Happy Weekend! Hope you're enjoying it as much as I am.
I thought I'd answer some questions---well, more like comments--- that have been popping up on this blog, other blogs and in the inbox at dannyseo.com.
Question #1: "You talk about the environment too much."
Answer: DUH! I kid... but seriously, that's like saying Mario Batali talks about Italian food too much.... It's my entire livelihood!
Question #2: "Just because it is green doesn't mean we should consume it! If we have a bed that is not green - and we get rid of that bed now or later it doesn't really matter. You shouldn't consume another bed just because the new one is green..."
Answer: I think this comment is in response to some online news that I've teamed up with Simmons bedding to create my own eco-friendly healthy sleep system. It's true! It's called the Simmons Natural Care by Danny Seo mattress. But more on that later.
In response, I will say that I never propose people toss everything away and buy everything new just because something is green. But if you're like me, there will come a time when you DO need to replace your mattress. And when that time comes, isn't it better knowing there's an eco-friendly alternative that's readily and easily available?
Question from "dede" in response to my post on recycling old shot glasses into tealights. And dede's comment was: "Love recycling the glass, but do not love the paraffin! Come on, Danny. You are an original soy candle man. What happened?"
Answer: I am FOREVER a soy candle fan, so not to worry. I just had some paraffin pillar candles I salvaged from a photo shoot I was working on and decided to recycle them into new candles. Better to recycle/reuse then to throw them away, I figure. But thank you Dede for being passionate about soy! I am, too!!
Question: In response to the MANY comments and emails I'm getting about about owning two homes:
Answer: Okay, this is a trickier one. The reality is I have been on the hunt for a new home for a while because I have simply outgrown the current home that I live in that I also use for photo shoots and TV shoots. AND, I totally understand that owning two homes isn't exactly the lightest carbon footprint. So, let me explain.
The thing many people don't understand is that use my home as both a live and work space. I craft new projects, tips and ideas right in my home. I use it as backdrop for many photo shoots, TV programming, and come up with all my Country Home magazine columns here. I test tips and ideas found in my books and products like the Do Just One Thing calendar. And now I'm using my home as inspiration for a new line of environmentally-friendly products ranging from bedding to mattresses to cleaning products.
So, having a designated work "space" (translation: the old house) where my talented crew can go in and set-up lovely photo shoots and test products is no different than housing everyone in a traditional office building. But what's creative and lovely about an office building? Nothing. Here, they can be as creative as possible. (PS-It's worth mentioning my electric bill for the old house is around $34 a month. And that's including central air in the summer and electric heat in the winter!).
And with the new home under-going much needed restoration and renovation, I'm helping to preserve an architecturally interesting home that may been destined for demolition to build a McMansion in its place. Plus, I'll be able to share all the step-by-step renovations AND restorations to help you do the same in your home, too.
I just want to clarify that I'm not completely oblivious to the idea of owning two homes.... but there is a much deeper and greener reason for doing so. Hope that clarifies it all!
Question: Why don't you moderate the comments on your blog?
Answer: The only thing I do is delete obvious spam comments, for things like gambling websites and discounts on pharmaceutical drugs. I am sure nobody here is going to object to the deletion of those.
But for the past two years, the thousands of comments have been pretty smart, insightful and interesting, whether they are pro's or con's to whatever I'm posting. So, as long as it stays that way, I see no point in moderating the comments.
Question: I can't find your Do Just One Thing Calendar anywhere! Help!
Answer: The tricky thing about the calendar business is that come January 1st, your product is pretty much out-of-date. So, we try to manufacture calendars based on educated guesses on what demand will be to minimize waste. Unsold calendars, you see, become landfilled calendars in most cases.
So we were conservative with the print run for the calendar. We totally underestimated.
My Do Just One Thing calendar has been one of the bestselling 2008 calendars of the year. In some cases, it sold out in stores in October 2007, many months before the actual calendar selling season begins. In fact, I only have two copies in my possession! But on the positive side, it showed there was a real demand from people who would love a practical, informative and do-able daily tip to go green in 2008. On the negative side, a lot of people couldn't get their hands on one.
So, to help the many people who have been emailing me, I am proud to say we are working on a digital version that will be available free of charge later this year. It'll be a daily e-mail reminder complete with photos, links and helpful text to help you go green. So far, we're calling it Daily Danny and I hope to have it up and running by Spring 2008. Stay tuned!
I've been loving your blog and reading it daily. Can you tell me how the rugs you featured today feel underfoot--soft or plastic-y? They seem to be just what I'm looking for. -Heather
The rug reminds me of the asian tatami mats made from woven grass a bit. The rug is woven plastic, so it's going to feel like plastic. But it's a thin, very finely woven plastic rug, so it's not going to feel chunky or too slick. The rugs come with velcro strips to help avoid shifting, too. Overall, it's a good price and a good deal. And keep in mind one benefit: it can be used outdoors in the summertime, too. Just hose it down and let it air dry if it gets dirty.
2. Hi Danny, In an impulsive moment years ago, I purchased an APS camera--it is the marriage of digital and traditional cameras. It uses a special film which is processed digitally. The problem is, I don't use it anymore and I want to get rid of it. Alas, no one wants it, even when I want to give it away for free! Is there a place or an organization that will recycle cameras?? -Yohanna
You have a few options here: One, you can post your camera on freecycle.org; just type in your zip code and you'll be able to send out a free post to people in your area. If someone wants it, they claim it. No money ever changes hands and it basically links someone with something they don't want (e.g. a camera) with someone who wants it.
Another option is to recycle it: www.greendisk.com is an electronics recycling service. For a nominal fee, they actually recycle office waste like cameras, printers, CDs, DVDs, etc. Perhaps you can have a recycling drive in your office and send them a big box of recyclables to save money!
Okay, that's it for now. Hope this helps and thanks for stopping by!