I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned before in my blog that I’m a big supporter of environmental causes. I believe the climate crisis is real and I believe that all of us can help solve this problem, starting in our own homes.
Here are some of the simple things my family does to reduce our carbon footprint:
- We’ve replaced most (if not all) of our bulbs with compact flourescent bulbs.
- We make sure the dishwasher is full before running it.
- We use cloth bags when buying groceries. We do use plastic bags from the store to line our trash cans – so we made a compromise that we’ll only use “plastic” when our plastic bag supply is running low.
- When we go out, we bring our Klean Canteen – a reusable, eco-friendly, stainless steel hydration bottle – instead of buying plastic bottled water.
- We recycle big time. I even get mad at the garbage man when he dumps the recyclables together with the trash!
- I receive e-bills (where applicable) and pay all my bills online to help reduce paper consumption.
- We make sure all unused electronics are unplugged – because even when they are turned off, they still use energy. And we turn off the lights when no one is in the room.
- We always turn off computer monitors when we’re not using our computers.
- We usually just open our windows in the summer instead of using the AC (unless it’s unbearably hot).
- We refrain from idling the car (except when in traffic) – the rule is if you must wait more than 30 seconds, shut off your engine.
- We do keep our tires adequately inflated.
As an add-on, Troy used to carpool with a co-worker – hopefully he’ll have someone to carpool with again. And we’re planning on buying a hybrid car – helps the environment and we get a tax break.
We’ve also joined the Stop Global Warming Virtual March and signed the Petition to Repower America. I encourage you to sign up as well to show your support for a really good cause. You can also get more information about the climate crisis on these two great sites.
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Please leave a comment to share your efforts in reducing your own carbon footprint. Let us help heal the earth and make sure that our children and children’s children have a healthy world to live in.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Great post! My list is actually from a post I wrote on my blog last year, with a few more things added on. We…
1. Use a programmable thermostat to automatically turn down the heat at night.
2. Compost.
3. Get/Pay all my bills electronically.
4. Don’t smoking.
5. Use wind-up flashlights.
6. Use rechargeable batteries for digital camera.
7. Use cold water for laundry.
8. Don’t use dryer sheets.
9. Enforce a shoes-off-at-the-door policy.
10. Recycle everything that can be recycled.
11. Use reusable bags instead of plastic grocery bags.
12. Use towels at least 5 times before changing them.
13. Growing indoor plants.
14. Use natural dishwashing liquid. (Method products are my favourite.)
15. Use Norwex cleaning cloths and water for everyday cleaning (diluted dishwashing liquid for heavier dirt).
16. Properly dispose of my used batteries at a local hazard waste depot.
17. “If it’s yellow, let it mellow…”
18. Pick up litter when I spot it.
19. Continue to reuse our ugly fake Christmas Tree and reuse our favourite ornaments, instead of buying new Christmas decorations.
20. Have occasional “inside days” when we don’t go out and spend money.
21. Drive a fuel efficient vehicle.
22. Own one vehicle for family use.
23. Live centrally where every convenience is in walking distance.
24. Xeriscaped the front yard. (No lawn!)
25. Don’t let the car run idle.
26. We turn off lights and computer monitors when not in use.
27. Use reusable water bottles.
Again, great post. I was feeling like I wasn’t doing much, but when I looked at this list, I started feeling better about myself. Thanks!