Green / Eco Companies & Initiatives in Houston, TX

As many of you know I am passionate about eco causes and like to support eco companies whenever possible. We are not perfect when it comes to all things eco, but try and do what we can when we can. I try to be pushy on our concierge and professional organizing clients when it comes to eco causes I believe in, but thankfully most are willing to recycle and donate when they can. Here are some various Houston eco companies. Some I have visited and some I have not. So many eco companies have gone out of business through the years in Houston, so it was hard finding new companies and ones that are still open. I have also included some Houston green initiatives that seem promising. I won't list them, but there are a done of If you know of any we should add, please share!

Eco Modern Concierge: shameless plug. We are a lifestyle management company that helps clients that get tasks done they don't have time to do or don't want to do. Our company offers professional organizing and personal assistant tasks to businesses and individuals in the Houston area and beyond. 

Rooted to Home: the owner is a zero waste activist and many of their items are by women and fair trade artisans. 

JJ Fords & Geauxcrates: these are plastic moving crates that are great to use instead of cardboard because they are sturdy and reusable. We have used these crates many of times for professional organizing and move management clients. 

Natran Green Pest Control: Natran is an eco pest control company in Houston. 

Refinement Houston: a local Houston company that sells various eco friendly products.

Pat Greer's Kitchen: Pat Greer is a plant based / vegan food chef in Houston that uses many sustainable practices and makes delicious food here in Houston. 

Cason Graye Homes: Eco friendly custom home builders in Houston. 

Green Cremation Services: this Houston company offers green /eco cremation services using low energy flame process or water cremation process.

Junkluggers & College Hunks Hauling Junk: I have used both of these companies for professional organizing and concierge clients here in Houston and they donate and dispose of many items in an eco way before trashing the rest. 

Gorman Uniform: they are doing various things like reusing hangers and using eco laundry services for their uniforms.

Some other green /eco resources in Houston:

Eco / green things to do in Houston

Green Initiatives in Houston

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Eco: 5 Tips on Composting + Composting Bin Options

One thing that I have seen several people posting about lately during quarantine is eco changes they are making because they have the time, effort and ability to make these changes. One thing I am seeing an increase in is composting. I think this is because so many people are cooking at home a lot more than they were in the past. Here are some reasons why you should compost:

• The soil that compost makes helps fertilize plants
• Reduces the amount of waste getting put into landfills and reduces emissions
• It is really easy to compost and takes basically no effort
• As long as you are composting the right things, there is no smell or bugs
• Anyone can compost, whether you live in an apartment or house

Personally I have a mini kitchen composter that I use to take to our larger warm composter in our yard. Here are some various composting bins:

Expandable Composting Bin

Tumbling Composter

Kitchen Stainless Steel Composting Pail

Kitchen Counter Compost Bin

Worm Composter

Wood Composter

All product images from Amazon

Worm photo Photo by Sippakorn Yamkasikorn from Pexels

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Glass Recycling in Houston is Back!!

Did you hear the great news that the city of Houston brought back glass recycling? One of my concierge clients told me about it and I / many of my clients couldn't be happier. I don't know why more places don't offer recycling as an option. Does your city offer recycling?

Screenshot via City of Houston

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Eco Businesses in Houston: Baylor College of Medicine

There are so many companies throughout Houston that have various eco efforts. Some have more than others. Last year a friend reached out to me before Earth Day and said where she worked, at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), was doing an electronics recycle. Then this year a vendor and friend of EMC, Clean Moving Crates, said they were participating in the BCM Earth Day event. I then decided to research what they are doing at BCM and, oh man, it way more than I had expected. Tons of recycling efforts, water sustainability, energy sustainability and so much more. I was so happy to see this. Check out what they are doing here and how you can get involved.

Photo by Gary Chan on Unsplash

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Eco Modern Concierge featured on the SpareFoot Blog About Eco Decluttering & Organizing

Eco Modern Concierge gave various eco & organizing tips for the SpareFoot blog. Check out the article here.

What are some of your favorite eco organizing tips?

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5 Eco Changes you Can Make This Weekend

Here are 5 things you can do this weekend to make minor eco changes in your life.

Shop local. Support your local communities.
Buy air purifying plants. This can help with the air quality in your home.
Enroll in paperless billing. This helps reduce the amount of clutter coming into your home.
Ride your bike. Instead of taking your car, if you can, ride your bike.
Donate items. Instead of throwing items away consider donating them to a local charity.

Photo by Brina Blum on Unsplash

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Made in the USA + Eco Product: Vapour AER Deodorant

You may have seen my video review last month on Vapour's AER deodorant and I wanted to write a post about it as well. I have tried countless amounts of natural deodorants and I have to say after using this one for months, I really like it. It lasts for a long time, smells great and is made in the USA. It is on the pricier side, but I think it is totally worth it. Have you tried it yet?

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2018 Earth Day Events Houston

I love writing this post every year because it is about all things eco. Below see a list of 2018 Earth Day events happening in and around Houston.

March 24 Woodlands GreenUp
March 24 Earth Hour
March 24 Bayou Greenway Day
April 14 Sugar Land Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rock

April 14 SCA Earth Day
April 17 - 22 Galveston FeatherFest
April 21 Urban Harvest Earth Day Workday 
April 21 -22 Aquarium Houston Party for the Planet
April 21 Armand Bayou Earth Day Party for the Planet
April 21 Bay Day
April 21 Houston Arboretum Earth Day Celebration
April 21 Earth Day Family Picnic and Festival at Hope Farms
April 21 Earth Day at Beauty's Community Garden
April 21 Houston Zoo Party for the Planet Zoo Overnight
April 21 Earth Day Bash at Children's Museum Houston
April 22 Earth Day Houston
April 22 Earth Day Market at Karbach
April 22 Earth Day at Moody Gardens
April 22 The Parish School's Earth Day Spring Fling
April 26 Urban Wild Earth Day Happy Hour
April 28 Pearland Earth Day Celebration
May 20 Environmental Trivia Contest

Photo by Duangphorn Wiriya on Unsplash

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5 Eco Changes you Can Make This Weekend

Below are 5 simple things you can do this weekend to help you on your journey of becoming more eco.

• Change your light bulbs to LED. Ikea and Home Depot have affordable LED bulbs. 
• Bring your own bags to the grocery. 
• Start recycling if you don't already. Find out if your neighborhood trash company picks up recycling or where the closest recycle center is to you.
• Don't overbuy. When you overbuy you produce more waste, so try to be mindful of what you are spending your money on. 
• Turn off the lights. When you are not in a room, turn off the lights. 

Photo by Lacey Williams on Unsplash

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Fun Eco Activity for the Kiddos

Jessica from education.com reached out to me and wanted to contribute to a blog post, so they sent over this fun eco project you can do with the kiddos. Check our their website  https://www.education.com/resources/ 

Activity: 

Wildlife Habitat Certification

Take a walk on the wild side! Learn about science and nature while getting your backyard garden certified as a wildlife habitat. This activity is a great way to teach kids that, to find examples of science in action, they don’t need to look any further than their own backyard.

What You Need:                  

• Internet access
• Paper, pencil
• Backyard or balcony garden
• Application fee, if required

What You Do:

1. Did you know that your backyard or balcony can be certified as a wildlife habitat? All it needs is to contain certain elements that protect and nourish wildlife. Many organizations and non-profits will certify areas as official wildlife habitats if they meet certain requirements.
2. Hop online and research organizations that certify wildlife habitats. The most popular is the National Wildlife Federation, but some states and cities give out certifications as well. The organization will provide specific guidelines to follow.
3. The most common attributes organizations look for are sources of food and water, shelter and places to raise young. Have your child make a list of food sources available in her yard for wildlife. Are there any native plants, seeds, fruits, nuts, berries or flower nectar? If she does not have any of these items in her garden, arrange to plant some, or make a bird feeder.
4. Next, your child can list water sources in her yard, such as birdbaths, ponds or a lake. Help her set up a birdbath or other water garden if needed.
5. A covered shelter area for wildlife could include bushy thickets, a pile of rocks or a birdhouse.  Shelter gives wildlife protection from predators and weather.  Have her list which ones are in her garden or work on providing one.  If you need a birdhouse, you can learn how to make your own here.
6. Wildlife also need a place to raise young. Have her check the garden for thick shrubs, leafy plants, mature trees, or a nesting box. She can list which nests she has or needs.
7. After completing the the above steps, help your child fill out the application and send a check for the application fee, if necessary. Congratulations – you are now the proud parent of a wildlife hero!

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Made in Houston + Eco Product: Magpies and Peacocks Upcycled Goods

I first heard of Magpies and Peacocks several years ago from my hair stylist because she was involved with the organization. They are located right here in Houston. They make all kinds of up-cycled goods from jewelry to dog collars. I  got this travel bag last year. It is made of Super Bowl signage from when the Super Bowl was in Houston last year. Since I was part of the supplier diversity program I thought it was fitting to get a unique Super Bowl memento and this is awesome. I highly recommend you check them out!

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Eco Product: Moth Traps

Moths can be such a pest. I was browsing on Amazon and saw these moth traps and loved that they were eco moth traps too. I use them in my pantry and cabinets and have had them for months and they work great.

They are: 

• Made of recycled material
• Pheremone technology 
• Are non-toxic
• 100% organic

What are some of your favorite eco products?

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Eco Modern Concierge Houston Eco Flyers

I have been meaning to get new flyers for a llllooooooonnnnnggggg time and I FINALLY ordered them a few months ago. So kind of a back story, I have been looking for a very specific printer for a long time. I really wanted something eco and local. Well I searched high and low and that wasn't happening, so I decided to order them online per the suggestion of my graphic designer. I couldn't find a local printer that would print eco options and that was affordable. I decided to go with Gotprint.com and LOVE that the paper is recycled and the ink is soy ink. I ordered their sample pack 1st, which is free, to make sure I actually liked what I was getting. I was still hesitant because their preview is not the best quality, but in the end LOVED the product. I will be using them again for my printing needs. They are perfect to hand out to my concierge, personal assistant, eco consulting and professional organizing clients.

If you happen to know a local Houston printer that uses eco options please let me know!

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Eco: Organic Gardening

I am by no means a gardener, but do have a strong interest in it. My mom has an amazing green thumb and can basically bring any dead plant back to life. Last month we just replaced some things that died in the freeze this year and I planted some seeds of beans and carrots and a tomato plant. I love this book and they have some great tips on how to garden organically, using things you already have or doing it in an inexpensive way. Having a concierge company, I have researched a TON of landscape and gardening companies throughout Houston and I manage a lot of these types of services for clients.

What are some of your gardening tips?

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Made in the USA + Eco: Water Hose

I stumbled upon this eco water hose while doing concierge work for a client at one of my favorite hardware stores here in Houston, Southland's. This is just a neighborhood store that seems to have everything that you need. As many of you know, I am all about all things eco if possible. I love that this water hose is made in the USA and is lead free, so no harsh lead coming from the hose. We needed another hose on the side of our house so this was perfect when I saw. I had bought an eco hose at our last house and was happy to see this one. It is perfect for watering your organic gardens.

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Ways Eco Modern Concierge is Eco Friendly

Eco Modern Concierge was formed on the basis of me, Amy, the owner have strong ideas about being eco-friendly. I wanted to incorporate an eco aspect because I like doing what I can when I can to help the environment. I am in no perfect at all, as I have said many, many times on here and on my social sites. For example, I can't kick the paper habit completely because I still love writing letters and reading magazines / books. Being in Houston the eco movement was much more strong several years about. It still is to a degree and more businesses are becoming LEED certified and trying to reduce their waste. When I am doing personal assistant work and professional organization products I try to use items that I already have. Below are some, but not all, of the ways that Eco Modern Concierge is eco-friendly.

• We combine trips as much as possible to reduce waste.
• We use public transportation when we can.
• We support local businesses.
• We use reusable containers whenever possible. 
• We recycle.
• We use eco-friendly products when we can.
• We use reusable bags when shopping for clients, unless otherwise requested.
• We give back.
• We volunteer.
• We sponsor and support eco efforts in the Houston community.
• We use energy efficient appliances and devices when we can.
• We use what we can when we can.
• We reduce paper waste when we can.

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Eco-Friendly Things to Do in Houston

There are all kinds of eco-friendly things that you can do in Houston on regular basis whether it is visiting a local farm to table restaurant or taking a stroll through one of Houston's beautiful parks. Below are some sites to some eco-friendly happenings throughout Houston.

https://www.visithoustontexas.com/about-houston/green-houston/eco-friendly-activities/

https://www.visithoustontexas.com/about-houston/green-houston/

https://www.codegreenhouston.org

https://www.downtownhouston.org/resource/greenworks/

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Eco Organizing Projects: Use What You Already Have

When I am doing organizing projects for clients, I always say use what you already have. Of course, there are will always be people who want to go for a aesthetic, me included, but it you don't have to go and purchase something then don't. This saves on time, money, waste, etc. Houston is a large city and as a professional organizer I am constantly driving and the less driving I / others can do the better for the environment. Below are some common items most of us have that we can use to get organized.

• Old jars and cans for all kinds of little odds and ends like utensils, office supplies, etc.
• Egg cartons for jewelry, buttons, craft supplies, etc. 
• Shipping boxes for anything that needs a box
• Shoe boxes for anything that needs a box
• Tension rods for cleaning supplies, towels, etc.
• Binder clips to hold random items tougher like cords or money
• Spice jars for all kinds of little odds and ends
• Dish rack to separate lids, documents, etc.
• Napkin holders for bills, papers, etc.

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Made in the USA / Eco: Packing Peanuts

Being a professional organizer and having a concierge company, I have done a ton of moves and packing through the years and have become very familiar with eco packing options. I am always thrilled when clients specifically request eco options. It makes me SO happy. Office Depot has eco peanuts and they are made in the USA. They are plant based and compostable. I found them here in Houston and think they have them in most locations in Houston and surrounding areas. I know there are few other places to get them in Houston as well. Do you have a favorite place to get eco packing peanuts?

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Eco Easter Ideas and How to Green Your Easter

The last few years I have done various eco Easter posts on the blog and wanted to post about them again. Here is eco Easter egg options. Here is how to green your Easter.

There are many ways to go green during Easter. Try to buy less for the holiday if at all possible. With that said below are some eco options during Easter time.

• Reuse baskets from year to year. If you must get a new basket I always see a ton of options at places like Goodwill.
• Use shredded newspaper or magazines for Easter basket "grass".
• Dye eggs naturally using spices/vegetables. Here are some options here. Of course, there is always Pinterest with a ton of options. Also, I saw at Whole Foods that they have natural dye packets. 
• Eco, compostable eggs made from plants.
• Check out resale shops or make your own decorations.
• Use local or fair trade chocolate from places like Tejas Chocolate (spotted their chocolate at Jane and John Dough Bakery), Araya Artisan Chocolate, The Chocolate Bar and Cacao & Cardamom.
• Give plants as gifts like herbs or Easter lilies. 
• Cook an Easter meal with in season veggies. 
• Donate or give away Easter items you no longer use.
• If you are using disposable plates/utensils use bamboo or a brand that is compostable. You can find tons of options online or at places like Whole Foods.
• Buy eco toys. There are many options on Amazon. Most toy stores now have great eco plastic and wood toy options. 
• Buy items from local shops. There are great shops all over Houston that I love like Revival Market (food items), Penzy's (spices), Biscuit Home (kids, adults, home, etc), and Space Montrose (stationery, jewelry among all kinds of items). I will need to do a future post of local places in Houston that I really like.

Do you have any eco Easter options?

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