Request: Tips For Living Green
Archived on 05/26/2009
Looking for tips and ideas for living green.
Lilly from Paris, France
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RE: Tips For Living Green
I'm surprised no one has talked about buying those organic cotton bags to reuse that grocery stores offer instead of using paper or plastic bags each time you shop; and you can use them to shop anywhere. Other stores like retail stores provide really cute ones.
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
RE: Tips For Living Green
Instead of buying water, purchase a filter, distiller, or RO system. Instead of buying water bottles, purchase Tupperware virtually leak proof tumblers and coffee mugs, they will last for years, and if they break, free replacement. Instead of buying kitchen sponges, buy Tupperware's dish cloth, you can wash it in the dishwasher and washing machine, it does such a good job. If your water spills with ice trays, buy Tupperware ice trays, they are virtually leak proof and do not absorb odors in the freezer. I use them also for freezing lime or lemon juice, great for in drinks. Cook for multiple meals and freeze them in Tupperware containers. You can take certain containers straight from the freezer to the microwave. see www.my.tupperware.com/nickib
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
RE: Tips For Living Green
I get my cloth/canvas shopping bags at thrift stores. You can find large roomy bags for 50 cents or less.
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
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Tip: Tips for Living Green
Archived on 10/30/2008
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
Feedback:
RE: 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
RE: 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
RE: 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 Exasperated
RE: 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
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