Green Living Challenge: February 2007!

[snozzberry]

We use this thread to post the things we are working on each month to live a greener lifestyle. Feel free to post what you're working on, what you've already mastered, or even the things you're just thinking about working on!

I'll try to keep our roll call in the next post up-to-date but please PM me if I mix something up or miss something entirely.

If you want more green living talk, check out the Green Living Tribe.

A special thanks to rainbowmoon for starting the first ever Green Living Challenge!

Challenge History: January

[snozzberry]

Challenge Roll Call!

Note: I try to group similar goals, so just let me know if I misinterpret anything!

Updated through post 73

Working on...

Reduce

• Use clothesline/hang clothes for drying: rainbowmoon, swimswamswum, velochic, mystic~mama, thomlynn, MelanieMC, scbegonias, nina_yyc, Benji'sMom, chloeM, doulalove
• Teach DC what wasting energy means: rainbowmoon
• Remind family to not open the fridge, turn lights off when not in use, etc: mousemadeslings
• Turn lights off when leaving a room, even if it's for just a few minutes: kimberlychapman, MyLittleWarrior, hlkm2e, vannienicole, Earth Angel, mousemadeslings, thomlynn, frogguruami, cam&kat's_mom, simonboy'smommy, Deva33mommy
• Install a motion sensor light in areas where the lights usually get left on: frogguruami
• Change out lightbulbs to compact fluorescent/energy efficient: hlkm2e, Crunchie, mousemadeslings, Shanna4000, 2babybees, frogguruami, cam&kat's_mom, Nico DeMouse, mamaley
• Replace inefficient track lighting: scbegonias
• Keep the thermostat set low: streuselmama, Mamatohaleybug, doulalove, 2babybees, simonboy'smommy
• Look into aerators: EcoMama7
• Use natural light as much as possible: SweetAfton, MelanieMC, mamaley
• Reduce junk mail: SweetAfton, Earth Angel, greenmansions, KKmama, frogguruami
• Put appliances on a power strip for easy on/off or unplug when not in use: 2babybees, calicocj
• Turn computer off when not in use: Valkyrie9
• Turn water off while brushing teeth: hlkm2e
• Use less paper products: Crunchie
• Less TV: vannienicole, calicocj
• Rinse dishes immediately after using them: vannienicole
• Reuse/rewear linens/clothes that aren't dirty: Earth Angel, Mamatohaleybug
• If it's yellow, let it mellow: Mamatohaleybug, MelanieMC
• Decrease garbage: mugglemom, doulalove, thomlynn, snowbunny, Deva33mommy
• Be more mindful of how much water we're using: mystic~mama
• Handwash dishes: thomlynn, nina_yyc
• Sweep daily so vacuuming isn't as necessary: thomlynn
• Shut down/unplug appliances when not in use: MelanieMC
• Research a wood stove: Jennisee
• Investigate cheap/free sources of firewood for the woodburner: mugglemom
• Research for a new energy efficient hot water heater: 2babybees
• Fix a water leak: scbegonias
• Encourage family to take shorter showers: scbegonias
• Knit/crochet items instead of buying new items: frogguruami
• Insulate the attic: frogguruami
• Use a spray bottle to wet baby wipes: nina_yyc
• Use a cup for toothbrushing instead of running the tap: nina_yyc
• Have 2 trash cans (one for paper and one for plastics): simonboy'smommy

Reuse

• Use canvas bags when shopping or get more canvas bags: MyLittleWarrior, G-love, vannienicole, ItyBty, mugglemom, greenmansions, MelanieMC, cam&kat's_mom, Benji'sMom, simonboy'smommy, Valkyrie9, chloeM, Deva33mommy
• Take in no new plastic bags: calicocj
• Eliminate all disposable plates, cups, and silverware: SweetAfton, ItyBty
• Use cloth hankies and not tissues or increase their use: rainbowmoon, Earth Angel, scbegonias, simonboy'smommy
• Use cloth napkins: SweetAfton, calicocj, snozzberry, ItyBty, MrsMike
• Switch to cloth mama pads or increase their use: MyLittleWarrior, anniebee, ItyBty, MrsMike, Shanna4000, Jennisee, chloeM
• Sew mama cloths with old towels/pajamas: mugglemom
• Switch to a diva cup/keeper: Pyratekk
• Switch to cloth tp/family cloth or increase its use: greenmansions, Jennisee, 2babybees, cam&kat's_mom
• Cut down on tp usage: mystic~mama
• Switch to cloth diapers/increase their use: Pyratekk, hlkm2e, Crunchie, MrsMike, greenmansions, simonboy'smommy
• Switch to cloth wipes: greenmansions, mystic~mama
• Stop using paper towels/switch to reusable linens: G-love, calicocj, MrsMike, velochic, doulalove, 2babybees, scbegonias, simonboy'smommy, mamaley
• Cut up rags for daily sink and toilet wipe down (no more clorox wipes): simonboy'smommy
• Rinse/reuse plastic bags for food storage/freezing: whitedoyle
• Find new ways to reuse what we have: mystic~mama
• Reuse grey water: thomlynn
• Buy recycled garbage bags: rainbowmoon, doulalove
• Make own wine and reuse wine bottles: frogguruami
• Collect plastic grocery bags from friends and cut into strips to weave into reusable bags: frogguruami
• Search for items around the house that can be gardening containers instead of buying new items: frogguruami
• Finish wardrobe refashion projects: snowbunny
• Buy milk in returnable bottles: whitedoyle

Recycle

• Recycle more diligently at home: rainbowmoon, Jennisee, MrsMike, snowbunny, simonboy'smommy, mamaley
• Recycle at work: Benji'sMom
• Take plastic bags to store for recycling: simonboy'smommy
• Pick up recyclables on the ground: mystic~mama
• Sort/store trash for recycling: melissa17s
• Set up a better organization system for recycling: snowbunny

Simplify

• Simplify, declutter, donate, repurpose: MyLittleWarrior, Crunchie, vannienicole, Earth Angel, anniebee, mousemadeslings, MrsMike, melissa17s, mystic~mama, thomlynn, MelanieMC, Jennisee, 2babybees, KKmama, Benji'sMom, simonboy'smommy, EcoMama7, flatheadjane
• Don't buy anything new unless absolutely necessary/only buy necessities: MyLittleWarrior, vannienicole, Mamatohaleybug, whitedoyle, KKmama, Benji'sMom
• Think before buying (Do I really need this? Can I make it? How will I have to dispose of it some day?): simonboy'smommy
• Have a no-buy week: doulalove, MrsMike
• Shop at thrift stores more often: Crunchie
• Buy items to make from scratch rather than premade: whitedoyle
• Buy more in bulk: doulalove, cam&kat's_mom, Deva33mommy

Safe Home and Body Care

• Buy a more natural soap for hand washing: SweetAfton
• Switch to all natural and/or homemade body care products: Pyratekk, mousemadeslings, ItyBty, KKmama, nina_yyc
• Switch to earth-friendly/homemade cleaners: doulalove, G-love, mousemadeslings, SweetAfton, ItyBty, greenmansions, MrsMike, nina_yyc, simonboy'smommy
• Get rid of particleboard furniture in the house: snozzberry
• Replace all Teflon pots and pans with stainless and cast iron: ItyBty
• Replace plastic tupperware with glass storage containers: whitedoyle
• Switch to non-toxic cat litter: doulalove
• Use all natural air fresheners: chloeM

Food/Gardening

• Compost (or compost more): calicocj, Mamatohaleybug, snozzberry, ItyBty, Shanna4000, velochic, Jennisee, simonboy'smommy
• Build a worm bin: mugglemom
• Eat more (or all) organic/natural: Pyratekk, mousemadeslings, Nico DeMouse, chloeM
• Budget to afford more organic: thomlynn
• Eat more raw: mousemadeslings
• Buy local foods when it's an option: greenmansions, chloeM, Deva33mommy
• Buy whole foods with minimal packaging: cam&kat's_mom, chloeM, Deva33mommy
• Keep foods with additives out of the house: Deva33mommy
• Eat at home more/eat out less: mamaley
• Learn about eating in a way that's good for the environment: mamaley
• Reduce grocery spending: MrsMike
• Reduce amount of junk/highly processed foods bought: MrsMike
• Eat vegetarian more often: frogguruami
• Switch pets to better food: MrsMike, MelanieMC
• Research CSA (community-supported agriculture) and join: hlkm2e, calicocj
• Make homemade yogurt: G-love
• Breastfeed: Crunchie
• Can, dry, and freeze more food: Crunchie, simonboy'smommy
• Get ready for/research/start gardening: hlkm2e, Crunchie, swimswamswum, MelanieMC, scbegonias, calicocj, mugglemom, simonboy'smommy, Valkyrie9, cam&kat's_mom
• Research composting: MelanieMC, 2babybees
• Make garden bigger/plant more things: ItyBty, rainbowmoon
• Make homemade pizza: thomlynn
• Make own bread products: frogguruami, Nico DeMouse

Transportation

• Walk more, drive less: ItyBty, mugglemom, whitedoyle
• Take the bus more instead of driving: SweetAfton, vannienicole
• Ride bike more often: swimswamswum
• Have no-drive days every month: snowbunny
• Check tire pressure monthly to improve mileage: mugglemom
• Offset carbon emissions for trips: kimberlychapman
• Combine errands and drive less: rainbowmoon, mamaley
• Take a train trip instead of driving: mugglemom
• Track mileage in preparation for reducing driving: Nico DeMouse

Etc

• Go to a Sierra Club meeting: nina_yyc
• Write one letter a week to an elected official: snowbunny

: Mulling over for the Future

Reduce

• Change out lightbulbs to compact fluorescent: Pyratekk

Reuse

• Start using only reusable bags for groceries and other places: Pyratekk
• Consider hankies: doulalove
• Switch to a diva cup/keeper: doulalove
• Switch to cloth tp/family cloth: KKmama

Safe Home and Body Care

• Use more green/recycled building materials and furnishings: greenmansions

Food/Gardening

• Practice native gardening and limit watering: doulalove
• Increase size of organic veggie garden & plant some fruit trees: doulalove
• Plant a few flowering trees: doulalove
• Become a vegetarian: Pyratekk
• Cut other ickies out of food besides HFCS and (P)HO: Pyratekk
• Grow a couple of things: Pyratekk

Transportation

• Replace car with a hybrid: greenmansions, simonboy'smommy

Check!

Reduce

• Using clothesline/hanging clothes for drying: Jennisee
• Switched lightbulbs to compact fluorescent/efficient: swimswamswum, whitedoyle, scbegonias, doulalove
• Put appliances on a power strip for easy on/off: doulalove
• Reducing junk mail (a lifetime process): doulalove
• Got off credit card offer lists: greenmansions
• Using a wood-burning furnace with trees that have been felled by natural forces: Crunchie
• Microwaving instead of starting the oven/stove to warm things up: swimswamswum
• Turning lights off when leaving a room: swimswamswum
• Turning thermostat way down at night/when gone: swimswamswum, whitedoyle
• Unplugging unused appliances: swimswamswum
• Turning off computer overnight: whitedoyle
• Reuse/rewear linens/clothes that aren't dirty: swimswamswum
• Spinning laundry again before moving to the dryer to save on dry time: whitedoyle
• Using indoor drying rack: swimswamswum
• Replaced furnace/appliances: greenmansions
• Installed low-e windows with fiberglass frames: greenmansions
• Reminding family to not open the fridge, turn lights off when not in use, etc: EcoMama7
• Taking fewer baths: EcoMama7
• Stopped using the dishwasher: EcoMama7
• Developed a routine for shutting down electronics at night: mousemadeslings
• If it's yellow, letting it mellow: scbegonias
• Has a no-TV/computer week: cam&kat's_mom
• Calculated how much energy appliances are using and consider replacing them with more efficient models: Jennisee
• Signed a contract on a photovoltaic system: KKmama

Reuse

• Using cloth napkins/towels: EcoMama7, doulalove, swimswamswum, whitedoyle, greenmansions, thomlynn, Deva33mommy
• Using cloth hankies: swimswamswum, whitedoyle, thomlynn
• Using cloth tp/family cloth: doulalove, anniebee, mousemadeslings, scbegonias, frogguruami
• Using canvas bags when shopping: doulalove, Crunchie, swimswamswum, snozzberry, EcoMama7, whitedoyle, mousemadeslings, Shanna4000, scbegonias, greenmansions
• Reusing produce bags: greenmansions
• Packing lunches with re-usable materials and water bottles: swimswamswum
• Bringing coffee/tea from home in reusable mugs: swimswamswum
• Using diva cup/cloth mama pads: Crunchie, swimswamswum, whitedoyle, greenmansions, EcoMama7, simonboy'smommy
• Using cloth diapers/increased their use: whitedoyle, cam&kat's_mom
• Using cloth wipes: anniebee, cam&kat's_mom
• Using the library more: Shanna4000, snozzberry
• Using paper bags for trashing kitty litter: scbegonias
• Converted old trash cans into compost bins instead of buying new bins: frogguruami
• Buying milk in returnable bottles: simonboy'smommy
• Used a reusable teflon-coated paint roller pan: whitedoyle
• Limiting tp use to 2 sheets each time: Deva33mommy

Recycle

• Recycling anything possible: Crunchie, snozzberry, whitedoyle, simonboy'smommy, cam&kat's_mom, Deva33mommy
• Using recycled paper goods: snozzberry

Simplify

• Simplifying, decluttering, donating: scbegonias, frogguruami
• Buying used/secondhand: streuselmama
• Not buying too much: streuselmama
• Making more purchases locally, from small stores and/or avoid big box stores: scbegonias, whitedoyle, Jennisee
• Has a no-buy week: cam&kat's_mom

Safe Home and Body Care

• Used low/no-VOC eco-friendly paint: doulalove, snozzberry
• Using natural cleaning products: Crunchie, snozzberry, thomlynn
• Replaced Teflon pots and pans with cast iron or stainless steel pots and pans: snozzberry, greenmansions
• Replaced plastic tupperware with glass storage containers: snozzberry, greenmansions
• Washing face with honey: snozzberry
• Replaced mattress with natural latex mattress: snozzberry
• Switched to non-plastic water bottles: snozzberry
• Switched to all natural body care products: snozzberry, Jennisee
• Reduced overall use of plastic: greenmansions
• No-pooing (using alternatives to shampoo and less frequently): frogguruami, Deva33mommy

Food/Gardening

• Composting: doulalove, Crunchie, swimswamswum, whitedoyle, greenmansions, thomlynn, frogguruami, simonboy'smommy, Deva33mommy
• Gardening: thomlynn, frogguruami, Jennisee
• Eating vegetarian/vegan: Crunchie, snozzberry, vannienicole
• Eating vegetarian some of the time: swimswamswum
• Eating a lot of organic: Crunchie, snozzberry, EcoMama7, thomlynn
• Eating more raw: EcoMama7
• Eating out only once in a while: snozzberry
• Cooking from scratch as much as possible: Crunchie
• Keeping goats for milk: Crunchie
• Keeping hens for eggs: Crunchie
• Buying local when it's an option: swimswamswum, thomlynn
• Switched pets to better food: snozzberry, scbegonias
• Buying produce at farmer's markets: AuntLavender
• Joined a CSA: EcoMama7
• Contacted companies whose canned products we buy to find out if they're lead-free and bisphenol-A-free: snozzberry

Transportation

• Walking for most errands or combining errands if driving: streuselmama, whitedoyle, AuntLavender
• Offset car's carbon footprint: doulalove
• Offset carbon emissions for trips: Jennisee
• Driving a small/fuel-efficient car: Crunchie, snozzberry
• Walking/carpooling when it's an option: swimswamswum, EcoMama7, simonboy'smommy
• Driving as little as possible: vannienicole
• Started a carpooling group at eRideShare: snozzberry
• Take the bus more instead of driving: greenmansions
• Riding bike more often: scbegonias
• Driving easier: doulalove
• Converted diesel vehicle to run on used vegetable oil: flatheadjane

Etc

• Participating in utility company's green energy program: snozzberry
• Got children's books to encourage DC to follow in footsteps: doulalove
• Offset family's carbon footprint: snozzberry
• Wrote to representatives about cutting tax breaks for the oil companies and using the money to fund alternative energy and tax credits for people and businesses that install energy upgrades, buy efficient cars, etc: Jennisee
• Writing a Green Living article for the internal weekly newsletter at work: snozzberry
• Donated a subscription to Mothering and a copy of An Inconvenient Truth to local library: Jennisee

[MelanieMC]

snozzberry - I see you are just as organized here as you are in the NMY tribe!

I just posted in the Jan. thread, but I guess I can go ahead and post my goals for feb.

In the next month I would like to:
start shutting off and unplugging appliances when they aren't in use
buy and use cloth/canvas bags when shopping
research and learn about growing a garden*
research and learn about composting*
use the clothesline/drying racks instead of dryer
If it's yellow let it mellow...
use more natural light in the house
switch dog to a more healthy dog food
start de-cluttering and donating stuff I don't use

*I can't actually do these things now as I live with my mom and it just wouldn't work out.

[Jennisee]

Ooh, great thread! I haven't read January's thread, but I am about halfway through the giant Green Tribe thread in FYT. I'll post my February goals and then go back and check out the giant list, so I'm sure I'll add more.

--Start recycling! This is embarassing, but we do not seem to have recycling in the entire county. I am going to have to drive 20+ miles to recycle, but I am determined to do it. I will have to develop a good organizational system in my garage, create a master list of what gets dropped off where, and combine trips with other errands to save on gas.

--Use cloth TP more. (About 75% now.)

--Research for a brand of mama cloth that I can wear on my heavy flow days. (The first few days of my cycle, I soak through an overnight pad in an hour, so I wear disposable pads on those days. Blech, I hate it.)

--Experiment with a couple homemade toiletry recipes, so I can cut down on the amount of personal care products I buy at the store.

--Get a drying rack and start hanging clothes to dry.

--Calculate how much energy our appliances are using a year and see how affordable it would be to replace them with more efficient models. (Most of our appliances came with our house when we bought it, so they're kind of old.)

--Start researching a wood stove. (Again. ) I'm not sure we can afford it by next winter, but hopefully within two years, we can.

--Get going on my garden! This is one area where I excel, and I am antsy to get my seedlings started.

--If the weather warms up, set up my compost bin in the back yard and start composting. If not, this will have to wait until March.

--Declutter, declutter, declutter!

--Shop locally and stay out of Big Box stores as much as possible. It's difficult in a rural area with few choices, but I believe in local economies and want to support them.

--We are flying at the end of the month, and I would like to donate to offset our carbon emissions.

--Donate a subscription to Mothering and a copy of "An Inconvenient Truth" to my local library.

--Write to my representatives about cutting tax breaks for the oil companies and using the money to fund alternative energy and tax credits for people and businesses that install energy upgrades, buy efficient cars, etc.

[snozzberry]

Originally Posted by MelanieMC

snozzberry - I see you are just as organized here as you are in the NMY tribe!

Hehe. I'm a dork.

Originally Posted by Jennisee

--Donate a subscription to Mothering and a copy of "An Inconvenient Truth" to my local library.

--Write to my representatives about cutting tax breaks for the oil companies and using the money to fund alternative energy and tax credits for people and businesses that install energy upgrades, buy efficient cars, etc.

Ooh, these 2 are really good ideas that I hadn't considered for this challenge. I might be stealing from you for my February goals.

[koru]

i'm stealing one of jennisee's goals, too! we're flying at the end of march and i was feeling so terrible about the decision. we intended on driving but i will be 33 weeks pregnant & didn't think i could tolerate 2 days in the car. so....offsetting the co2 is the perfect solution! (to alleviate my guilt, at least!?) i guess this will be a march goal, though. so....

my feb goals are...

* change cat litter (still trying to use up the rest of our nasty stuff)
* focus on keeping the heat turned down...it's getting cold here in chicagoland
* cut household garbage down to two 13 gallon bags a week & 2 recycling bins (this will be a toughy)
* start using cloth papertowels when our bulk supply runs out.
* continue daily junk mail battle

i started cloth TP last month & it works great! the only paper product we haven't switched yet is papertowels...oh yeah...and hankies. i actually prefer canvas bags & cloth napkins & TP now that i'm using them religiously. (i've always loved CD's!) i also did a major CFL switch because i found a great sale. i saved some for emergencies & sent the rest to work with my husband. it seems like every little change i make feels good, ya know? i've also been driving easier & my children actually notice. yesterday my 3.5 year old asked me why everyone was passing me on the expressway. she kept saying, "go faster, mommy. go faster!" i'm sticking to cruise control at 60 mph. it's good for mental healther, too!

[AngelBee]

:

[2babybees]

I'm joining in:

1. Finish decluttering the basement, donate, sell or hopefully reuse.
2. Research composting and find the best spot in the yard to start it.
3. Buy more compact bulbs for the house. Switch as the old ones burn out.
4. Put more appliances on power strip and turn off when not in use.
5. Research for a new energy efficient hot water heater, hopefully purchase in Feb/March.
6. Use cloth TP and paper towels more often. Right now 50% of the time. 75% by the end of the month.
7. Turn down thermostat just a little more and wear more sweaters!

[rainbowmoon]

for February;

-start buying recycled garbage bags
-plant grapes and a couple of jujubee trees in my yard
-start seedlings for the garden!
-create a garden space..still not decided on how I want to set it up.
-drive even less. combine trips better.

[AuntLavender]

I was thinking about things like this

I have started buying produce locally. There is a farmer's stand near the library so we can go once a week! The only drawback is that it's cash only so I ahve to remember to get cash.

I'm also trying to drive only twice a week instead of 3-4 times. My youngest has occupational and speech therapy twice a week and we try to do things on those days that require driving since we already have to use the van.

Sincerely,
Debra homeschooling mom of 4 ages 10 (AS), 9, 7, and 43 mos (Autism)

[scbegonias]

snozzberry rules!

I love this challenge!

My goals for February...

1. start seedlings indoors (herbs and beans)
2. get garden plot ready for planting
3. end paper towel use (we're pretty low already at a roll every couple months)
4. end tissue use in the house (baby steps...DH and DD already use hankies...it me : )
5. line dry clothing (I did this faithfully until I started working full time...got to get back in the habit)
6. get outside spigot fixed (to end water leak)
7. encourage DH to shorten his marathon showers
8. figure out what to do about track lighting (its an energy sucker)

[calicocj]

Thanks for starting the Feb thread!

I'm excited!

Here are my big 3 for Feb:
1. Start work on container gardening (anyone w/ info on best way to do this in the desert, I'd love to get more info!)

2. Less electronic energy use - less TV and more unplugging of appliances (I have a hard time remembering this...)

3. No plastic bag challenge. Goal is not to have a single plastic bag come in my house during Feb!

Good luck yall!

[KKmama]

Ooh, I want to join in!
You can put me down for:
Reduce junk mail (so much work!)
I'm intrigued with this one--Switch to cloth tp/family cloth or increase its use (can anyone tell me more?)
And we're working on this big-time:Simplify, declutter, donate
Don't buy anything new unless absolutely necessary/only buy necessities
Switch to all natural and/or homemade body care products
We do an awful lot of the other stuff, but we can always improve.

[snozzberry]

Hi all -- I'm going on vacation until Monday so I'll update the roll call thread when I get back. What a good group of goals we have for February so far!

[Jennisee]

Originally Posted by KKmama

I'm intrigued with this one--Switch to cloth tp/family cloth or increase its use (can anyone tell me more?)

Before I cloth diapered my DD, I never would have dreamed of it, but after using cloth wipes on her, it just seemed natural to extend it to the bathroom. I keep a basket of cloth wipes on the back of the toilet for DD and I. (DH won't use them, but he says guys don't use toilet paper for pee any way. : ) Most of mine are actual serged wipes, but cut up T-shirts, sheets, etc. would work just as well. We usually use regular toilet paper for the first wipe of poop, but otherwise we use the cloth. Right now, the wipes, mama pads, and my DD's overnight diapers go either in a large wetbag next to the toilet or directly in the washer, but I want to put a wetbag-lined bucket in the cabinet under the bathroom sink. The toilet is right next to the sink, so I can also wet the wipes if I need more wiping power, like during my period.

[Jennisee]

Originally Posted by Jennisee

--Write to my representatives about cutting tax breaks for the oil companies and using the money to fund alternative energy and tax credits for people and businesses that install energy upgrades, buy efficient cars, etc.

I can mark this off of the list! I was able to email both of my Senators and my Congressional Representative, so that saved on paper there. But I have to snail mail my representatives in the state legislature. Here is what I wrote, in case anyone wants a starting place.

I am writing to express my support for alternative fuel research; for the United States to take steps against global warming; for tax credits for homeowners who make energy efficient improvements to their homes or who buy energy efficient cars; and for tax credits for businesses that make energy efficient upgrades. As a middle-class homeowner, I very much want to make my home more energy efficient and buy a more efficient car, but I currently find these things cost prohibitive. I also believe that many of these things can be funded without raising taxes, by rolling back the tax breaks that the oil companies currently receive.

[thomlynn]

HUGE Family Cloth Thread

Since I got in so late last month my goals are the same.

We need to work on:
the amount of trash we have
turning off lights
hanging the clothes to dry more often
budgeting our money better so we can afford more organic stuff
stop buying pizza and make our own!!!
ETA: get back in the habit of handwashing dishes and recycling grey water (we've slacked since the Holidays)
sweeping the floor daily so I don't have to vacuum as often

Thanks for the list snozzberry, you are so organized!!

[frogguruami]

OK here are mine broken down into the four R's

Reduce
- no-poo is going well
- family cloth is going well
- garden is going well (I am putting this in the reduce catagory becasue it will reduce the amount of gas I use to go to the store or farmer's market, amoung other things)
- I need to get back into the habit of making my own bread products.
- I am going to try to go to vegetarian meals 4 nights a week. Last month we were up to 3 nights a week and hubby didn't complain.
- I really need a couple of winter items but instead of buying them I am going to knit or crochet them out of the vast selection of yarn I have.
- turning off the lights - I am installing a motion sensor light inthe closet and hall because those are the lights that always seem to get left on.
- switch to energy efficient bulbs - Most of the regular bulbs in our house are already CFL but we have a few halagon fixtures. If money will allow I want to replace those.
- re insulate the attic - this is a "before summer" goal. I want to set aside some of our tax refund to do this but it will depend on how much we get back.
- get rid of junk mail

Reuse
- I have a bit of a wine problem so I have decided to start making my own. So until the wine is ready I will be saving any wine bottles I have and reusing them for the wine I make.
- I don't use plastic grocery bags but I am collecting them from all of my friends and cutting them into strips and weaving them into reuseable grocery bags.

Recycle
- compost is going well
- decluttering and offering everything I can on freecycle

Repurpose
-converted old trash cans into compost bins instead of buying something new
- I am searching out things that I have around the house that I can use as container for my garden.

[cam&kat's_mom]

can I join??
I have becoem FAR more green in teh last year than i ever though possible! So i'm lookgin to increase that AND ge tteh whole family on

For this month:
Use canvas bags to shop with
turn off lights when not in use and get rid high wattage bulbs
recycle bottles and cans (redeem for $~Dh is too lazy and currently they get tossed)
only buy whole foods with minimal packaging
buy other things in bulk (pastas, flours etc)
Kep up the cloth diapers and wipes and use family cloth for dd and I DS dan DH won't.. YET
have 1 no spend week and 1 week no tv/computers (HUGE energy users in our house)

[MrsMike]

Here are my goals for February:

1.) Keep up with our decluttering, simplifying and donating. This will take a few months.
2.) I'm going to try a no-spend week. Or...a no-spend 4 days, lol. We always seem to pick something up every other day.
3.) Get our cardboard recylced. It's a slight PIA in our community and I have a ton of cardboard in the house just waiting to be recycled.
4.) I hope to reduce grocery spending overall this month. We still have some frozen meat in the fridge so I plan on using that up before buying more. I do need to stock up on canned goods, though. I want to reduce the amount of junk/highly processed foods we buy this month.
5.) I want to keep up with getting rid of the harsh chemicals in our home. I've been good about using baking soda, vinegar, borax (still uncertain about this one), lemon juice and TTO.