Happy Thanksgiving

Hope you have a wonderful, energy packed holiday. I hope you get out and move as much as you enjoy the festive treats. Give thanks because you want to, not because you feel like you are obligated. I would like to know what you do to stay moving keep it all together through the holiday weekend. Enjoy! -pm

Fall Back, Fast Forward

We've moved the clocks to "gain" an hour but the time speeds on by. This time of year screams go, go, go! Hustle and bustle is the phrase that pays when November and December come around. Retail thrives on people needing quick solutions to food, gifts, and anything else that might come up last minute. People really stress out this time of year and sometimes it seems that there is no escape from the madness. Treat yourself, friends, and family to some downtime. Take a quiet hike in the woods or walk your dog. Bundle up, go out and get some fresh air. It's good for the brain and the light exercise will lower your blood pressure while burning off some of those extra holiday calories. If you are needing to conserve calories, maybe you've got a big race you are training for, the supplemental stress reducers might be better served by light stretching or deep breathing exercises. Sure this time of year can get rowdy but take some time to get away so you can recharge your energy and enjoy the craziness with everyone else. Moods are infectious, be the one spreading good cheer! -pm

The Experimental Runner

I think I've become a fair weather runner. Used to, nothing could get me on a treadmill. These days, I won't put my peds to pavement unless the temperature and wind speed suit my fancy. That's ok though. I love running and as long as I get to do it then all is right with my world. -ter

Don't Forget To Walk Or Swim The Dog

You probably realize that your pets need exercise just as we humans do. Most of us have trouble getting our own bodies to the gym and even more trouble taking the dog out for a stroll. There are several ways to get your dog exercise besides tossing toys in between t.v. commercials. Alternatives that benefit your dog's health will be beneficial to your health as well. Hiking, swimming, and even biking with your dog are all a variety of exercises that pets can enjoy too. Running and walking are popular favorites. Be sure to research what activities are best for the build of your breed and remember to keep safety, like hydration, in mind. Not only will your dog get healthier, she will be happier spending quality bonding time with you. -pm

Precycle, Recycle Oh MY!!!

The world of retail won't let us forget that the holiday's are practically here. I got to thinking about all of the waste that gets generated for this giving time of year. All of the decorations, wrapping, and buying unnecessarily end up giving more trash to the Earth than Joy to the World. The festivities are great and with the state of the economy right now we need the happy escape. We just don't need the extra trash. Fortunately, there are several ways to eliminate waste. The term "precycle" has gotten popular and it means to prevent the need to recycle. If the waste is never produced then the need to recycle is not necessary. The idea is that recycling is great and precycle is even better! If you are new to the ways of "going green" don't panic. Every small bit helps. Take a look at these suggestions as we launch into a "reason for a green season!" pm

Here is Planetpals top ten list of ways to PRECYCLE:

1. Bring reusable bags to the store with you. Cloth or paper will do!

2. Buy Large Quantities. If you buy products in bulk or in large sizes and quantities, you can put them in smaller containers as you need them and this uses less containers.

3. Buy products with the least amount of packaging or none at all. Items packed in multiple containers may look nice, but they are a waste!

4. Buy products packed in recycled packaging. If you have to use a container, it might as well be green. Additionally, you help support green corporations. (Important: make sure you look for the recycled symbol)

5. Don't buy disposable items (plates cups, pens, diapers, batteries, etc.) They only fill the landfill more.

6. Buy less paper towels and napkins or none at all. Use cloth ones!

7. Buy long life and concentrated items (batteries, bulks , etc.) This saves on packaging as well as product.

8. Don't purchase styrofoam. It contains polystyrene, which is the most difficult material to break down in our landfill and is considered a hazardous waste.

9. Buy items in cardboard. aluminum, steel, glass, and plastic containers marked 1 and 2 ( They are stamped on the bottom 1 and 2). These containers can be recycled more easily.

10. Read labels for ingredients. Stay away from chemicals that harm our plant and animal life and poison our land.

Obviously, there are times when disposable items or buying in bulk are not as practical, such as traveling or picnics. The trick to all this, is to limit. We can take responsibility by changing our daily habits. Precycling may take a little more work in some cases...but an ounce of prevention is the main ingredient here!

Precycle, and teach your friends and family how to PRECYCLE, too!