Eco-Modern Concierge is Carbon Neutral

As I consider myself and my services to be eco, I wanted to participate in this endeavor that I am about to explain.

In order to help reduce carbon emissions, a program called "Make it Green" in Germany started the "My blog is neutral" initiative. Each blog that participates in this initiative the program will plant one tree through the Arbor Day Foundation. The trees are planted at the Plumas National Forest in Northern California because more than 80 acres have been burned down due to wildfires.

Blogs can create more carbon dioxide than you think. As stated on their website, "According to a study by Alexander Wissner-Gross, PhD, physicist at Harvard University and environmental activist, an average website causes about 0.02g (0,0008oz.) of carbon dioxide for each visit. Assuming an average blog gets 15,000 visits a month, it has yearly carbon dioxide emissions of 3,6kg (8lb.). This can mainly be tracked back to the immense energy usage from (mainframe) computers, servers, and their cooling systems."

Do you want to join this initiative with your blog? Well here is how:

1. Write a blog post about the initiative + insert your favorite button
2. E-mail the link to your post to CO2-neutral@kaufda.de
3. We plant a tree for your blog in Plumas’!

Organizing: Purging

Organizing is a great way to "cleanse" yourself and your home. One of the best ways to start off your organization journey is to begin by purging. Purging means getting rid of unwanted and/or unused items. My philosophy with clothes is if you have not worn it in the 6 months to one year than it is probably not worth keeping. With household items including children's toys if you have forgotten that you even owned it, never use it, or never look at it than it is probably time to get rid of it.

What shall you do with the items you are purging? Well you can either sell them in a garage sell and make some extra cash, take it to a resale/consignment shop or donate the items to your favorite charity or local thrift store. Having a garage sale is a great way to get rid of your unwanted items along with making some extra money. I did this before I moved about 2 months ago and ended up making a little over $800. I LOVE resale and consignment shops, they are a great way to get something 1. cheaper than regular price 2. unique 3. something you enjoy. I have been shopping at resale shops for years now and constantly get compliments on my items whether it is my clothes or my home furnishing. Donating your stuff to a cause you are passionate about is also a very rewarding thing you can do. Besides going to people who really need it, many of times your donation items are a tax write off.

Even if you purge a little at a time than it is a great way towards the organization process. Start off by making monthly, weekly, and/ or daily goals. Make it a household rule that if you bring one thing in than take 2 or more things out. Little things can add up quick. If you feel overwhelmed ask your spouse or a friend over to help you out so you aren't at it alone or you can hire a professional. Good luck beginning your journey!

Introduction - First Post

This is my first time posting anything to a blog, so I will give everyone a brief introduction. My name is Amy and currently reside in Houston, TX. I started this blog to give info and tips related to a side job I am currently in the process of doing. It is called Eco-Modern Concierge, which consists of me helping people out with their personal and professional needs. I mostly do, but not limited to pet/ house sitting, organizing and any personal assistant needs individuals may have . I first began doing this when I was in high school to make a little extra money and once I began college along with my 9-5 job and did this on the side to help pay for school. All through my undergrad and now grad school the business has really grown. I LOVE every second of it. I love the people, the pets, the hecticness, the fast pace working environment, etc. etc.

I know you are probably thinking why eco modern? What is "eco" about this company? Well I have been an environmentally conscious person for many years now before it really began to gain the amount of popularity that it has now. When I go on jobs for people shopping or dry cleaning I try to always bring our own bags, I have started many recycling programs for companies and individuals, donate used clothing, plan trips to the best of my ability to reduce emissions and time, etc.

I wanted to start this blog to share with others tips, information, and ideas that I have for the moment. It will basically be a little of everything mostly related to the things that I do on a daily basis. I hope that others will enjoy reading this and feel free to email me with questions, ideas or comments you would like to share with me. Happy reading!