When the zipper on my boots broke after a few years, I was worried that they were done for, and I was really upset. Not only were they pretty expensive (decent veggie shoes usually are), but they were my favorites: waterproof, attractive, comfortable…

I just found out about this Kiehl’s program to recycle their empty containers. For every ten empties we bring in, we get one free full-sized product. I’m not sure that recycling at Kiehl’s is any better than through my town, but I’m always up for free stuff. And I like the idea of companies being responsible for their products from cradle to grave.

My boss just lent me Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer. Anyone who’s interested in this topic will already know the gist of this book, if not the specific examples. But I think it’s still important to read because we periodically need to be reminded exactly why we have the convictions that we do.

Gap is offering 30% off to people who bring in their old jeans to be recycled into insulation. Seriously—insulation. That’s pretty cool. I wouldn’t do this with perfectly good jeans that just don’t fit (that’s what the Salvation Army is for), but it seems like a good end-of-life for the jeans I can’t even patch anymore. Thanks for the tip, Lesley!

The news varies this week from international to just down the street. Enjoy!