Things you can do to live green

[TheBryTree]

I thought it would be fun to make a thread with all the different ideas everyone has for being green... for those of us who just love to talk about living green, and for those of us looking for new ways to live green.

I'll start with a few things:

Using cloth napkins instead of paper napkins/towels
Using vinegar, baking soda, and lemon to clean rather than so called green chemical cleaners
Using a water filter instead of buying bottled water
Using cold water instead of hot whenever possible such as for doing laundry

[Becca]

I recycle.

I re-use water bottles. I guess that's kind of recycling though isn't it?

I use my own grocery bags (when I remember them)

Ummmmmmm....I thought there was more But I can't think of them right now.

[wcchick712]

I believe that using wood chip cat litter is more green than the clay version, and I've been looking for a new brand.

[TheBryTree]

Originally Posted by wcchick712 I believe that using wood chip cat litter is more green than the clay version, and I've been looking for a new brand.

ooh! that is a good one! I've been meaning to look into different cat litter myself! I can't stand how dusty main stream litter is and how it smells... so added bonus to wood chip litter being green

Becca - I have a reusable water bottle some cheap thing from target I love it... I always make sure to fill it when I leave the house and stick it in my diaper bag

[doublewinks]

*use a glass water bottle (since re-using plastic ones aren't healthy)
*open all shades to let the natural light in as long as possible instead of using lights
*use the energy efficient lights
*unplug electrical items when you arent using them
*lower thermostat on hot water heater
*dont stomp on the gas pedal
*use recycled paper
*start a compost not only in your kitchen but your yard too!
*use glass containers in kitchen such as pyrex or correll instead of plastic containers
*Line dry clothes as often as you can
*invest in an energy efficient washing machine/ dryer/ dishwasher (I love the Eco-washing buttons!)
*online bill paying
*use canvas bags when shopping
*star a veggie garden!

thats all I can think of at the moment!

[~Christina~]

reusable shopping bags save so much garbage and plastic....also reusing one water bottle..which i'm trying really hard to get into the habit of...
we also walk to appointments that are nearby like dentists and doc. appointments...

[rcwant2be]

Originally Posted by Becca I recycle. I re-use water bottles. I guess that's kind of recycling though isn't it? I use my own grocery bags (when I remember them) Ummmmmmm....I thought there was more But I can't think of them right now.

reusing water bottles (pop bottle type bottles) can be bad. the plastic breaks down over time & gets tiny scratches in it that can harbor bacteria.

[HeatherBear]

i really love this thread! I'm going to do a lot more of these

[Roboto]

Originally Posted by rcwant2be reusing water bottles (pop bottle type bottles) can be bad. the plastic breaks down over time & gets tiny scratches in it that can harbor bacteria.

I've stopped using bottled water. I have a filter and a Nalgene bottle that work great!

I also use cheap washcloths instead of paper towels for cleaning. I've saved a TON of paper towels since I started doing that.

[TheBryTree]

Originally Posted by doublewinks *use a glass water bottle (since re-using plastic ones aren't healthy) *open all shades to let the natural light in as long as possible instead of using lights *use the energy efficient lights *unplug electrical items when you arent using them *lower thermostat on hot water heater *dont stomp on the gas pedal *use recycled paper *start a compost not only in your kitchen but your yard too! *use glass containers in kitchen such as pyrex or correll instead of plastic containers *Line dry clothes as often as you can *invest in an energy efficient washing machine/ dryer/ dishwasher (I love the Eco-washing buttons!) *online bill paying *use canvas bags when shopping *start a veggie garden! thats all I can think of at the moment!

The bolded are my favorites on your list

Going green with a baby, I cloth diaper and try to buy things that can be used a long time... such as a converter crib that goes from crib to full size bed and a high chair that isn't a full chair.. it straps to a regular chair and can be turned into a booster seat.

I also rewear clothes multiple times, rather than washing after only one wear. Clothes are rarely dirty or smelly or anything so why wash them right away? I do the same with Molly's clothes currently while she is still young enough where she doesn't spit up or drool or leak through diapers.