going to focus on downsizing. One-room living is the way to go if you live alone. Get rid of the items that clutter up apartments and keep what is important and necessary.

Yes it will take some adjusting, but in the end the benefits are worthwhile:

  1. Living in a smaller space encourages you to get outside more often. Why need another excuse?
  2. The cost of a small studio will be much less compared to that of an apartment, or house.
  3. The amount of money that you can save when your studio is only 300 sq ft is amazing! Say goodbye to high utility bills.
  4. With a smaller space, less furniture is needed.
  5. Change is always great. Having a new project to work on, like redecorating your new humble abode, will refresh you.

So instead of thinking big, think small.

Sammy, Blog Maven