Here are my tips for living green:
- When using ice in drinks, instead of tossing them out, you can place them in the animal water bowl or use to water plants.
- When using paper at home on the computer and it didn't quite print correctly, save and use other side for scrape paper or non professional charts etc.
- The only paper product that I use is for computer and toilet paper. No paper towels, napkins or hand wipes. Use rags, cloth napkins and face cloths. Also no paper plates or cups for picnics, use plastic cleanable, reusable items.
- When mowing the lawn, have a large bin to place clippings in for fertilizer for the following year.
- Use a full house humidifier to save on heat.
- Use dishwasher only when full. In between, run the rinse cycle.
- Have energy saving appliances such as fridge, washer and dryer.
- Buy spring water and have the cooler as well as a pump. The pump is used to fill containers of water for gallon drinks to place in fridge. So not to use up already refrigerated water (saves energy)
- Do the yard watering during the evening so sun doesn't drink it up as you are watering and have to use more water.
- Reuse holiday cards (Christmas, Easter, birthday etc.) for the kids to make their own cards. (Words as well as pictures) can also be used to decorate scrapbooks.
- I had my daughter use what was left of her school notebook for her private phone book.
- In cooking spaghetti, I try to make it so I'll be making a meal using spaghetti salad further in the week, so I can save on fuel in cooking by cooking for both at once.
- Unplug any item that doesn't need to be on at all times; ex: toaster.
- Fans help circulate air conditioned air. They don't have to run constantly and cuts down the air conditioner from having to run as often.
- You can use an old white sheet from a bed that's been up sized for a child at the beach (I say white because it reflects the light from the sun).
- When showering, use cool water instead of warm or hot and limit the time to 5 to 10 minutes.
Editor's Note: This used to say 15 to 20 minutes, we have edited it because we think it was probably a typo. Less than 5 minutes would be even better. - When brushing teeth, fill a cup with water instead of running the water the whole time brushing. Then also take any pills necessary at this same time with that water.
By LRP from LWL, MA
Answers:
Tips For Living Green
After you have taken your pills use the left over water in the glass and pour it into the plant on the window sill.
Put a dishpan in the shower to catch the "run off" and use it to flush the toilet or water house plants. (06/17/2008)
By Edith
Tips For Living Green
My tip: breastfeed! it is the perfect food for babies, and it is free. It is healthier (fewer doc visits), requires no heating, electricity, transportation, and will never be on any government recalls! (06/17/2008)
By Jessica
Tips For Living Green
When living on a boat (and also for those in the military), rinsing quickly to dampen body, turning off water and soaping, then rinsing off soap was necessary and did the job well. Cay from FL (06/17/2008)
By Carolyn C. Cooke
Tips For Living Green
Hi/ Very good tips.. except that here in Australia, where we are in drought, water storage is very low *even tho it's now winter here), we are asked to keep our showers to THREE minutes only, which I endeavor to do. There are things I can't do as I live in a second floor (rented) apartment. No yard or garden so I can't recycle grey water, but I do use my fish tank water when emptied to put on my balcony potted plants. Also when I give my cats fresh water, their 'old' goes on the potted plants too. I don't have A/C just fans for summer.
(06/18/2008)
By Ellie
