| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| knittingmom |
Posted - Jan 13 2009 : 1:52:53 PM
In Canada we have a challenge going on called one million acts of green. I was wondering what your act of green for this year will be?
We've given up paper towels, instead using cloth. I've also personally committed that if a destination is within walking distance (and weather permitting)I'll walk it or bike it.
"There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world" |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| moxieblossom |
Posted - Jan 27 2009 : 6:04:34 PM
Hubby and I have started buying organic/free-range groceries whenever possible, and using cloth bags while shopping.
Also I've been making a conscious effort to recycle all the paper I go through at work, and since I'm the one that orders supplies for the office, I'm transitioning us over to recycled/eco-friendly goods whenever possible. At some point this year the hubby and I will be switching over to green cleaners and cloth napkins/towels instead of paper towels.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
Farmgirl Sister #242
http://vintage-moxie.blogspot.com |
| createmyworld |
Posted - Jan 26 2009 : 7:16:02 PM
wow, this is a great topic... there's a lot that I do and have been doing, which have been mentioned:
hang-dry laundry as much as I can
use cold water in wash machine
cloth bags for groceries
buy dairy and eggs at local organic farmers
grow own veggies organically and can and freeze a lot for year round eating
eat organically as often as is possible (about 95%)
walk to destinations whenever possible
recycle, reuse and re-purpose items
fix items instead of throwing away and purchasing new
eat more vegetarian meals (not 100% vegetarian yet... may someday)
spread the word about green living
installed a low flow shower faucet which also filters chlorine from our water
turned hot water heater down so that when you turn hot water on full, it is at comfort level, not scalding (why spend energy to heat water so hot that you have to add cold water to make it comfortable?!)
clean with green products (sun & earth, 7th generation, greening the cleaning, etc.)
make own lip balms and body butters
turn the thermostat down to 66 in winter
keep the ac off in summer except on days when inside house temp gets above 89
... i'm sure there's more, these are some that we've been doing for a while, always looking for new ideas and ways to live greener!
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| yarnmamma |
Posted - Jan 26 2009 : 6:41:56 PM
Debbie! I love the hanging drying rack you and hubby made. I'm going to try to think of something to do . I did wear out a wooden drying rack (proof I used it) but haven't replaced it yet. I have a long curtain rod in front of my washer & dryer..it's as long as they are wide together. I hang clothes on it...some but not all will fit. There are many things that can be hung right on the hangers up there. I put some things on the kitchen chairs and I feel good and that I am being a farmgirl when I do that. (I think of you gals!and how you'd be proud of me!
I sure would enjoy figuring out how to make one somehow and have enough to hang more inside. It really does dry fast because of the winter air.
I could start using vinegar and baking soda for washing like you gals do. I'd love to make my own laundry soap...and I will soon!
Linda in Scranton, PA
farmgirl #71
BLESSED ARE THE CRACKED FOR THEY ARE THE ONES WHO LET IN THE LIGHT!
Have a wonderful Farmgirl New Year!! |
| Woodswoman |
Posted - Jan 26 2009 : 5:04:34 PM
This year I'm mostly adding on to things I already do.
I use cloth bags at the grocery store-my goal is to use them at other stores, like the drugstore, etc.
Another goal is to eat essier on the planet-more local food, etc.
Jennifer
Farmgirl Sister #104
"Nature brings to every time and season some beauties of its own".
-Charles Dickens |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Jan 26 2009 : 2:52:09 PM
These are all great ways to be green. I have not used anything to clean with except baking soda and vinegar. No chemicals at all. Ok, I just lied. I do use bleach in the toilets sometimes and in the sink to get them nice and white. OOppps! Hang the out. Use cloth napkins now. Use newspaper to clean windows with vinegar and water. i also don't buy wiper washer fluid and just use a little soapy water. Just had all new windows put in that are the energy efficient ones. Alos use the tote bags at the grocery. Grow just about all our food. Make our bread. Was milking goats, but not anymore til May. But do get milk from a friend now. Go to the thrift store. I make my own astringent and now have homemade laundry soap! I keep the heat turned way down. Use the little toaster oven alot, too. I try to buy local as much as possible to cut down on fossil fuels. And just try not to go anywhere unless I can combine several things together.
Great topic. I am getting good ideas here. Thanks. Kris
Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you. Maori proverb |
| Ingrid |
Posted - Jan 26 2009 : 2:49:08 PM
My act of green for 2009 is to eliminate all plastic bags. So far I haven't used any for shopping and I am almost through my box of garbage bags and don't plan on buying anymore. Not sure what I will replace them with but hoping someone has ideas for replacing plastic garbage bags for messy garbage that can't be composted. Any ideas??? |
| homesteaderbelle |
Posted - Jan 26 2009 : 1:57:01 PM
quote:
Originally posted by harmonyfarm
At the dump I found the bottom of a child size bedframe. It is all white tubes about 4 inches apart and there are about 30 of them. I had hubby screw some gigantic cup hooks in our ceiling above the woodstove to hang this "rack" there. We have 9 foot ceilings in our kitchen. I have had 30+ articles of clothing hanging on it at a time on hangers. You can clip socks and such to a hanger as well. Not only do I not use my dryer, but it helps put humidity back into our house while the clothes are drying.
Glad you're all doing so well going green!
Debbie
"If you can't find the time to do it right...how will you find the time to do it over"
Hi Debbie,
You laundry drying rack sounds very nice! I have been hanging my clothes up to day all throughout the house on wooden laundry racks, on broom handles laying on two ladderback chairs, and on my retractable clothesline in the bathroom, it does put moristure in the air which is wonderful for my family since out house is very dry. The moisture in the house helps our sinuses annd our druy skin.
Belle
http://www.homesteaderbelle.blogspot.com/
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| harmonyfarm |
Posted - Jan 26 2009 : 12:24:39 PM
At the dump I found the bottom of a child size bedframe. It is all white tubes about 4 inches apart and there are about 30 of them. I had hubby screw some gigantic cup hooks in our ceiling above the woodstove to hang this "rack" there. We have 9 foot ceilings in our kitchen. I have had 30+ articles of clothing hanging on it at a time on hangers. You can clip socks and such to a hanger as well. Not only do I not use my dryer, but it helps put humidity back into our house while the clothes are drying.
Glad you're all doing so well going green!
Debbie
"If you can't find the time to do it right...how will you find the time to do it over" |
| lacisne88 |
Posted - Jan 19 2009 : 2:11:53 PM
I buy used books at half price books, as well as sell my old used books there. I try to unplug electronics that are not in use. I am going to try to purchase less packaged foods.
Chelsey
Farmgirl Sister #283
http://farmgirlpleasures.blogspot.com/
http://aminiatureworld.blogspot.com/ |
| nashbabe |
Posted - Jan 19 2009 : 06:14:24 AM
I was given a bunch of fabric and I intend to recycle as much of it as possible into stuff to sell at the farmers' market and gifts for people. I am also trying not to waste things...it boggles the mind to think of all we throw away! I also want to get rid of as many things as I can that are nice but that I don't use. Giveaways on my blog are part of my plan. As a farmers' market leaseholder for several years, I salute all who buy from local farmers, and plan to continue to buy from my fellow participants as well. It just tastes a whole lot better, and knowing the farmer is a wise thing these days...
Crunchy crafty goodness and psychoses...;-)http://nashbabe.blogspot.com
groovy stuff 2 buy...http://www.alittlesplurge.etsy.com |
| kpaints |
Posted - Jan 18 2009 : 09:01:07 AM
I already do so many of these things, having parents that grew up in the depression also helped me get an 'urge' to reuse, recycle and reclaim. I use green cleaning products, some I make, some I buy, I hang my clothes, sometimes inside for the winter (plan to get a rack, Ikea has a super one), I use my homemade totes, use homemade crocheted dish cloths and swiffer sweater, going to barter more items (to downsize), I am going to concentrate on getting rid of paper towels, did that for years (can't remember why I started again), turn off computer at night, continue to keep heat at 65, and exercise. Exercise 'how is that green you say?', well, I figure that if I exercise I won't be eating as much, saves on consumption. :)
Find your joy and live it. http://cheneybaglady.blogspot.com/http://www.kpaints.etsy.com |
| yarnmamma |
Posted - Jan 17 2009 : 07:47:04 AM
I like seeing the ideas too.
I am going to also use my grocery bags more often. I have several of them. The one I use the most is folded and zipped into a small size and kept in my purse. It''s easy to remember.
I am using my purses longer instead of having to buy the latest style. I sometimes use my grocery bags for a purse.
I am turning my computer off more often instead of keeping it on all the time.
I am using cloth rags from torn old clothes more that means less paper towels.
I have always bought only a few water bottles but I continually re-fill them up with tap water. My little boy enjoys using them so he'll want to fill them with milk and juice and anything he drinks.
I have a clothesline and will use it more often...it's the freezing dead of winter now so I bring clothes out of dryer when still a little damp and some things hang up in the laundry room to dry. I feel like that so important.
I am going to eat more fresh veggies and fruit and pay for less packaged things. It saves money too!
I am also driving around less just for entertainment and stay home.
We recently gave up cable tv or satelite tv and just watch the local programs...there are 3-4 channels and we are fine with them.
I buy used books to read or books at the dollar store.
I'm still watching more more ideas.
This is a great topic!
Linda in Scranton, PA
farmgirl #71
BLESSED ARE THE CRACKED FOR THEY ARE THE ONES WHO LET IN THE LIGHT!
Have a wonderful Farmgirl New Year!! |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jan 15 2009 : 3:21:01 PM
Taking my big collection of cloth and canvas and crocheted grocery bags with me when I shop EVERY time. I am good about remembering for the big trips twice a month...not so good for the quick trips to get things in between...I plan to GET better this year.
We already do alot of the things mentioned, but I know there are always ways we can improve.
I will be buying 1/2 beef and a whole pork...local from a farmer in our county...when we get our tax return and doing away with even more snack foods. There arn't many left that I still buy. I love seeing all you gal's ideas.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| sweetproserpina |
Posted - Jan 15 2009 : 09:11:55 AM
I'm working on taking the chemicals out of the house. Cleaners, make-up, shampoo etc. are going natural this year. So far I've got make-up and cleaners done, now I'm working on soaps, shampoo and conditioner.
I also want to make cloth bags to take to the bulk food store so I don't have to use the plastic ones as much.
"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world."
http://quaintandkeepinghouse.blogspot.com New Homekeeping Blog!
http://theprimroseway.blogspot.com/ |
| crafter |
Posted - Jan 15 2009 : 08:16:11 AM
I am going to expand my garden, hang clothes out more often, and try to remember to take my canvas bags with me all the time.
Lori
Have a Country Day |
| homesteaderbelle |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 11:24:44 PM
I started making my own underwear this year out of old T-shirts that I saved from being thrown away and I am going to try to never buy another pair of store-bought underwear again. This recycles old T-shirts, saves on the amount of T-shirts going to the dump, and I won't have all that packaging that comes with the underwear from the store to throw away.
I am also working on my compost pile. I put a tub with a lid under my sink and now I save all of the kitchen scraps for the chickens or the compost pile.
Belle
http://www.homesteaderbelle.blogspot.com/
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| harmonyfarm |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 12:18:38 PM
We have been "green" since before "being green" was popular. If everyone had made such conscious decisions as far back as the 70's, during the old "oil embargo" days, we wouldn't even be having these discussions about "being green"...we'd all be a very very deep shade of green by now!
Debbie
"If you can't find the time to do it right...how will you find the time to do it over" |
| Julia |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 12:09:16 PM
Buying more organic, eating more simply,less food waste, using shopping bags more often, though I do recycle my plastic grocery bags, and less harmful cleaners.
For tomorrow and its needs I do not pray, but keep me, guide me, love me, Lord just for today.
St. Augustine |
| electricdunce |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 11:01:06 AM
I'm trying to remember all my cloth bags every time I shop, and I have made some scrubbing cloths out of old towels. I like to plant a few new trees every year too. Haven't quite done away with paper towels, but I am working on it. I've always used cloth napkins. And I have switched to green cleaners, and they work fine. I want to plant some more vegetables in my garden plots this year too, and hit the organic farmer's market once a week when their season begins.
Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 08:37:36 AM
Reusable shopping bats - two in each car:)
Switching to cloth napkins
All green cleaners - I will eventually make my own but for now am buying from a local business that makes them
Gardening with heirlooms
Compost
reusing as much construction material as possible as we build our chicken area
We already purchased our meat for the year from a local/grass-fed farmer
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 07:45:33 AM
Using my canvas shoppers at the grocery ALWAYS
ordered my garden seeds and potatoes from Seed Savers and Bakers Creek for the new gardening season
ordered apple and cherry trees
getting another rain barrell hooked up to the house to water the garden (we currenlty have 2).
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| JenniferJuniper |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 06:29:19 AM
AnneMarie, I have seen those commericals (hubby gets hockey day in Canada satellite feed) and what a cool idea.
We are finally out of rental houses and now own our house and so I can plant my long-desired vegetable garden. I will plant enough to can for next fall. I am using as many heirloom seeds as I can find.
I will plant a few small trees which will arrive in spring from the arbor day foundation.
We will put up a permament clothesline when the weather turns warm.
I may be veering into TMI territory, but got an IUD so will not be using the 30+ tampons a month anymore.
We also keep the heat turned down a couple degrees, and only turn on the heat in the areas of the house we are in (i.e., no heat upstairs when we are downstairs).
I tried those CFL lights but they exacerbated my migraines, so use them only in the garage.
Farmgirl Sister #204 |
| farmmom22 |
Posted - Jan 13 2009 : 9:05:39 PM
I hope to do alot of green things this year. I plan on having a big garden this year and not letting any go to waste. Staying on top of all the grapes and apples as well! Buying a filter for my water faucet so I won't have to buy bottles anymore.(Already bought some reusable water bottles), Making my own laundry detergent and cleaners if I can ever get all the stuff together, getting chickens and feeder pigs to have fresh eggs and homegrown meat, and turning the water faucet off when I brush my teeth. But for some reason that seems to be the hardest thing to do! I guess I'm crazy
Best farm wishes |
| kissmekate |
Posted - Jan 13 2009 : 8:53:14 PM
I am going to be more conscious of using my totes. I forget them half the time.
I am also trying to make more of an effort to buy things second hand first.
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Jan 13 2009 : 5:46:40 PM
Bringing my totes to the store and I am getting vegetable/fruit re-usuable bags.
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
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