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Across the Fence:  What is your act of green for 2009?  |
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knittingmom
True Blue Farmgirl
665 Posts
AnneMarie
Edmonton
Alberta
Canada
665 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 13 2009 : 1:52:53 PM
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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" |
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Miss Bee Haven
True Blue Farmgirl
4331 Posts
Janice
Louisville/Irvington
Kentucky
USA
4331 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2009 : 2:00:17 PM
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I've stopped bringing bottled water to work and I refill a bottle from the drinking fountain(boy, does that water taste bad!)
My dh and I are going to install bamboo flooring in our old farmhouse kitchen(it's stacked in his parents garage). And I'm shopping for cork flooring for another room.
Farmgirl Sister #50
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?"
'Br.Dave Gardner' |
Edited by - Miss Bee Haven on Jan 13 2009 2:01:00 PM |
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Bellepepper
True Blue Farmgirl
1207 Posts
Belle
Coffeyville
KS
USA
1207 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2009 : 2:09:05 PM
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Will have to think about that one. Something I have already started is not buying bottled water. Filling my water bottle with filtered water from home.
My son and I are going to raise an acre or so of open pollinated corn. We will eat, freeze and can all we want then he will chop the stocks and leftovers up for cow feed. Open pollinated for the bees. MJ mag suggested that the loss of bee population may be caused by gen. altered corn. |
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homemom
True Blue Farmgirl
1593 Posts
Ruth
Warwick
RI
USA
1593 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2009 : 3:30:19 PM
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I have purchased stainless steel water bottles and no more reuseables for us. We have started using cloth napkins at dinner time each evening. I have also cut up my hubby's old t-shirts to use as rags for cleaning instead of paper towels.
Once all of my store bought cleaners run out I will either make my own or purchase environmentally safe products.
Ruth
Living the farm life in my heart.
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Ruth
http://farmgirlinmyheart.blogspot.com/ |
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
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Huckelberrywine
True Blue Farmgirl
1607 Posts
Michelle
Rosalia
1607 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2009 : 3:44:05 PM
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I'm going to try making micro-loans instead of giving presents this year. I think the family will understand, we certainly don't need anything. Have you heard of these? There was a website somewhere...I'll have to find it. Pretty cool stuff.
We make a difference. http://huckleberrywine.blogspot.com |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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lacisne88
True Blue Farmgirl
1181 Posts
Chelsey
Lake Stevens
Washington
USA
1181 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2009 : 5:36:21 PM
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I am switching from throwaway tampons to reusable cloth menstrual pads. This will cut down on a lot of unnecessary waste. I also want to try to stop using paper towels and use cloth instead, but I'm not in charge of that, my dad is. I just won't use them. :)
Chelsey
Farmgirl Sister #283
http://farmgirlpleasures.blogspot.com/
http://aminiatureworld.blogspot.com/ |
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misspittypat
True Blue Farmgirl
102 Posts
lila
osceola
mo
USA
102 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2009 : 5:44:48 PM
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Hey--
I lived on a farm for several years but ended up back in town (LONG STORY) last year I was able to have a garden again! Started a compost pile this past fall -- actually remembering to use it. Of course have a garden again this year.
Some of my neighbors want to start a community garden; fruit trees etc. So I am going to help with that.
Start using fabric napkins and hang out my clothes on the line more.
Peace,
Lila |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2009 : 5:46:40 PM
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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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kissmekate
True Blue Farmgirl
890 Posts
Kate
Delano
Minnesota
890 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2009 : 8:53:14 PM
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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 |
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farmmom22
True Blue Farmgirl
616 Posts
Tammy
Scottsville
KY
USA
616 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2009 : 9:05:39 PM
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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 |
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JenniferJuniper
True Blue Farmgirl
359 Posts
Jennifer
New Hampshire
USA
359 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 06:29:19 AM
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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 |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 07:45:33 AM
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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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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 08:37:36 AM
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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" |
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 11:01:06 AM
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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 |
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 12:09:16 PM
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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 |
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harmonyfarm
True Blue Farmgirl
785 Posts
Debbie
Southeastern
Ohio
USA
785 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 12:18:38 PM
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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" |
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homesteaderbelle
True Blue Farmgirl
391 Posts
Belle
USA
391 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 11:24:44 PM
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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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crafter
True Blue Farmgirl
2313 Posts
lori
Fort Atkinson
Wisconsin
USA
2313 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2009 : 08:16:11 AM
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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 |
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sweetproserpina
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
meg
Vinemount
Ontario
Canada
535 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2009 : 09:11:55 AM
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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/ |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2009 : 3:21:01 PM
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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 |
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Jan 17 2009 : 07:47:04 AM
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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!! |
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kpaints
True Blue Farmgirl
1564 Posts
karen
cheney
wa
1564 Posts |
Posted - Jan 18 2009 : 09:01:07 AM
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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 |
Edited by - kpaints on Jan 18 2009 09:02:05 AM |
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nashbabe
True Blue Farmgirl
687 Posts
687 Posts |
Posted - Jan 19 2009 : 06:14:24 AM
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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 |
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lacisne88
True Blue Farmgirl
1181 Posts
Chelsey
Lake Stevens
Washington
USA
1181 Posts |
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Across the Fence: What is your act of green for 2009? |
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What is your act of green for 2009?
