I'm a little frustrated. I've been trying to upload pictures from our NYC trip for almost 2 weeks and for some reason, blogger does not like them. So I've decided to blog about something that means a lot to me. GREEN. Not the color. Well-sort of.
As many of you know I'm a hippie. I am a tree hugger. Don't worry, I'm not going to preach to you about how every thing you're doing is killing mother earth. (It is..but im not going to preach about it :) Here's the thing, in an effort to save money and be more environmentally conscious, James and I have made several adjustments to our diet and how we live. (and a little note -before you start jumping on my case about being a vegetarian, I ate a cheeseburger two days ago. That's for another blog) And before you start thinking that going green mean you have to give up something...it doesn't. Most of the time it will actually save you money, save the environment, improve your health, and your lifespan. I think 15 second of effort is worth that.
These are all things that we have done:
1. Buy organic milk-okay, I know that it's expensive, however, it's worth it. This is one that is a big deal for me because I have asthma. After several weeks of switching to organic milk, my symptoms decreased significantly. ALSO, I dont' really drink that much milk anymore, in an effort to be healthier I switched my cereal for oatmeal,( plain with berries, or shaved apple for sweetner) eggs, or some other form of protein in the morning (we go through about a half gallon a week now, not bad)
2. Try to eat locally- Farmers markets are the greatest thing. EVEN ABILENE has one. Seriously people, eating locally does several things: guarantees that your not eating something that was shipped from Guatemala, who knows how long ago, ensuring that you are eating something that is better for your body, and it supports local farmers. Most farmers markets offer organically or almost organically grown produce, free-range meats, local cheese, eggs, and all sort of other things. TRUST me, it's worth the trip. Just for the satisfaction of knowing that you are putting something good into you and your kids and supporting local business. It also forces us to eat healthier. If you live in a place where winter exists (like I do) Then buy locally in the summer and freeze fruits and veggies for use later in the year. (free them in a single layer on a sheet pan, and after they are frozen put the in bags.) That way you can eat good stuff all year round.
3. Reusable bags- This is a big deal for me and it's not that hard to do. The bags generally cost about 99 cents. I just picked one up a few times when I only had a few items to get. If you don't want to spend the money on those at least do the brown paper bag thing, those can be recycled and used for crafts or whatever. Keep a few of the reusable bags in your care that way if you just need to go to the store on the way home you have one already there! ( It can take at least 300 years for a plastic bag to decompose)
4. Get a water filter- AGAIN plastic take up to 300 years to decompose. Not to mention the fact that buying a filter vs v bottled water can save HUNDREDS of dollars a year. The standards for filters is improving constantly and they work! Buy a reusable water bottle and fill it instead of a landfill.
5. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs- they do cost more than regular bulbs, but they last up to 5 years! If every American switched green house gases equivalent to 800,000 cars a year.
6. Want to save gas? Carpool and Turn off the car instead of idling when waiting in the car. When a car idles for more than 30 seconds, it's actually using more gas, therefore putting more greenhouse gas pollution into the air then if it was turned off.
7. Get rid of paper products-We don't use paper towels, napkins or plates anymore and haven't for almost a year. It was an adjustment. But a stack of kitchen towels is about 5 bucks are completely reusable. If every household in the U.S. replaced just one roll of virgin fiber paper towels (70 sheets) with 100% recycled ones, we could save 544,000 trees.
8. Say no to receipts-unless you're need them for tax purposes. It's a waste of paper. Make a note on your phone, blackberry, iphone, or keep a dry erase board in your car if you need to. If everyone in the U.S. said "no thanks" to just ATM receipts, it would save a roll of paper so long it could circle the equator fifteen times.
9. Unplug your unused appliances-okay I know this sounds crazy, but after you use the toaster-uplug it. What we do is plug a bunch of appliances in to a power-strip and unplug that at night, that way its just one cord. Even though they might not be on, it they are plugged in, they are still using small amounts of electricity. Just so you know our electric bill went from $85 a month to around $36.
10. Open your windows, blinds, etc.- fresh air is good for you and sun light is FREE!
I know it sounds like a lot. But it really isn't. It just take a little extra effort and before long you'll be doing it without thinking about it. They are little things that really do save money and the environment. I know a lot of you are list maker so add it to the list! Anyway, cheers to a greener New Year!
