An ode to Earth Day and Martha Stewart:
I know all of us would love to be more eco-friendly, especially now that more green opportunities are available. However much we'd like to, Matt and I could never afford to overhaul our new kitchen and fill it with Energy Star appliances, bamboo floors, and recycled glass counter tops. All the same, over the past few weeks I have started making subtle changes that can make a big difference.
- By carrying a cloth bag to the grocery store and having the baggers fill it with as much as they can, I have saved more than a few plastic bags from ending up in landfills.
- Lately I have noticed that most grocery stores have stopped providing paper bags as an alternative to plastic. Thank goodness the Tolono IGA still carries them. When I stop in, which isn't terribly often, I opt for paper. Not only is it environmentally friendly but it gives me an excuse to make puppy chow!
- Some time ago Matt and I made the switch from regular light bulbs to the energy-saver kind. Aside from a slight warm-up time and a strange buzzing noise they have been quite effective. Matt hardly notices the noise anymore.
- Since we are forced to fork out the dough for a washer and dryer for the new house we have considered purchasing a set of Energy Star. However, they might be far too expensive for our shoe string budget.
What are YOU doing to save the planet, I would love to know??
On another note, I frequently visit Martha Stewart's website for her organizing tip of the day. For the last couple of weeks the tips have been eco-friendly. There are some really great ideas on how to use things you already have for reorganizing. You should check them out.If you know me at all you would know that I love tea! Sipping hot tea with a friend is one of my favorite things. My love for tea certainly does not stop at the liquid. I love everything to do with the stuff including tea-art, tea kettles, and of course teacups! I have a special Christmas tree that I keep in my kitchen that is adorned with small antique teacups. In fact I have started quite the collection. Along with the many antique cups I have received as gifts I have vowed to buy a tea cup everywhere I go. So far I have handmade ones from South Africa and Costa Rica. 
3 comments:
We have also made the switch to cloth grocery bags. I like it very much. They are quite sturdy.
We also have been transitioning to "green" cleaning products. They are simple and non-toxic.
I've been purchasing most of our produce at the Neighborhood Co-op. A lot of it is local and pesticide-free. Soon the farmer's market will be starting, and I'm all about supporting local farms.
We have switched all the lamps we use the most to energy savers bulbs. However, the wiring in our apartment is old, and cannot support a full cross-over to the new bulbs. I've read about several house fires that occurred when older homes were using them.
We was all our dishes by hand. This saves lots of water and energy. I don't miss the dishwasher anymore.
We keep plants in the house which help keep the air cleaner.
I think those are the only conscious things I do. Like you, I would love to switch to the Energy Star appliances, but DANG they're expensive!
A programmable thermostat is a great thing; we turn our house down about 6 degrees when we're gone, and it's nice and toasty by the time we get home. Hogan doesn't seem to mind :)
What are YOU doing to save the planet, I would love to know??
I tell the planet this.
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