With global warming at a peak, governments all around the world are trying to the best they can to try and revert, or at least slow down, the process so that we can preserve our planet for the generations to come. Yes, even though these steps have come a bit too late, it is better late than never! We might not be able to turn back the time and revert some of the actions we have done to damage our planet, but we can at least take measures to prevent it from getting worse.

Just within the US, many states are going green. A study that was done a few years ago found that the inks and dyes used in plastic bags contain toxic chemicals. Considering that Americans throw out about 100 billion plastic bags every year, which is the equivalent of dumping 12 million gallons of oil, plastic bags have been banned in many places. Already parts of California (soon the whole state), North Carolina, and Oregon have banned the use of plastic bags all together.

Other cities around the world have also taken similar action. Other places have chosen not to ban custom plastic bags, but rather to apply a tax on the item, to deter and decrease the sale of the item. However, banning plastic bags does not eliminate the need for them.

Everyone obviously still needs something to put their groceries and shopping products in. A popular replacement for plastic bags is non-woven bags. Since these bags are reusable, many stores all across the country are trying to encourage the use of these bags by providing incentives for bringing in your own grocery bags. This way, the use of plastic bags will decrease and we will be one step closer to a greener planet.

Recently, my husband and I took our daughter to see her first movie theater film. My expectations were to see a fun and entertaining children's film for Vika. The movie turned out even better, "The Lorax" was very educational and great way to teach our children about saving our trees and planet. Everyone knows about recycling and caring for our environment, but this movie had a stronger message for all of us to really get involved and make a difference and a positive change for our home (planet earth). Recycled promotional products put a positive spin on promoting your company and helping save our trees. "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not. - Dr. Seuss

Yesterday coming into work at Motivators promotional products Olha, Ozzie and I decided to carpool. This was a brilliant idea and shame that we did not think about it earlier. Being that we all live in the same neighborhood, it was very convenient. Not only were we getting to spend quality time together and catch up (no we do not get to do that at work) we were actually saving on gas money and going green at the same time! Works out for everyone! Too bad we do not get to do this everyday since everyone has many things they need to do after work or during lunch. But we are always here for each other which is something you don't always find!

     A couple weeks ago, I got to experience something most people will not, a Disney wedding. What makes it even better was I was able to turn that one joyous day into a week-long vacation...WOOHOO! I had the luxury of going, because two good friends of mine met each other there on the Disney college program a few years prior. They worked there for two semesters, each working different rides of the park. Steve worked the jungle cruise, while Lisa worked It's A Small World, and from there, their love blossomed.

     So a couple years later, we are sitting outside of The Yacht Club at Disney's Boardwalk. The boardwalk is set to resemble Atlantic City circa 1930, so imagine buildings that are painted either white, or a pastel color. The setting was lovely, the weather perfect, and the bride was beautiful. Once the ceremony was finished, we head to the Boardwalk Dance Hall, where we had delicious food, good music, and great times. Oh, and I have to mention the mash potato bar. That was delicious and amazing. Garlic mash potatoes served in cocktail glasses with your choice of several toppings...mmmmmm. Lisa had designed their wedding cake, which resembled the two rides they worked on together. It was really creative.

     Now, since this was an "out-of-the-ordinary" wedding, we received an "out-of-the-ordinary" wedding favor, a tote bag. What's so "out-of-the-ordinary" with a tote bag, you ask? Well this tote bag was hand screen printed by the bride and groom themselves, and it was an eco-friendly promotional product. I thought it a unique and fun favor, plus it came in handy throughout out the next few days in the theme parks. We didn't need any of the harmful plastic bags for any of the goods we purchased. All in all, it was a magical event, and I was glad to be a part of it.

Our very own, Adam Brown has decided to opt for eco-friendly promotional products. He recently decided to purchase the promotional solar charger pack that recharges the solar way with 6 different adaptors including a USB connector. Not only is he saving lots of money on electric bills and has charging on the go, but he is being environment-friendly. My goal is to get myself one of these great promotional products and be "green".

I still cannot believe it! My younger brother is turning 10 on Friday December, 9th! He of course is very excited and is always a years ahead of his actual age (thinks he is turning 11). My mom and I on the other hand are ready to burst into tears at how fast he is growing up.

In celebration of this amazingly handsome, smart, young man who is entering the double digits, we are having a birthday party on Saturday. This Turkish culture we have, the birthday is not just for kids, but the mothers are invited too. My mom has already started cooking and baking all this yummy Turkish food. We ordered the  birthday cake from our favorite bakery up the block from the house and I ordered the promotional gifts from Motivators.com for the kids goody bags. My mom liked that Motivators had Promotional Products that were made in the USA and eco-friendly promotional products so I went with custom water bottles that will be imprinted with "Thanks For Attending Duhan's 10th Birthday". I did not want to neglect all the moms that would be attenting, so I figured I would reward them as well. I ordered flexi vases with the same logo which I would give to them with a flower attached as thank you. I hope everyone enjoys this special day!

With the new year fastly approaching it is a perfect time to evaluate this past year and make some new years resolutions.  One of the easiest commitments you can make is to decrease your carbon footprint.  This does not have to be a drastic life changing movement but you can take baby steps.  Some simple ways to start are: 1. Ditch your water bottle over 26 Billion water bottles are thrown away each year. 2. Unplug it! Unplug appliances that ou don't frequestnly use. 3. Use Cold Water, not when you shower but when doing laundry. Hot water requires a lot more energy. And remeber the three R's: Reduce, Reuse and Recyle!

You can also extend your go-green attitude to your company by purchasing Eco-Friendly Promotional Products.  Eco-Friendly Promotional Products tells your customers and employees that you truly cares about what happens to this planet. Eco-friendly products can really make the right statement about your comapny. With the holidays coming up Eco-Friendly products make great gifts! 

I must admit, I am not the most "eco friendly" person. I tend to leave lights on when I leave a room, and keep the water running while I brush my teeth (yes I do get scolded). However, I do TRY! I recycle and use energy effiecient light bulbs. I even bought everyone eco-friendly promotional products for Christmas. With all of the crazy weather we have had, I thought that the 12 LED Multi-Function Dynamo Lantern would be a great holiday gift for family members. Being that it is an eco-friendly promotional product, it comes with a rechargeable battery which is perfect for when power is lost. Motivators offers a variety of eco-friendly promotional products that will hopefully get me on the right track!

On Sunday, my husband and I had to run a few errands, so we were out most of the day. We ended up at Roosevelt Field Mall, to return and pick up a few things. While there, of course, I wandered off, and ended up in Urban Outfitters. When I went into the store, I told my husband that I was just going to come "right out". It has been a while since I have been in that store, so I ended up going through every rack and every display. Well, about 45 minutes later, I left the store with two bags of clothes. I kept telling myself (and my husband) that I only bought the essentials for my fall wardrobe. However, I must admit, part of my shopping had to do with the cute and reusable shopping bags they use. Unlike most retail stores that uses paper or plastic shopping bags, Urban Outfitters uses reusable non-woven custom tote bags. I figured, I would not only be getting new sweaters and shirts, but also promotional bags that I can use on a daily basis (as a cute little lunch bag). Koodos to Urban Outfitters - not only for being eco-friendly and using reusable shopping bags instead of disposable ones, but also for making purchashing from the store so fun and exciting!!

Remember 'The O.C.' star Rachel Bilson? The actress from the hit 2003 - 2007 T.V. show is making headlines again, but this time it's not so much about mindless teenage drama.  Bilson recently turned 30, and, according to the Mother Nature Network (MNN), has decided to give her house an eco-friendly makeover.

MNN reports that Bilson is giving her home's walls a fresh coat of paint.  "I'm painting my walls.  They used to be pink and I'm 30 now and think they should be white," Bilson told MNN.  "I got all the low-VOC paints."  But what makes a low-VOC paint special?  VOC stands for 'volatile organic compounds,' so paints that are labeled as low-VOC have fewer chemicals and carcinogens.

We're glad that Bilson has taken a step toward an eco-friendly lifestyle.  We're also happy to see the 'O.C.' alum is maturing with age.  What's next for the 30-year-old actress?  She's got a new CW series, 'Hart of Dixie,' premiering on September 26.  Who knows-- maybe her environmentally-conscious lifestyle will follow her to the set.  We'd love to see her getting behind an important 'Go Green' cause.  How about passing out some promo plant-a-tree cards to your co-stars, Rachel?