It's the little things...

[awakening2lite]

I'd like to start this thread to find out just how many things we can change in our everyday lives that can and will make a difference, no matter how small.

Do you know of some easy everyday thing that can slow down gross consumption?
I know all you smart and resourceful members have much to bring to the table.

Please add to the list.


1. Stop using plastic bags to carry home groceries. Use recycled canvas, denim or other washable recycled product bags.

2. Stop buying bottled water. Carry a refillable aluminum bottle with water from you own tap.

3. Get your news on line, on tv or on the radio and stop chopping down trees (Earth's lungs)

[SavannahStar]

4. Don't buy paper napkins. Use old dish towels.

5. No paper plates, ever! That's what regular dishes are for. Even if you're on a picnic, bring regular plates, put them in a plastic bag and bring them home to wash.

6. Forget "store-bought" cleaning items. Go to easily available websites and learn how to make your own stuff, with common household ingredients like vinegar, ammonia, etc.

[emmeblu]

7. We signed up for the Recycle Bin with our Trash Pick up. Everything that qualifies for recycle goes in that bin. I rinse/wash bottles, cans, etc. before dumping to keep from attracting flies and ants.

8. I buy products made from recycled material. That includes cleaning items from SC Johnson that come in the recycled containers. Paper products (cards, etc.) from recycle material.

9. We plant a tree at every opportunity.

10. I stopped the free newspapers from being thrown in our driveway.
It took an act of congress to get that done but I was only throwing them in the bin.

[Naia]

11. I use used dryer sheets to dust furniture with and also use them to clean my truck's windows.

[awakening2lite]

12. Use rechargable batteries.

13. Heating up the oven? Cook several meals at once and freeze.

14. TV's and computers can use energy even when they are turned off. Unplug them and save on the electric and protect them from surges.

15. While waiting for hot water at the sink fill up a pitcher and water bottles.

16. Plan errands with a map for efficient use of fuel and time

17. Shop with a list. (Making a list saves me from forgetting, from purchasing things I don't need, and saves time)

18. Buy local produce and other products whenever possible.

[awakening2lite]

19. Wash clothes in cold water

20. Avoid double or triple wrapped products.

[Marlena]

I wash dishes by hand as often as possible and seldom use the dishwasher, but then again, it's only hubby and I.:biggrin:

[Pauli]

I have started using all of the Green Works products.. they are great and are made by Clorox.

[Pandabear]

Plant your own vegetables. God gave us this land...let's use it! Even a container garden is easy and fun and there are natural products that can be used instead of pesticides, etc.

[awakening2lite]

24. Get paid to recycle your electronics and keep them out of landfills.
Instead of tossing your gadgets in a landfill when you’re finished with them, get paid to recycle them. Services like www.buymytronics.com (http://www.buymytronics.com/), www.myboneyard.com (http://www.myboneyard.com/) and www.greenphone.com (http://www.greenphone.com/) will recycle or refurbish your electronics, which keeps them out of landfills. Simply mail them in and wait for your check.



25. Purchase refurbished electronics.


I've done this for years, well since 1998, and never had a problem.