Disneynature’s “Chimpanzee” Has Great Opening Weekend, Benefit for Chimps Extended to May 3

If you didn’t get to see Disneynature’s “Chimpanzee” last weekend, you can still go!

To celebrate the film’s 10.6 million dollar opening weekend, Disneynature is extending the “See ‘Chimpanzee,’ Save Chimpanzees” benefit through May 3.

So, when you see “Chimpanzee” through May 3, Disneynature will donate to the Jane Goodall Institute, which runs the largest sanctuary for orphaned chimps in Africa in the Republic of Congo.

The Jane Goodall Institute also works to help protect the tropical rain forest that’s home to great apes, as well as many other animals and plants.

“Chimpanzee,” which is rated G, is a True Life Adventure that’s appropriate for young kids, but is also entertaining (and enlightening) for adults.

You’ll fall in love with little Oscar, and be thrilled with the intimate look into the lives of the film’s stars – a group of chimpanzees lead by the alpha male Freddy.

Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, said, “We couldn’t be happier to extend this collaboration to help the Jane Goodall Institute better protect chimpanzees and the places they call home.”

She continued, “A film like ‘Chimpanzee’ helps spread the passion we have for these extraordinary beings, sharing the truly relatable moments experienced by Oscar and his fellow chimpanzees in a way that will hopefully inspire audiences to continue their support long after the movie ends.”

Have you seen the “Chimpanzee” movie?

Count Up to Earth Day: Tip 22 Make Green Goals

Here it is – April 22, and the end of the count up to Earth Day tips series. Yeah, I did wait until the last minute on some of these : ) But I got there.

Having a bunch of tips thrown at you for Earth Day can seem overwhelming. All you have to do though is start somewhere!

It’s never too late to start recycling, start taking your own bags to the store, start buying organic, or stop buying bottled water, etc. Even if you’ve done (or not done) all the eco-friendly things most people talk about, chances are there’s still something you can improve on.

Open yourself up. Think. Write some green goals.

Here are some earth-friendly goals I’ve worked on in the past, and  you might like them too:

1. Tell store managers when they don’t carry a product you want (your favorite organic peanut butter or recycled paper towels, etc.).

2. Make it from scratch with less packaging. For example, make your pancakes, dumplings or biscuits from scratch instead of buying boxes of Bisquick. You probably already have the ingredients in your pantry, and you’ll save money! Plus, you can use organic flour.

3. Choose organic whenever possible, but especially when it comes to beef and certain fruits and veggies.

Count Up to Earth Day: Tip 21 Mobilize the Earth

Learn more about Earth Day!

And make sure political leaders know you care about the planet.

Count Up to Earth Day: Tip 20 Buy Only Recycled Paper Towels

This post is part of a series counting up to Earth Day on April 22.

I admire those who do without paper towels. I’m not one of them. I’ve reduced my paper towel usage, and I buy only recycled paper towels.

I won’t go into my reasons for wanting paper towels around (ok -cleaning cat vomit is one), but I will say a big thank you to the retailers who stock recycled paper towels.

Of the stores I visit, it seems that my local Target does the best job with keeping plenty of recycled paper towels in stock. They have Seventh Generation, Green Forest and Scott Naturals. I never thought I’d see the day when I’d find not one, but three different recycled paper towels in Target!

If you use recycled paper towels, what is your favorite brand and why?

Count Up to Earth Day: Tip 18 Learn When to Shut Down

This post is part of a series counting up to Earth Day on April 22.

Turning on your computer does create a small surge in electrical use, but it’s often better to shut down when you won’t be around for a bit.

The guide for when to shut down your computer and switch off your monitor: If you’ll be away for 20 minutes, turn your monitor off, and if you’ll be gone for two hours, shut down your computer and turn the monitor off. (Source: U.S. Department of Energy)

I know that it’s hard to remember that you’ve left your computer on. This is a goal to reach for, but don’t beat yourself up if you walk into a room and realize you’ve left the computer on unused for five hours. Just do better the next time!

Count Up to Earth Day: Tip 17 Consider HOW You Drive

This post is part of a series counting up to Earth Day on April 22.

You can change how you drive and use less gas. This is yet another case where being earth-friendly also saves you money.

Each five miles per hour you drive over 60 miles per hour is the same as paying an additional $0.31 per gallon for gas! (Source: U.S. Department of Energy)

So, it seems that safety pays. Really, how often do you have to drive over 60 anyhow?

If you’re intrigued, visit the government’s Fuel Economy website for more tips.

Count Up to Earth Day: Tip 15 Stop Using Disposables

This post is part of a series counting up to Earth Day on April 22.

There are lots of ways you can reduce the amount of disposable products in your life. A really nice bonus to practicing this earth-friendly idea is that it often saves you money! You may need to make an initial investment, but in most cases, you get your money back quickly.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Reusable (and recycled) summer plates for picnics and patio

Silicone baking cups

Cloth napkins

Reusable produce bags

Have you gotten rid of a disposable product in your life recently?

Count Up to Earth Day: Tip 14 Develop a Farmer’s Market Habit

This post is part of a series counting up to Earth Day on April 22.

Yes, Farmer’s Markets have already started for the year. Everything may not be in season yet, but early spring is a good time to find fresh lettuce, kale, chard, carrots, strawberries and more.

Buying local produce helps the environment because it cuts down on carbon emissions from food transportation.

Plus, you’re supporting local farmers, and it’s fun! Oh, and the food is fresher and tastes better than imported fare at the grocery store.

So, take your bags and go. Make a habit of it.

Do you visit the farmer’s market?

Count Up to Earth Day: Tip 13 Select Used Cardboard Moving Boxes

This post is part of a series counting up to Earth Day on April 22.

Nope. I’m not talking about dumpster diving. You can buy used cardboard boxes online at (where else) UsedCardboardBoxes.com!

The boxes are guaranteed to work as well as a new box. And the best news is that they help save energy – and trees.

UsedCardboardBoxes.com gets their boxes from large companies that would otherwise recycle or throw out the loot. Plus, they offer free shipping!

Where do you get your moving boxes?

Count Up to Earth Day: Tip 12 Find a Green College

This post is part of a series counting up to Earth Day on April 22. Check back for the rest of the 22 tips!

The Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the The Princeton Review teamed up to bring you an updated green college guide.

You can download the free guide to 322 green colleges right now.

The Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges: 2012 Edition contains:

• School profiles with application, admission, financial aid and student enrollment information
• “Green Highlights” write-ups detailing each school’s most impressive environmental and sustainability initiatives
• “Green Facts” sidebars reporting statistics and facts on everything from the school’s use of renewable energy sources, recycling and conservation programs to the availability of environmental studies programs, and green jobs career guidance
• A glossary of 40+ green terms and acronyms from AASHE to “zero waste”
• Lists identifying schools in the book with various green distinctions like LEED-certified buildings and signatories of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment.