Fear not, fellow readers.

I'm back! We are FINALLY getting settled in from our move! It took almost a month to get working internet, and some personal things have demanded much of my free time, so this is the first chance I have had to sit down and write. Fear not - although I have not been chronicalling my journey, it is always near the forefront of my mind. In fact, it is so much near the forefront that it has become HABIT!

It extends (unwittingly) to work. I am no longer in an office environment, but back in retail management. Each time I tender out a sale, I ask the customer if they would like a bag, and more often than not, they evaluate their current bags and usually say no! I am saving blank paper to re-use after each transaction! Not only is this better for our precious planet, but it is more fiscally-responsible for my employer!

While I was unpacking, I noticed my tendency to hoard bath and candle products. So, I am making an effort to buy as little as possible and either use up what I have or give it away. I can no longer use shower gels, but I figured out a formula to turn them into body scrubs. Voila!

Upon moving into our new house, we changed all regular lighbulbs to CFLs. We dress warmer and use blankets on chilly evenings. We use all-natural dish soap and laundry detergent. Our new guinea pigs have recycled paper for their bedding. I am devising a way to start composting our leftover waste. I am at a bit of a standstill on that, but I am still working on it. When we clean, we use rags and towels that we wash instead of paper towels.

I need some help, though. Like I said, I am at a standstill on the composting. We live in the country, in a state that is very cold 4-5 months a year. We have a big backyard and a garage. What ideas do you have for us to start our composting? Also, I have been searching for 3 months for a biodegradable garbage bag and have yet to find one. Suggestions?