I’m interested in making me and Matt’s home a little more environmentally friendly. There are about a zillion books on the subject, and I was curious if anyone else has found one they could recommend? Or some basic steps to get started? Obviously-recycling and energy efficient light bulbs, but what else could we do?
Living Green???
New energy efficient appliances are always good….but pricy. One thing I always hear is to get new toilets….they have a lot out there that waste less water…and the Government usually gives you a tax credit for updating those kinds of things around your house.
Also…check out http://green.msn.com/ AND http://www.thedailygreen.com/ for great ideas :)
A thermostat that you can program….saves energy and money (and only costs about $20).
OK, So while I was looking I found some other great tips….
1. Turn your water heater temp down to 120…that will reduce your heating costs and save energy.
2. Unplug unused chargers….your cell phone carger, laptop, printer, etc. You could even unplug your TV/DVD/Game station to save some $$
3. Install a prgramable thermostat…could save around $150 a year!
4. Install low flow showerheads
Thanks girls!!! These are some great tips. We have a few energy efficient appliances…..but I doubt Matt would be for chucking the working one’s that aren’t. I would have never thought or turning down the water heater temp, or getting a better thermostat. Thanks!!! I’ll be sure to check out those websites too!
“For I know the plans I have for you’ declared the Lord……” Jeremiah 29: 11
really cheap
change the hvac filters regularly
they can make a huge difference in the bill as well as how comfortable the house is.
also helps with allergy etc..
later
jbrown
Walmart sells biodegradable coat hangers made from corn products. They are really good quality if you are interested.
Not that I would eat them, but are those coat hangers edible??? Just curious???
I don’t think they are edible. You would think they were plastic if someone hadn’t told you.
My favorites are solar energy, hybrid cars ( I don’t own one) , windmills, using kitchen scraps to make compost instead of commercial fertililzers. Eggshells, banana peels, and coffee grounds and earth worms are great for flowers and shrubs. Recycled gift wrap and toilet paper. Randy had an aunt who would only read day old newspapers after her neighbors were through with them and then would even use the old news again for toilet paper. She was a child of the depression. She used everything over and over. My father liked to use glass pickle jars- small and large instead of plastic storeage containers. I use grocery bags rather than garbage bags to Katie’s chagrin. Sorry Katie. Old habits die hard. Dianne
A few ideas: (some we do now - some not yet)
For those who may not feel comfortable carrying a bag into the store (looks like a purse) you can just walk in with it and throw it into a buggy and then leave with your things in it.
Lyn and I don’t use them every time, but have learned that we are more likely to use them if we keep one in each of our cars (one is plenty - it will hold a lot of stuff)
i.e. The tomatoes you buy in December weren’t grown next door.
While this could be fleshed out in a number of ways, the two easiest are to buy at least some of your groceries from a local source through a co-op or at Daily Co-op on Prince (their fruit and Sammies are amazing).
Check out: http://athens.locallygrown.net/
Thanks for starting this post Katie. This is a subject that Lyn and I have only recently become interested in and have enjoyed learning about ways to take better care of God’s creation.
One things that I’ve been trying to do lately is called “precycle.”
In addition to trying to find way to reuse or recycle what we’ve already bought, you try to be intensional in what you buy or don’t buy.
For example:
Do I really need this or will I end up throwing it away in a little while?
Could I buy this in a larger container so over all the packaging is less?
Could I buy this in a more earth friendly container?
etc.
I have found that this is helpful in cutting down on what I bring into the house, but also what I end up throwing out when I get into a cleaning frenzy. I’ve quit using plastic containers to store food in and just save the glass jars (salsa, salad dress, etc). They are possibly better for us, and they don’t get all discolored and gross like plastic does. Plus, it reduces my desire to buy things that are in plastic since I know I’ll probably have to throw the container away (most can’t be recycled in Athens).
Something Chet and I have really enjoyed has been walking places. We’ll walk to Kroger, Barberitos, Zaxby’s etc. Walking really is so much nicer b/c we talk more and it’s nice to be outside. This is a great perk of living in our new neighborhood. But really as much as possible walk!
Claire
“He has shown you, O man, what is good:
And what does the LORD require of you?
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God.”
“Low flow shower heads…I dont like the sound of that.” -kramer
Bubba: “Have you ever been on a real shrimp boat?”
Forrest Gump: “No, but I’ve been on a real big boat.”
Really? What did that have to do with this???? You always make me laugh.
Thanks for all the suggestions. I am a total believer in the reusable grocery bags! The fact that you can sling them over your shoulder and that they can carry a ridiculous amount of food rocks!
Abby gave me an article that had an awesome suggestion. It said that you should use cloth napkins rather than always using paper towels. For somethings, paper towels are a must, but dinner just seems so much fancier and fun with cute cloth napkins. And I can see a huge difference in our paper towel usage!
We’re still working on a lot of other suggestions everyone has given, so keep them coming!!!