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!

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.