It can be overwhelming to think about all of the ways that we contribute to the amount of carbon used in the U.S. But as Earth Day approaches, I started thinking about some of the 'baby steps' I have taken to reduce my own contribution to this problem.
These really are small, small steps, but if each one of us does 10 things, we can begin to make a difference!
Here is a list of 10 things I do:
- Bring my own bags to the grocery store (and the discount store and the shopping mall)
- Use reusable containers to pack my children's lunch
- Compost my fruit and vegetable discards (we have small stainless steel container by the sink to collect them as we go and a compost bin on the side of the house. Provides great soil for Spring planting)
- Turn the thermostat down (or up). I am always cold and this is a big sacrifice, but we try!
- Use bigger containers of shampoo and conditioner--and recycle them when empty.
- Fill a reusable water bottle before I head to the gym or game
- Recycle and shred paperwork in my office. It is important to be careful about what you throw in to the recycling bin (identity theft), but shredded paper in clear bags is recyclable, too.
- Use a charging Valet to charge family cell phones. Turn off the power strip when not in use.
- Turn off my computer at night
- Unplug 'occasional use' items
If each one of us creates a list of 10 things we do and makes a conscious effort to continue adding to the list, we can make a difference in reducing carbon emissions.
Do you have a list?
Happy Earth Day!
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Holly I do not have a list, but I do now. These items aren't really that hard to do. Thank you.
We do the unplug thing here . Also we collect downed wood and use it in our wood burning stove to generate heat. We also car pool when ever possible. Thanks for the post
I read somewhere that someone saved a ton of money just unplugging computers, printers..etc... every night... it's so easy... to do....
Great list and we all need to have (or start one)!
Very nice
your friend in Charlottesville Virginia!
I kid my wife about all those "tree hugger bags" we keep in the car but, to be honest. I sure would rather use them than the plastic at the stores. And I feel good about it too!
Good for you Hooly - and good for us. And don't forget, a ceiling fan circulates the air, but does not change the temperature. The circulated air just feels cooler. So turn off the ceiling fan when not in the room. But as you say you are cold all of the time, this tip may not help you. :)
Holly, All great ideas! I don't have a list, but definitely want to begin to become more conscious about the environment. I think you have the approach by saying "I can't solve the problem, but I can do little things that will at least make a difference..."
Holly - Thanks for the tips! I am attempting to retrain myself and household on various items such as these. All the best to you and your business.
All good points, Holly. We're not so good at the unplug idea, but it would be worth the effort.