This post is a bit premature, but as I am looking forward to the holidays, I see that I am near the end of my journey. I have lived nearly 365 days of trying to find more eco-friendly ways to live my life, and it has really shaped me.
Today I sit down to wrap the last of the Christmas gifts I have purchased, and while I am doing this, I will be using as little giftwrap as possible. Very little gets wasted now!
I am even finding ways to sneak more eco-friendly elements into peoples' gifts this year!
I have also noticed that the turn by corporations to be more eco-aware is on the rise. It's better for their bottom line, and it shows a huge amount of corporate responsibility, especially since most of these things are being done with little/no fanfare. Promoting reusable bags, using plant-based materials in manufacturing giftcards, asking if you want a receipt instead of just assuming and printing one, using sand instead of salt when plowing their parking lots, the reduction of unnecessary packaging, etc. Businesses that are more attentive to this are certainly getting more of my business than those without.
One thing I will say is that it is truly about just being more aware of what you are doing every day and the small changes you can make.
I have already come up with my next resolution and 1 year blog idea, and that will be unveiled in my final post over here in a few weeks. I am hoping that next year I will be able to post more frequently!
I don't even know if anyone is reading this much anymore, but if you are reading, bless your heart! I would love to hear what you have done to adapt more "green" habits in your everyday life.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Drive-by posting
Just a quick one!
I have started my Christmas shopping, and in my effort to go green, I am looking at what causes the most waste. Wrapping paper and gift bags, of course!
So, instead of paying $1-$3 for giftbags this year, I am buying red (target) and green (walgreens) reusable bags and putting gifts in those this year, along with a note explaning how to use the bag. I am hoping that people will take the cue and start using them when they run their errands, as well! Not much I can do as far as the giftwrap, so I might just have to make my peace with that. Oh well, something small is still something, right?
I have started my Christmas shopping, and in my effort to go green, I am looking at what causes the most waste. Wrapping paper and gift bags, of course!
So, instead of paying $1-$3 for giftbags this year, I am buying red (target) and green (walgreens) reusable bags and putting gifts in those this year, along with a note explaning how to use the bag. I am hoping that people will take the cue and start using them when they run their errands, as well! Not much I can do as far as the giftwrap, so I might just have to make my peace with that. Oh well, something small is still something, right?
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Fear not, fellow readers.
I'm back! We are FINALLY getting settled in from our move! It took almost a month to get working internet, and some personal things have demanded much of my free time, so this is the first chance I have had to sit down and write. Fear not - although I have not been chronicalling my journey, it is always near the forefront of my mind. In fact, it is so much near the forefront that it has become HABIT!
It extends (unwittingly) to work. I am no longer in an office environment, but back in retail management. Each time I tender out a sale, I ask the customer if they would like a bag, and more often than not, they evaluate their current bags and usually say no! I am saving blank paper to re-use after each transaction! Not only is this better for our precious planet, but it is more fiscally-responsible for my employer!
While I was unpacking, I noticed my tendency to hoard bath and candle products. So, I am making an effort to buy as little as possible and either use up what I have or give it away. I can no longer use shower gels, but I figured out a formula to turn them into body scrubs. Voila!
Upon moving into our new house, we changed all regular lighbulbs to CFLs. We dress warmer and use blankets on chilly evenings. We use all-natural dish soap and laundry detergent. Our new guinea pigs have recycled paper for their bedding. I am devising a way to start composting our leftover waste. I am at a bit of a standstill on that, but I am still working on it. When we clean, we use rags and towels that we wash instead of paper towels.
I need some help, though. Like I said, I am at a standstill on the composting. We live in the country, in a state that is very cold 4-5 months a year. We have a big backyard and a garage. What ideas do you have for us to start our composting? Also, I have been searching for 3 months for a biodegradable garbage bag and have yet to find one. Suggestions?
It extends (unwittingly) to work. I am no longer in an office environment, but back in retail management. Each time I tender out a sale, I ask the customer if they would like a bag, and more often than not, they evaluate their current bags and usually say no! I am saving blank paper to re-use after each transaction! Not only is this better for our precious planet, but it is more fiscally-responsible for my employer!
While I was unpacking, I noticed my tendency to hoard bath and candle products. So, I am making an effort to buy as little as possible and either use up what I have or give it away. I can no longer use shower gels, but I figured out a formula to turn them into body scrubs. Voila!
Upon moving into our new house, we changed all regular lighbulbs to CFLs. We dress warmer and use blankets on chilly evenings. We use all-natural dish soap and laundry detergent. Our new guinea pigs have recycled paper for their bedding. I am devising a way to start composting our leftover waste. I am at a bit of a standstill on that, but I am still working on it. When we clean, we use rags and towels that we wash instead of paper towels.
I need some help, though. Like I said, I am at a standstill on the composting. We live in the country, in a state that is very cold 4-5 months a year. We have a big backyard and a garage. What ideas do you have for us to start our composting? Also, I have been searching for 3 months for a biodegradable garbage bag and have yet to find one. Suggestions?
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Cleaning Stuffs
We are moving! In less than a week we will be back in Madison, with all of its goodness - Farmer's Market, Trader Joe's, etc! I am cleaning and packing like a mad woman, and on this part of my journey, I am going green, as well!
I got a lead that my local grocery carried biodegradable garbage bags, so off I went. Sad to search high and low and not find any, though.
I did however head over to the "green" section and lo and behold - Dr Bronners Castille Soap and cheaper than it is at Target! I have been stalking a recipe for all natural homemade laundry detergent, and the store had all of the components! After I bought them I managed to talk Joel into letting me try it out, so we will see how it all goes!
I also got a little bottle of lemon essential oil for my all-natural homemade all purpose cleaner.
I can't wait to see how all of this works!!!
I got a lead that my local grocery carried biodegradable garbage bags, so off I went. Sad to search high and low and not find any, though.
I did however head over to the "green" section and lo and behold - Dr Bronners Castille Soap and cheaper than it is at Target! I have been stalking a recipe for all natural homemade laundry detergent, and the store had all of the components! After I bought them I managed to talk Joel into letting me try it out, so we will see how it all goes!
I also got a little bottle of lemon essential oil for my all-natural homemade all purpose cleaner.
I can't wait to see how all of this works!!!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Time is flying....
Oh, how time has flown! Summer is here and in full swing, and so is our social schedule! One great thing about keeping a blog is that it is kind of like when you were younger and you would go each year to the same part of the house for your new height measurement. You stand there for a moment and reflect on how far you have come.
I work in a small office, and I noticed that a lot of plastic bottles and tin cans were going into the trash (we do not recycle there) each day. I decided that I was going to take them home at the end of each day and recycle everyone else's items with my own. On my 3rd day of doing this, one co-worker told me that she loves that I am so into the eco-movement. Another co-worker told me that I cannot save the planet on my own so why even try. After she said that, she went onto say that once her baby is born, she is going to be filling up landfills with disposable diapers.
It was really hard for me not to say anything about how I want to make sure that we pass this planet onto our kids in the best possible shape we can, and I am sure she can respect that, given that she is pregnant, right?
It's really hard when I come upon people who share those same ideals. I am of the belief that although I cannot single-handedly save the planet, that enough people like me, acting and thinking like me, can surely make a difference. Every little bit counts, right? And why would you make the choice to rain on someone else's parade? Just because I have not opted to have children at this point in my life does not mean I would ever ridicule her decision, nor should she ridicule my decision to become more eco-aware. Although it is everyone's responsibility to save this one precious planet, I have accepted that I am going to have to bear the burden for others (those who will wish to reap when they have chosen not to sow) and work extra hard.
Sometimes my husband gets crabby about my new endeavour. He LOVES to drive - if I would let him, we would just drive around all day on Sunday and do nothing but drive and hang out in the car. I am so aware of every mile we drive, of every place we eat that has disposable diningware, of every item that goes into our trash. In order for me to win the war, I have had to lose some domestic battles, such as my wanting to make my own laundry detergent, wanting to line-dry 100% of our laundry, etc. Today we watched "An Inconvenient Truth" and I think I saw some of it starting to sink in - only time will tell.
Each day I marvel at how far we have come, and how we are now more aware than we used to be. I am hoping that very soon we can move back to our "hometown" which is far more eco-friendly than the blue-collar factory town we are in. Then my trips to Trader Joe's and The Farmer's Market will be the rule; not the exception.
I work in a small office, and I noticed that a lot of plastic bottles and tin cans were going into the trash (we do not recycle there) each day. I decided that I was going to take them home at the end of each day and recycle everyone else's items with my own. On my 3rd day of doing this, one co-worker told me that she loves that I am so into the eco-movement. Another co-worker told me that I cannot save the planet on my own so why even try. After she said that, she went onto say that once her baby is born, she is going to be filling up landfills with disposable diapers.
It was really hard for me not to say anything about how I want to make sure that we pass this planet onto our kids in the best possible shape we can, and I am sure she can respect that, given that she is pregnant, right?
It's really hard when I come upon people who share those same ideals. I am of the belief that although I cannot single-handedly save the planet, that enough people like me, acting and thinking like me, can surely make a difference. Every little bit counts, right? And why would you make the choice to rain on someone else's parade? Just because I have not opted to have children at this point in my life does not mean I would ever ridicule her decision, nor should she ridicule my decision to become more eco-aware. Although it is everyone's responsibility to save this one precious planet, I have accepted that I am going to have to bear the burden for others (those who will wish to reap when they have chosen not to sow) and work extra hard.
Sometimes my husband gets crabby about my new endeavour. He LOVES to drive - if I would let him, we would just drive around all day on Sunday and do nothing but drive and hang out in the car. I am so aware of every mile we drive, of every place we eat that has disposable diningware, of every item that goes into our trash. In order for me to win the war, I have had to lose some domestic battles, such as my wanting to make my own laundry detergent, wanting to line-dry 100% of our laundry, etc. Today we watched "An Inconvenient Truth" and I think I saw some of it starting to sink in - only time will tell.
Each day I marvel at how far we have come, and how we are now more aware than we used to be. I am hoping that very soon we can move back to our "hometown" which is far more eco-friendly than the blue-collar factory town we are in. Then my trips to Trader Joe's and The Farmer's Market will be the rule; not the exception.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
The birthday is a-coming
I turn 29 in a few weeks, so people are asking for my wishlist. Wow - it's really green this year!
-Pretty Sigg water bottle (not Thermos or any other brand - only Sigg)
-Bamboo towel & washcloth
-Bamboo sheets
-Essential oils in: Tea Tree, Lavender, Orange, Lemon & Clary Sage
-More reusable bags - there is a store in CA that sells really pretty ones I hear....
Of course, I don't think anyone will buy these items, and I will just buy them for myself with the cash I usually get, but still...!
This really makes me realize what a lifestyle change this is becoming...
-Pretty Sigg water bottle (not Thermos or any other brand - only Sigg)
-Bamboo towel & washcloth
-Bamboo sheets
-Essential oils in: Tea Tree, Lavender, Orange, Lemon & Clary Sage
-More reusable bags - there is a store in CA that sells really pretty ones I hear....
Of course, I don't think anyone will buy these items, and I will just buy them for myself with the cash I usually get, but still...!
This really makes me realize what a lifestyle change this is becoming...
Sunday, May 11, 2008
I am addicted to going green.
I am so addicted - it's like a competition with myself now.
Yesterday we celebrated Mother's Day with Joel's mom. We went and bought her a pretty giftbag with flowers on it to put her gift in. It was $1. Then last nite I realized that my own birthday is coming soon, and I will soon see an influx of similar bags. And them BAM! - it hit me. Why do I buy these bags, when for $1, I could buy an eco-friendly bag that the person can re-use when they go shopping? They are only $1 at Target, Wal-Mart or Pick N Save. So, going forward, gifts are being delivered in said eco-bags, when possible.
Speaking of said eco-bags, I am getting a LOT better about using them. The trick is to have one everywhere - one in my car and one in Joel's, one in my desk at work and one or two at home. I am addicted to buying them. There is one at Macy's that my heart is yearning for now.
I am going to be learning more about the environment - I rented 'An Inconvenient Truth' - it should be coming this week.
Yesterday we celebrated Mother's Day with Joel's mom. We went and bought her a pretty giftbag with flowers on it to put her gift in. It was $1. Then last nite I realized that my own birthday is coming soon, and I will soon see an influx of similar bags. And them BAM! - it hit me. Why do I buy these bags, when for $1, I could buy an eco-friendly bag that the person can re-use when they go shopping? They are only $1 at Target, Wal-Mart or Pick N Save. So, going forward, gifts are being delivered in said eco-bags, when possible.
Speaking of said eco-bags, I am getting a LOT better about using them. The trick is to have one everywhere - one in my car and one in Joel's, one in my desk at work and one or two at home. I am addicted to buying them. There is one at Macy's that my heart is yearning for now.
I am going to be learning more about the environment - I rented 'An Inconvenient Truth' - it should be coming this week.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Getting from here to there without destroying the planet
So, my husband and I are newer to our area, and part of my job is to drive to peoples' homes. I have a pretty terrible sense of direction, so I always have to print out from Google maps. This week I went to 4 homes, which means 4 maps. I realized how wasteful that was, and since I am a gadget geek, I immediately realized my next big purchase: GPS! No papers to print ever! I researched and found one that I like a lot and is relatively inexpensive: Garmin nuvi 200. It retails for $199 at Best Buy (or Worst Buy, if you are a stickler for customer service), but checking my local Target ad (online, of course!) I see that Target has it for $149 this week! Score!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Good books
I just finished "Wake Up and Smell The Planet", which was a great book. At times, a little intimidating with too much info at once, but great overall. I just picked up and started Gorgeously Green today and so far, it's really awesome. She talks about the daily struggles to go green without going overboard, but also knowing which battles to fight.
So far this is not something I have talked about, but while my resolution is thrilling and exciting every single day and every single task I do, it can also be overwhelming sometimes, and (just like with any resolution) it's a daily struggle with my former-self to do it. Sometimes it's easier to to just throw the clothes in the dryer than to individually hang them all, ya know? I'd rather just buy the packaged catnip sometimes than struggle to grow it (they keep eating it while it's still in the dirt!). We have become so dependent on conveniences that sometimes it's just tough.
Every day I remind myself that I am doing this so that, when my time comes, I will rest well knowing that I did the best I could for as long as I could to leave the planet as wonderful as possible for my offspring and theirs. Every day with each item I re-use, each item I recycle and each time I turn out a light when leaving a room, I am ensuring my legacy - a happy planet and healthier environment for my yet unborn family.
I know - it's a little hokey. But hey, we can all have different reasons as long as the end result is all the same, right?!
So far this is not something I have talked about, but while my resolution is thrilling and exciting every single day and every single task I do, it can also be overwhelming sometimes, and (just like with any resolution) it's a daily struggle with my former-self to do it. Sometimes it's easier to to just throw the clothes in the dryer than to individually hang them all, ya know? I'd rather just buy the packaged catnip sometimes than struggle to grow it (they keep eating it while it's still in the dirt!). We have become so dependent on conveniences that sometimes it's just tough.
Every day I remind myself that I am doing this so that, when my time comes, I will rest well knowing that I did the best I could for as long as I could to leave the planet as wonderful as possible for my offspring and theirs. Every day with each item I re-use, each item I recycle and each time I turn out a light when leaving a room, I am ensuring my legacy - a happy planet and healthier environment for my yet unborn family.
I know - it's a little hokey. But hey, we can all have different reasons as long as the end result is all the same, right?!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Happy Earth Day!
Happy Earth Day 2008! Today I am wearing a green coloured shirt, and all of my clothes were line dried last nite instead of dried in the dryer.
If you want to do one small thing to impact the environment positively but don't know where to start....
-Sign up for e-statements for credit cards or bank statements
-Switch one lightbulb in your home to CFL
-Plant an herb that you use frequently in a garden
-Wash today's laundry on cold water
-Pay a bill online or over the phone instead of mailing your check in
Just a few suggestions - have a great Earth Day!!!!!!
If you want to do one small thing to impact the environment positively but don't know where to start....
-Sign up for e-statements for credit cards or bank statements
-Switch one lightbulb in your home to CFL
-Plant an herb that you use frequently in a garden
-Wash today's laundry on cold water
-Pay a bill online or over the phone instead of mailing your check in
Just a few suggestions - have a great Earth Day!!!!!!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Cleaning with no harsh chemicals
Today I cleaned our toilet with only baking soda and my hands (in gloves, of course!) and it is gleaming like it never gleamed before.
I also saw my green girls at LUSH today and came home with more natural stuff - natural face masks, to be exact - all hand-made and filled with green goodness! Of course, they were brought home in my reusable tote!!!!
Thank goodness the weather is great - we turned off the furnace today, which is exciting.
I also saw my green girls at LUSH today and came home with more natural stuff - natural face masks, to be exact - all hand-made and filled with green goodness! Of course, they were brought home in my reusable tote!!!!
Thank goodness the weather is great - we turned off the furnace today, which is exciting.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Travels
Joel and I wanted to go to MN for our wedding anniversary, but it's 300 miles each way, and with the cost of gas, and my efforts to go green, we decided instead to go tour the Jelly Belly factory and then to head to IKEA and Woodfield in Chicago - it's about half the distance. Bonus - riding the Jelly Belly train!
I got a bunch of items from some secret swaps and I rinsed out the containers and intend to use them again - they are great sizes for samples and traveling!
I got a bunch of items from some secret swaps and I rinsed out the containers and intend to use them again - they are great sizes for samples and traveling!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Things I did previous to today....
For my first "real" post, I figure I should go over the things I have already done this year. I have:
-Started reycling. It sounds so simple, but we never did it. So we have started recycling. This also includes shredding our mail and using the shred in outgoing packages.
-Reduced the amount of packaging I use. I am FAR more aware of packaging than I used to be. We now use solid shampoos and conditioners instead of bottled, I use a solid face wash instead of a cream, Joel shaves with a shaving bar instead of a shave gel, and we re-use other containers as much as we can. Also, most of the products we use in the shower/bath are vegan!
- Been printing as little as possible. We are a lot more aware of how much paper we were using, so instead of printing, we try to find more eco-friendly ways to remember things - including re-using the sheets from our daily calendar.
-Signed up for e-bank statements. That way I have them saved in my email and it's less waste and resources for the bank!
-Refused un-neccessary plastic bags when shopping. Why did I need a bag for one magazine, anyways? Part and parcel of this is that we are also trying to purchase and use "green" bags more, which are typically made from recycled plastic bottles, and are a lot stronger than plastic.
-Switched most lightbulbs in our apt to CFLs (compact fluorescents). These last longer, use less energy and seem to actually be brighter! Bonus - they were on sale at our grocery store, so I stocked up!
-Turned off lights when leaving the room. Seems easy, right? Try making it a habit. It can be really hard! This also includes unplugging the cell phone charger when not in use!!!
-Used less water. My showers are a little shorter, I always turn off the water when I brush my teeth, I don't just let it run, waiting for it to get cold/hot, etc. I have also started using the dishwasher a lot more - dishwashers are more energy efficient than handwashing!
-Started freecycling. If I am going to get rid of something, I find someone to give it to. Less waste, and I feel like a better friend/neighbor/relative!
-Switched to bamboo! I now wear bamboo socks, we sleep on bamboo sheets, and we are replacing old (ratty!) towels with bamboo ones. Bamboo is a renewable resource, and as a bonus, it gets softer the more you wash it! Don't worry about the old ones - we are using those to clean with! I even tricked my dad into using bamboo socks, and he likes them!
-Switched to a fabric shower liner instead of a plastic one. Fabric is washable, lasts longer, and collects less mildew!
-Started using more "green" cleaning products. We have switched a few of the old chemical ones out for something more eco-friendly, and we are using rags to clean now instead of paper towels.
-Made our kitties go green! We are working on completely replacing their litter less, and instead, scooping it more frequently and maybe using baking soda to keep the stinks away.
-Air-dried laundry. I use my drying rack now instead of the dryer. Bonus - it saves me $1 each time!
- Started washing all clothes in cold water. There is really no difference, and cold water uses less electricity.
-Turned the thermostat down! Ours went down 2 degrees this winter, and instead we got out more blankets for warmth. We also burn candles to give additional warmth when it's cold out, plus the make the house smell great!
-Started driving the more gas-efficient vehicle more, and combined as many trips as possible. Esp with the increasing gas prices, this really helps!
-Used only 100% windpower at home. With Alliant, we chose to use 100% wind power in our home. We pay a little more, but it's definitely worth it!
See? All of those are pretty easy, cheap, reasonable things to do, and they really add up!
-Started reycling. It sounds so simple, but we never did it. So we have started recycling. This also includes shredding our mail and using the shred in outgoing packages.
-Reduced the amount of packaging I use. I am FAR more aware of packaging than I used to be. We now use solid shampoos and conditioners instead of bottled, I use a solid face wash instead of a cream, Joel shaves with a shaving bar instead of a shave gel, and we re-use other containers as much as we can. Also, most of the products we use in the shower/bath are vegan!
- Been printing as little as possible. We are a lot more aware of how much paper we were using, so instead of printing, we try to find more eco-friendly ways to remember things - including re-using the sheets from our daily calendar.
-Signed up for e-bank statements. That way I have them saved in my email and it's less waste and resources for the bank!
-Refused un-neccessary plastic bags when shopping. Why did I need a bag for one magazine, anyways? Part and parcel of this is that we are also trying to purchase and use "green" bags more, which are typically made from recycled plastic bottles, and are a lot stronger than plastic.
-Switched most lightbulbs in our apt to CFLs (compact fluorescents). These last longer, use less energy and seem to actually be brighter! Bonus - they were on sale at our grocery store, so I stocked up!
-Turned off lights when leaving the room. Seems easy, right? Try making it a habit. It can be really hard! This also includes unplugging the cell phone charger when not in use!!!
-Used less water. My showers are a little shorter, I always turn off the water when I brush my teeth, I don't just let it run, waiting for it to get cold/hot, etc. I have also started using the dishwasher a lot more - dishwashers are more energy efficient than handwashing!
-Started freecycling. If I am going to get rid of something, I find someone to give it to. Less waste, and I feel like a better friend/neighbor/relative!
-Switched to bamboo! I now wear bamboo socks, we sleep on bamboo sheets, and we are replacing old (ratty!) towels with bamboo ones. Bamboo is a renewable resource, and as a bonus, it gets softer the more you wash it! Don't worry about the old ones - we are using those to clean with! I even tricked my dad into using bamboo socks, and he likes them!
-Switched to a fabric shower liner instead of a plastic one. Fabric is washable, lasts longer, and collects less mildew!
-Started using more "green" cleaning products. We have switched a few of the old chemical ones out for something more eco-friendly, and we are using rags to clean now instead of paper towels.
-Made our kitties go green! We are working on completely replacing their litter less, and instead, scooping it more frequently and maybe using baking soda to keep the stinks away.
-Air-dried laundry. I use my drying rack now instead of the dryer. Bonus - it saves me $1 each time!
- Started washing all clothes in cold water. There is really no difference, and cold water uses less electricity.
-Turned the thermostat down! Ours went down 2 degrees this winter, and instead we got out more blankets for warmth. We also burn candles to give additional warmth when it's cold out, plus the make the house smell great!
-Started driving the more gas-efficient vehicle more, and combined as many trips as possible. Esp with the increasing gas prices, this really helps!
-Used only 100% windpower at home. With Alliant, we chose to use 100% wind power in our home. We pay a little more, but it's definitely worth it!
See? All of those are pretty easy, cheap, reasonable things to do, and they really add up!
The start of something exciting
Today is the start of something really exciting. My resolution for 2008 was simple - make an effort to be more eco-aware. I have done this in a lot of ways since Jan 1, and before, actually, and now I have decided to document it, hoping to inspire at least a few other people to see that small steps can really add up to something great, and that one person really can make a difference.
My name is Cathie, and I am currently 28 years old. My husband and I live in WI with our delightful furry babies in a decidedly blue-collar town.
This will be my journey in blogsphere for 2008. Please leave comments if you wish. I love knowing that people will actually read what I have to say.
My name is Cathie, and I am currently 28 years old. My husband and I live in WI with our delightful furry babies in a decidedly blue-collar town.
This will be my journey in blogsphere for 2008. Please leave comments if you wish. I love knowing that people will actually read what I have to say.
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