It’s Easy Being Green
Once upon a time, there was a girl name Lotus. She was clever, kind, and very sarcastic. One day while taking a walk to clear her clouded mind, she discovered the unsightly, havoc that humans had left behind to disgrace the Mother Nature around her. Trash and litter was scattered everywhere (Read about it here).
With a kind heart, she retraced her steps armed with trash bags. Taking her purpose one step further, she’s challenged all of her readers to do the same and post on February 11th the many ways we make a difference in our daily lives to help preserve Mother Nature, or just tips on how to go “Green.”
As much as I would love to say I wash my laundry with Seventh Generation detergent ($13/bottle), grow my own tomatoes on my apartment balcony, and toss leftovers into a compost heap beside them,… I don’t. In fact, I’m one of those who shamelessly left all the lights on in unoccupied rooms, cranked up the air conditioning, and drove with a lead foot while living as a single gal. But like Lotus, over time, the world around me grew out of focus, and I felt driven to make a change, even if I was merely 1 person making an effort.
Since checking out at Whole Foods with a $300 grocery bill and 3 full mesh bags isn’t a realistic option for our family, we’ve managed to make a few changes in our lifestyle to help make ourselves “Green(er).”
(*Note- Not interested in my boring green life? Wish I would shut up and talk about sex? Stay tuned for the end of the post.)
1) Cardboard Boxes:
- Moving can create incredible amounts of waste. For our current move we are using recycled cardboard boxes from tenants who just moved into our apartment building, and empty diaper boxes from our toddler.
- Once we move in, we’ll post our cardboard boxes on Craigslist or Freecycle for others to re-use for free! We did this last year, and they were ALL taken within 2 days.
- Uhaul will buy back any unused boxes, and have message boards where you can trade, sell or buy reusable boxes and moving supplies.
2) Shower- I HATE cold showers! But waiting for the hot water in the morning wastes a ton of water. While waiting I place a bucket in the shower to catch the cool water to reuse later to water plants, give to our dog, or mop the floor with.
3) Tax time is coming!- “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Packing up our home has exposed a wealth of crap we no longer need or use. So we’re donating them to local charities and organizations, and in turn we get a tax deduction.
4) Walk or transit- Hubby and I share one car. Some days I drive him to work, and others he takes the bus. Not only does it save us a heap of money, but it also helps lower emissions into the atmosphere. *40% of the US reliance on foreign oil would decrease if one in ten Americans used public transportation daily.
5) Fuel efficient car- Our car gets 32 mpg. We fill up our tank once every 7-10 days.
6) Energy saver light bulbs- You can often times find these Energy Star bulbs on sale. Local power companies run specials with their pricing, or offer rebates. We were able to pick these up for $1 each! *These bulbs can use 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.
7) Wasted Energy- We turn off the lights and TV when not in the room.
8 ) Plastic bags:
- - We bring them to the grocery store. Many have plastic bag recycling bins.
- - Reuse then for trash bags in the bathroom.
- - Always keep a few in the car for trash or to pick up trash we find.
- - Use it as a pooper scooper for our dog
9) Batteries- We only use the rechargeable kind. If you have kids with toys, these are great to have around the house. No need to run to the store to buy more!
10) Full loads- Dishwashers and clothes washers are only run with full loads. This helps make the most of the energy, water, and detergent the machine uses.
11) Meat- The weekly menu in our household trims out meat on several days of the week. Instead I’ve substituted with pasta, soups or tofu (Tofu is now my 2- year olds favorite thing to eat!). *Meat is the most resource-intensive food on the table. Producing meat requires huge amounts of water, grain, land, and other inputs including hormones and antibiotics, and leads to pollution of soil, air, and water.
12) Oh, and I no longer have a lead foot. *When you drive faster than 60 mph, you get less mileage for your money (up to 23 percent less, or 67 cents a gallon).
Do you have any tips to share? Post them, or check out other bloggers participating in today’s event by clicking here.
Okay, I promised sex and I don’t want to be a tease. While feeling around eco-friendly sites for this post, I found this gem that covers all the bases on how to go “Green”…even your sex life
these are very good advices…
hopefully more people will take action..
sting’s last blog post..Chinese New Year Celebration
February 11th, 2008 at 2:18 am
Wow, ok, I am so going to put a bucket under the shower every morning now! I’ve never thought of that before! Egads!! :-O
Now, let’s see where that Green Sex thing leads us to…
LB’s last blog post..New Year X-Rated Errors
February 11th, 2008 at 2:21 am
Sting- I hope so too.
LB- LOL! I know it’s a bit odd. But while living in California, and there were watering restrictions all the time in our area, I did this to save our plantings in our yard. Plus, our water bill was ridiculous during the summers to keep our lawn green!
February 11th, 2008 at 2:24 am
Making small changes to your lifestyle can really reap some big green rewards.
Solomon Broad’s last blog post..*2* Week Giveaway
February 11th, 2008 at 4:01 am
You do heaps! Super green woman!
Veronica’s last blog post..Project Support Beauty in Nature
February 11th, 2008 at 4:42 am
Hi sandy.. Great post.. (and thankyou for your nice thoughts…)
cheers Kim xxx
kim aka frogpondsrock’s last blog post..Clean up and Green up… WooHoo!!!!
February 11th, 2008 at 6:13 am
This is why I enjoy your blog. You’re so honest, intelligent, and down-to-earth. Great Post, Sandy! I’ll be posting mine sometime today.
Secret Agent Mama’s last blog post..Showin’ Off On [Sunday]
February 11th, 2008 at 6:59 am
I’ve done a series of posts lately on ways to help the planet by NOT doing things. I think we are kindred.
Emily R’s last blog post..My dude
February 11th, 2008 at 7:45 am
Good job in going greener!
And what a coincidence – check out (if you want) what I just posted today
Maybe I should add the badge?
February 11th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Solomon- Indeed it does. I hope to learn more ways as well!
Veronica- Thanks so much!
Secret Agent Mama- Thank you. I love your blog too! Looking forward to your post
Emily- hehe, you know what they say about great minds?
Nicole- thanks! Running over to your blog now.
February 11th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Naturally, I went right to the sex thing. The greenest sex is no condom at all. Of course, it does give you a problem if you’re looking for effective birth control. On the other hand, if all babies were as cute as your little darling, we wouldn’t care about birth control and we’d be overrun with all those little poop machines. And then we’d have a problem with what to do with all that stuff. Well, okay, birth control isn’t such a bad idea, after all.
Lou Lohman’s last blog post..framed and ready to hang
February 11th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Being frugal all my life, I’ve unknowingly been practicing green habits. As I got older, I became more environmentally aware. I even wanted to become an Environmental Engineer – a small diversion from my field of study Chemical Engineering. It’s not what little we can do, it is what we can do. Thereby collectively, we are powerful.
(Obama speeches anyone?) Or, Bob the Builder? He reminds me of the Bob song every time.
Must say, the sex thing was rather, interesting. Glass sex toys?! Eeek.
Jennic’s last blog post..Repost – 100 things
February 11th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Lou- LOL….yes, condomless sex is the greenest of them all…..but if we had a few dozen poop machines, there’d be no time for any sex at all!!! Yup, gotta stick to the birth control
Jennic- Love that quote! And yes…Eeeek! indeed
February 11th, 2008 at 10:16 am
This is a great list of tips. My fave is the one about the bucket for cool shower water. Genius. I don’t have houseplants, but I do have fish tanks, and they would love a bucket of clean water daily. I went for switching over to green cleaners — which is much harder than it sounds because of the problem of getting rid of what you’ve already got. But now that I’m reading everyone else’s tips, I’m going to compile a whole list. Thanks!
MommyTime’s last blog post..It’s SOOO COLD that…….
February 11th, 2008 at 10:38 am
LOVE giving stuff away! Never seem to go without and it is a blessing to give to different ones! Want to be a running river not the dead sea!
Melanie’s last blog post..Poll Results ~ What is your favorite season?
February 11th, 2008 at 10:45 am
I am so NOT green compared to your efforts! I did learn something, though, and will be dutifully placing a bucket in my shower each morning while I wait for it to warm up. What a great and practical idea! Nice job – impressive.
Calamity Jane’s last blog post..The Story of The Vacuum And The Stranger
February 11th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Am I the only one that fast forwarded to the green sex tips? LOL
You gave lots of GREAT tips.. (the bucket one was my fav.. need to start doing that.. !!)
Kim’s last blog post..I am on Top Momma
February 11th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Great list. We just try to use common sense about things – shutting off lights, re-using plastic grocery bags, etc.
Tasina’s last blog post..Weekly Winners 02.10.08
February 11th, 2008 at 10:59 am
What a wonderful post! Two of my girlfriends (In-Real-Life and in the blog world), along with my Hubby and I have started a ‘green blog’. It’s the brainchild of my friend, CK’s. Come check us out sometime
http://www.greenishernewblog.blogspot.com
Chrissy’s last blog post..Just another day…
February 11th, 2008 at 11:28 am
That was great Sandy! Unfortunately I am guilty of so many non-green things it’s not even funny. I do have you beat on fuel consumption though, but only because I moved five miles from work and have no money to go anywhere on weekends (and there is only one person driving the car)! haha! I’m not sure if I could use the lightbulbs. I typically use the lighting that is available in the apartment already, do they make those kinds of bulbs for ceiling fan lights and track lighting? I do use the plastic bags for kitty litter duty. I wish I had some brilliant tips to share but I am a very, very bad girl.
Oh wait! I do use Method cleaners for most things. I still like to use comet and the like for cleaning the tubs and toilet (inside), but mostly use the “green” cleaners. YAY ME!
February 11th, 2008 at 11:33 am
I did switch over to the light bulbs wherever I could. They do not work in dimmer switches. Slower speed-check. Do not own a gas guzzler. Bought reusable grocery bags. Don’t own a dishwasher. Do full loads of laundry. Pick all my dandelions by hand. I don’t use poison on the yard. I got a nifty weed picker thingy. I do a little everyday and have been able to get the lawn under control. I find it relaxing.
Christine’s last blog post..What Should I Call This Post?
February 11th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I had no idea about #11. Here I’ve been all gree-friendly for 17 years and didn’t even know it. (BTW, Alexis fights me for my tofu!)
My latest thing that I’ve been trying to do is to unplug things that aren’t in use. My curling iron, blow dryer, lamps that we seldom use, small kitchen appliances, and a whole bunch of other things. It’s easy!
Burgh Baby’s Mom’s last blog post..More Questions Answered
February 11th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
I was going to get The Baby some tofu, but wasn’t sure if it should be soft or firm… He seemed to enjoy the tofu out of my miso soup last Saturday. I never thought about meat in terms of the resources usued to supply it (and I was a vegetarian for about four years!), that’s a scary thought.
You are too cute pregnant!
Anne’s last blog post..Mommy and Baby Makeovers
February 11th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
You know I am all over this post! GREAT IDEAS!!! Here was my take on this topic . . . http://laskigal.blogspot.com/2008/02/going-green-and-toxic-free.html
There is just so much more work to do!!! I just bought a bunch of “green” cleaning products. Is it ironic that they took up all the room in my mesh bags AND that I still had to go plastic? Bad girl…
LaskiGal’s last blog post..The Monday Mix: 100 Things Challenge and More
February 11th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Do not throw away clothing! Sell them on Ebay, donate them or give them away to another family!
Around The Funny Farm’s last blog post..My Quirks…
February 11th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
No mention of “going green” in landscaping. As a new home-owner this is an area you need to consider. Plant things that are native to your area – this cuts down on both water use and air pollution. Many allergies are caused by ‘imported’ plants. And consider replacing some of that lawn with other types of ground cover, or even non-organic landscape materials. This doesn’t require any water. And it cuts down on all that mowing. If you use a power mower you can save money while being kind to the environment by getting rid of some of that grass.
Eve’s last blog post..Earth Day, 1970
February 11th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Came here from Kathryn’’s site. The ultimate Green Man (I think) is Shrek.
david mcmahon’s last blog post..Flow-On Effect
February 11th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
look at you! all environmentally concious and what not! i can’t believe you have a 2 yo who likes tofu! she’s ahead of me! i don’t dislike it, i’m just wary. i had a piece once in some vietnamese food but you know how i am about asian dishes…
jameil1922’s last blog post..Oh G(eez)
February 11th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
There are some wonderful ideas in this list. I do many of them already … have “collected” water to use in other ways for decades (after having some leaky faucets in a former house that just wouldn’t stay fixed) … but I’ll have to check the “green sex tips” later because I’m running late this morning. Sounds intriguing though.
Hugs and blessings,
storyteller’s last blog post..Monday Musings
February 11th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
AWESOME list, Sandy! I never thought of the water collection (looks like that was a popular tip) – and I’m so glad you mentioned it, b/c we’ll be doing that now.
I’ve been meaning to do the rechargeable batteries thing, and this was a great reminder.
We do use the compact fluorescent bulbs, but I totally blanked on that one when I was writing my post.
Thanks so much for doing this post – you’ve shared some really great tips!
Sarcastic Mom’s last blog post..Carroll Community Cleanup
February 11th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Great list! You just taught me some things! I love the idea of the bucket and water and the light bulbs!~ Good post! Have a good Monday!
Crystal’s last blog post..Relaxing weekend
February 11th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
I love the bucket idea…capture all that cold water. I don’t do NEAR enough stuff to even make a post about it.
mp’s last blog post..Weekly Winners!!!
February 11th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
you little greenie! We started using rechargeable batteries seriously when we got a digital camera that eats batteries, but my kids use them so much, mostly for their wireless video game controllers that I still have to use the regular batteries…but our dead battery bucket is pretty empty, and now I have a new camera with two batteries that last for at least 8 to 10 days, so less waste, less electricity, more fun!
When we move this summer, I will be getting a front load washer and i can’t wait! I already hang most stuff up to dry, either outside (where it dries in under an hour in the summer, since this desert is so hot and dry) or inside on a rack in the laundry area (which adds humidity to our house, a really good thing in this hot dry desert.) Actually my dryer died right after Thanksgiving, and I haven’t bothered to replace it yet. (It’s only painful when washing socks — hanging all those socks up is annoying.).
We will have to remember the message boards to get rid of the boxes after we move this summer…that’s a great idea.
julie’s last blog post..Project Support Beauty in Nature.
February 11th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Great post! I will so have a compost when I have a house but right now with such limited space and in a condo..not likely. I like your ideas about the boxes, the light bulbs (which I just told my husband we were doing as soon as we move into our own home) and I just told him we needed to eat more veggie meals. I was a veggie for about 5 years (after reading Fast Food Nation….YUCK) but started eating meat about 2 years ago.
Thanks for the tips!!
Sister Sassy’s last blog post..What is Your Weekend Latte Factor?
February 11th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I love those energy saving light bulbs. I’ve also heard that we should lower our thermostat by two degrees in the winter and raise it 2 degrees in the summer….wait – that just might be to save money.
AtomiK Kitten’s last blog post..Do you go to a healthy church?
February 11th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Those are great tips! Well done!
Kathryn’s last blog post..What The?
February 11th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Great post with tons of useful tips! Thanks!
Jen of a2eatwrite’s last blog post..Music Monday – “Praise You” – Fat Boy Slim
February 11th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
I love the lightbulbs and we have the high efficiency washer and dryer. I can’t seem to slow down when I’m driving though…
ALF’s last blog post..I Would Never Tell You It’s Not Your Birthday
February 11th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
We have the HE washer and dryer, we use the energy efficient light bulbs, we recycle our plastic bags. Looks like I’m greener than I thought! Thanks for this tips, they’re awesome! But I will not be giving up meat. You can’t be a steak and potatoes girl if there’s no steak!
amy’s last blog post..The things they do, just to sleep with me
February 11th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
That’s a great list! We do a few “green” things to. We can’t afford many of the organic foods (we don’t even have a Whole Foods grocery store). I pick and choose at Kroger, looking mostly for organic root veggies and stuff I eat the skin too. Everything else, I just buy wherever. In the summer, I go to the Farmers Market and some of them don’t use pesticides – I got 2 huge bags for 12 bucks! We also switched to different body care stuff without all of the crazy chemicals…and if you look hard enough, you can find some great things that cost the same as what you are using…unless you are using dollar store stuff. Oh, and cleaning supplies…we changed those over. But to cost effective stuff…like vinegar, baking soda, etc….and some shaklee things. And, we do the plastic bag stuff too!
I have more I could tell you, but I can tell you are falling asleep lol
Ashley’s last blog post..I’m famous, ya’ll!
February 11th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Way to go, Sandy! You’re an inspiration! Aren’t the light bulbs the best?? Even though they are way ugly, they are so bright and last forever. Ever since I started using them, I’ve never had to replace a single one. Um, now that I say that I bet they’ll all burn out…expensive little buggers.
Huckdoll’s last blog post..Define Me
February 11th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
That was sweet! I loved this blog!!
Okay, I’ll agree with everything you said and I will try harder and harder to be a better person but do you know how darn hard it is going to be to not have a lead foot????? I have to speed…it’s the only thing that makes me feel cool. Like I’m in the Indy or Nascar or something!!!
Please, don’t take this away from me…I don’t have much!
Krissy’s last blog post..Tylenol PM…..take me away!!!!!
February 11th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I’ve been having to hide tofu in food – husband wants nothing to do with it – he doesn’t realize what’s in the stuffed shells and cheese
oh – 7th gen detergent will go on sale to about 7 dollars a big bottle if you can catch it.
Dawn’s last blog post..Project Support Beauty in Nature
February 11th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
We gave away a ton of our boxes too (we had 80), and we recycled the rest. It’s so gratifying to drive to a recycle plant.
Siobhan’s last blog post..Scrolling Saturdays – A Post From the Past
February 11th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
At risk of TMI, we’ve been showering together for ages. This is totally embarrasing when either of our parents call and the kids say “mommy and daddy are in the shower right now.”
Karen’s last blog post..A Whirlwind Weekend and Heroes
February 11th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Wow! Yes, highly impressed with the bucket of shower water! Living in the state of practically eternal summer, this should really help with the grass.
I completely forgot to post my today… Now I have a blog for tomorrow!
Angela’s last blog post..Aisle E
February 11th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
I aspire to be as green as you! I do most of the things on your list but am REALLY bad about the plastic bags at the grocery store. I eat less meat, turn off the lights, drive less and recycle, but somehow I can’t rid my life of those darn bags
Michelle’s last blog post..Valentine’s Day Give Away WINNER!!
February 11th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Great post! Thad and I switched to energy saving bulbs gradually over the past few years as regular bulbs would burn out. We also never do partial loads of dishes or laundry. This is mostly in self defense though. We would soon be overrun if we did. I like the idea of putting used boxes on Freecycle. Next time we need some too I am going to check that out.
janethesane’s last blog post..Quirkiness – Just for Amanda
February 11th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Crap Sandy!! I missed it again!! Next time, post on 2/10 about what 2/11 is supposed to do. But apparently maybe I’m the only one. Oh Well!!!
grandy’s last blog post..New Adventures Part 2 – Networking
February 11th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Ooh! that bucket under the shower tip is good.
I have fish tanks which in itself is not eco-friendly. But my plants like the water, so that’s where the water goes.
Aurora’s last blog post..Indulging
February 12th, 2008 at 12:17 am
The water tip is good -and I “reuse” water collected from doing the laundry. And the bulb, too. We’ve been using those after we had our house fixed.
I haven’t got to the rechargeable batteries though. But this sure is a good reminder.
Mama Meji’s last blog post..Love is…
February 12th, 2008 at 1:44 am
I loved all these tips, especially the bucket in the shower. I had never thought about wasted water while waiting for it to get warm, but ours takes forever and so we waste a lot! Thanks for the tip.
Miss Sniz’s last blog post..Miss Sniz slang
February 12th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
You are pretty green for not being green! Good ideas! Thanks.
Nola’s last blog post..A Streetcar Named Inspire
February 12th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
[...] took Sandy’s really great tip, and we bought a bucket to collect the cold water that we used to waste at the [...]
March 10th, 2008 at 1:04 am
[...] If you’re a regular reader here then you’ve probably noticed my sluggish posts lately. I usually post my next day’s entry late in the evening before I go to bed, but I’ve been drowning in a heap of work and just life at the moment (will have to post more on that soon). In case you’re new, I recently moved and have been unpacking with a 2-year old and cramming in 2 work-at-home jobs without childcare. SO, that may explain my recent late entries and today’s short Project Support Beauty in Nature post (project created by Lotus challenging bloggers to help preserve Mother Nature), I hope you”ll forgive me. You can check out my first PSBN installment here. [...]
March 10th, 2008 at 10:07 am
[...] is an update on how we’re doing with our greener lifestyle. Feel free to read my original post here, filled with tips from a more eco-friendly moving to how to to have greener sex. Also, if you plan [...]
May 17th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Now there’s even green sex. Oh boy.
I bow to you with all those tips. Thanks…..
Holly’s last blog post..More water park fun: A review
May 19th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
[...] bulbs. I’ve even posted a long list of other ways in my Project Support Beauty in Nature posts here and here. So when we strolled through Sears seeking a lawn-mowing tool, we immediately thought [...]
June 2nd, 2008 at 3:29 pm