Why should you live green?

Baby Steps for Green Living

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle

Notice the order ↑

Why do I feel so passionate about trying to live more green?

• The effects of our over indulgent lifestyle is becoming more and more obvious
• I want to be a good steward of all I have been given
• I believe "to whom much is given, much is required"
• America is one of the most prosperous and wealthy countries, we own more businesses, more cars, more tvs, more -stuff- than any country on the plant, to me this means we should be more responsible, more diligent, more thoughtful towards our effects on the world we share
• I want my children to see that I take pride, care, and concern for the world and the people who live in it.

I am not a hippie, far from, I am not as green as I'd like to be, but I try.  

It started out with plastic bags, think about it, where do those bags go? 

Here are some websites to check out!

• National Geographic-Plastic Bags
• Bag It- Movie A MUST MUST MUST SEE!!!  Find it on Netflix streaming!!!
• Plastic Bag Facts

Five years ago I made a pledge to reduce. reuse. recycle and I started small with plastic bags. I switched to reusable canvas bags for shopping-guess what I still have them, I still use them and they are strong, hold more groceries & purchases, and at several stores I get MONEY for using them!!! I also love knowing I am keeping bags from filling up landfills, and polluting the ocean. When I don't have my bags on hand I reuse them as garbage bags or take them to bag recycling centers (which are found at most grocery stores now and Target)

Three years ago I switched to using more enviro (& people friendly) cleaners. I still have some chemical laden ones, but I use diluted vinegar for soooooo much. It is cheap, works great!! I use it to freshen smelly laundry in the wash, to clean my dishwasher, my hardwood floors, my windows, my stainless, my counters- it is great stuff!  I also love Mrs. Meyers cleaners. They smell AWESOME, are natural and I don't worry about leaving chemicals behind on our surfaces!

Two years ago I decided to continue recycling even though curbside wasn't available. I will admit, driving to the recycle center isn't fun and is very much out of the way, but seeing the bins full of recyclable goods reminds me I am not alone on trying to keep our 'stuff' out of the ground and oceans!

This year, I have decided to curb buying bottled water, and HEAVILY limit buying bottle beverages of any kind!  We don't really drink bottled water, but have it on had for guests or traveling, but really why?!? We have a whole house filter and why not use the reusable drink bottles we have on hand when traveling?  There are water fountains nearly everywhere, so I can fill up for free.  We don't drink soda, but keep it for family/friends that visit.  We will do cans from now on, they are more easily recycled in whole.  As of currently most recycling plants can only recycle the bottle and not the lid or the seal ring.  Why is that such a big deal to worry about the seal ring and small lid?!?

Sorry for the graphic picture, but this is what is ending up in animals across the globe

These photos are why we should care.  Every animal was made for this earth for a purpose, even spiders and snakes, two creatures I DESPISE!  We all depend on the animals doing their jobs just as much as we depend on the air we breathe. These animals that we as humans are in domain over, do not know the difference between our waste and their food.  We were given 'humanity' for a reason, to rule over the beasts of the land, creatures of the sea and air.  We should care and do our best to consider our actions.

I don't know if I will have inspired any change in anyone reading this, but I hope so.  I don't live in a van by the river, I don't live in a home made with all recycled parts, or ride a bike instead of a fueled vehicle, but I am trying to make small changes that aren't hard, or difficult, only different in hopes of making a difference.

Remember when thinking how to be green: first try to REDUCE your intake of stuff  REUSE what you have or donate to charities that will  and lastly RECYCLE what you can't reduce or reuse.

Most stores offer reusable bags for $1.  Try buying 1 new bag each grocery visit until your normal grocery purchases fit in the number of bags you have.  Take your bags to other stores like Target, Kohls, Walgreens!!!  Ask if they have bag credits and get paid to bring your bags!  Check out bags online like this site: ReUse It- Shopping Totes

Green Moving Tips

In light of moving this week, I wanted to post some tips I have discovered in our 12 moves in under 10 years!!!

Moving is a pain, expensive, back breaking, but it can be green and more budget friendly and here are some ideas for your next move!

Pre-Move

• Reuse boxes- gather boxes from local stores
• we have found that grocery stores, hospitals, and shopping retailers have the largest most sturdy boxes(call ahead, but generally they always have some & gladly part with them)
• Use green cleaning supplies
• it is a great time to get rid of toxic cleaners you have and start trying green cleaners
• contact your local garbage service to find out how to properly dispose of all chemicals, paints, flammables that you will not be moving
• Have three piles of things you no longer want or need
• Donate
• women's & children's shelter will take baby/child/blankets/towels etc...
• Goodwill will take most anything
• Habitat for Humanity will take any home improvement items
• Sell
• craigslist and local 'for sale' papers are a great way to make a buck and clear out things you don't want but can't afford to donate
• Trash
• not every trash can be someones treasure!!
• Use a trailer instead of renting a truck
• use of a trailer may consume more gas on your vehicle but it is more eco-friendly than the large box trucks
• trailers are often more affordable than a rental truck as well and no mileage is clock so you can make multiple trips if moving across town and save on gas and rental fees
• If you must rent a truck, get a vehicle tow behind trailer
• avoid burning gas in two or three vehicles by towing your vehicle

Post Move

• Recycle or re-gift your boxes
• believe it or not posting moving boxes on freecycle or craigslist will often take boxes off your hands and you know that they are being reused
• Set up curbside recycling at your new address or find out ways your county/city recycles and make a plan to start right away
• establishing a new habit is a lot easier when it becomes part of the new home!

Any tips??   I'd love to hear them!!!

Got a blog of your own...post a link and I would love to follow you!

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

There are a lot of ways to be 'green', healthy, and without a high price tag!! Here are a few of my favorites...


CLEANING

• Good 'ol vinegar & water- simply equal parts white vinegar and water.
• all purpose cleaning (counters, tubs, tile, vanities)
• a cup of straight vinegar run in an empty dishwasher is a great way to clean it...read your manual, you should clean your dishwasher from time to time & if you read the store bought dishwasher cleaners the main ingredient is vinegar!!
• Baking soda paste- take baking soda and add small amounts of water to form a paste.
• great for removing stains out of your stainless sink
• removes stubborn stains on your cookware (do not use on Teflon/non-stick surfaces)
• this gentle abrasive works to scrub that ring-a-round the tub

EATING

• If you don't believe all that organic hype you are not alone.  Studies have shown that certain fruits and vegetables are safe whether grown organically or not.  However there are veggies and fruits that do absorb chemicals and meats definitely are products of their environment.  Try to buy meats and dairy that are not given antibiotics or steroids. This Wednesday we will focus on our foul-weathered friend!! 
• All poultry (chicken, turkey, and duck) are not supposed to be given antibiotics as per new FDA guidelines so it is easier to find healthier 'birds' in that respect but check to see if they are given steroids (packaging will typically boast if they are not) and make sure they are not "enhanced" with a solution, which is typically chemicals. 
• Check the freezer section for poultry products that are ice-packed meaning they only were splashed with water and flash frozen.  Generally they are the same price or lower than buying the thawed chicken from the butcher section and taste is no different!!
• Ask the butcher if there are any last day organic poultry cuts, they are usually two to three days away from being thrown out but carry large discounts and if you are like me you freeze them anyways so there is no spoilage or wasting!
• Bulk buy when you see your favorite bird cuts on sale.  You can always take large packages and separate them into freezer bags for perfect portions as needed!
• Check for cage free eggs, they are often more expensive but coupons abound in Sunday papers which make them the same cost.  Studies have shown that cage free birds produce healthier eggs that contain a higher ratio of healthy proteins, vitamins, and amino acids. Apparently caged birds aren't too thrilled with being in cages...would you be?
• Look for coupons in your paper and online at the poultry suppliers your local grocer carries.
• Fret not if organic isn't available...it is better and no price difference to find ones not "enhanced with solution" than to continue that habit and your body will thank you!

EXERCISE

Yes you should exercise.  The recommendations change like the wind but 30 minutes three times a week seems to be the current standard protocol.  Save money by foregoing a gym membership and walking around your neighborhood, find some spunky music and dance (personally never tried it but a great workout!!), I do jumping jacks...they raise my heartbeat and I found that I just can't do as many as I thought I could!


Thoughts?