I use inexpensive hard plastic sandwich containers and others of different sizes to freeze things in. I use the jars from peanut butter, miracle whip, etc. for storing things in the refrigerator. They have the added advantage of letting you see what is in them plus they are re-usable until you drop one and break it. HA!
I live where potable water is not that easy to keep so we don't waste water on anything that we can take to the recycle bin. When we shower, we get wet, turn off the shower, soap up and wash down, turn on the shower, and rinse.
Another thing, think about those towels you use for drying. Since you have just cleaned yourself, the towels won't get dirty from drying your clean body. We hang them on the porch to dry and use them several times. Each of us has our own color towels.
We use recycled paper towels because washing hand towels uses a lot of water.
By SpookyCat from Oklahoma
By
03/26/2011
SpookyCat, we spoiled city-slickers could benefit from using your methods. Just for starters, we'd save a lot on water bills and paper towels.
Lilac, color-coded bath towels and washcloths for each family member should lessen sanitation concerns some. When you live where water is scarce, washing a barely-used towel isn't so easy. Makes sense to use each towel at least twice before washing.
By
03/24/2011
Good tips! I know I sound so ultra frugal, but I save and dry out my paper towels and twist them up for firestarters for winter. I also save my paper towel and TP rolls for the same. If there is a left over glass of water I use it to water the plants instead of down the drain.
By
03/24/2011
Actually, there are a lot of dead skin cells on those "clean" towels that come off your body when you dry. Also kids don't always get really clean and that dirt comes off on towels. From a health and sanitation point it is better to use a clean towel.
Below you can read previous posts and comments about this topic. The discussions on this page have been archived 3 times. Select a discussion and read the feedback here.
(Archived Mar 23, 2011)Tips For Living Green
By ladyward from Las Animas, CO
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By crunchberry
By Glenn'sMom
Reuse as much as possible. Coffee cans, glass jars, etc. can be used for storage. Worn-out clothes and towels make good rags and replace paper towels. (05/27/2009)
By Patty Lynn
Garden. Direct your guttering to go into rain barrels to save to water your garden, wash the car.
I have a solar powered battery recharger I got years ago from sharper image. It recharges batteries and my cell phone. I got it to use while camping but now use it all the time. (05/31/2009)
(Archived May 26, 2009)Tips For Living Green
Feedback:
Then there's also green building. Start from the ground up. Green floors are very popular in homes today. Some examples are cork, bamboo, exotics like coconut, etc. Sites like (http://www.findanyfloor.com) should have more green building ideas. (10/30/2008)
By LV_JENN
Use coffee grinds to freshen up garbage disposals, as well as lemon / lime leftovers. Instead of heating up water on the stove, buy an electric kettle, you can have as much water as you need, and it automatically turns off. It's fast and easy. We have a Melitta Express Kettle and a Toastess Keep Warm Kettle.
Open the blinds/shades to let in the light instead of turning on the lights. Use net curtains to let light in while people can't see in.
Instead of buying those fancy coffee or fruit drinks, purchase in bulk berries, coffee etc and make your own in a blender. There are fabulous recipes and you can be creative. Great for guests and they are as good as the brand name places.
Keep onions fresh longer by using pantyhose to store them, you use a leg and tie it, then allow a space, tie another onion, then leave a space etc. To keep lettuce, veggies, and fruit fresher longer, purchase Tupperware lettuce keepers. My goodness they are awesome! My fresh fruit and vegetables keep so much longer - the containers have guides if you need to have both vents closed, one open, or both open. It's fantastic, my friends all love them too.
Use plastic grocery bags as trash liners. Re-use boxes you get in the mail to send more items. Bank online, pay bills online, only order magazines you will read. Use common household items for cleaning, instead of buying lots of cleaners. Can see DVD's or read books on it - I like HALEY'S HINTS. Awesome!
If you and a friend both want a book or DVD, buy just one and share it. Great excuse to keep in touch and save on the environment. How many people watch the same movie over and over / frequently? If you both like a magazine, share the subscription price then pass it on to one another, especially a neighbor.
Remember how easy and fun a simple dessert is. Clean some strawberries and heat some chocolate for fondue! It costs less than buying a pie or cake, our guests have fun, no obligation to eat a certain amount, and they love it. It's also an interactive family way to have dessert.
Hope these are helpful! (11/08/2008)By nynick
I use tree branches on some of my windows as curtain rods. I spray painted one white, but left one natural. I found a pair of chocolate colored drapes at a thrift store for $1.00, cut each panel in half lengthwise, hemmed it by hand, tied strips from brown and white material I had, sewed each strip on both sides of drape top and tied to the branch. I was able to cover my 2 LR windows for a $1.00 and they look beautiful. You can also use tablecloths as window valances, by just draping them over a rod.
I buy place mats at the thrift store that catch my eye and sew them back to back, stuff them and have beautiful pillows. I also sew lace, etc. around edges if needed and use permanent sparkle or reg. paint, just to jazz up the pictures on them. (12/18/2008)
By Keltic
(Archived Oct 30, 2008)Tips for Living Green
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By Edith
By Jessica
By Exasperated
By Ellie
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