4.22.2009

The Post About Tree Huggin' and Kissin'

Today is Earth Day. I know that means different things to different folks. We could probably even start a nice and juicy political discussion, but let’s not and say we did.

I’d like to focus only on the issues of simplicity and stewardship. I’m not someone you would call simple. Maybe simple-minded at times, but I’m all about the more the merrier in my life. More shoes, more caffeine, more Tivo, more miles on the car. But the newsflash is none of my worth comes from any of those things. Perhaps if I could embrace that, I would live a simpler life. Secondly, I believe any stuff I do have is actually on loan from God so I need to value it like I value Him.

Here are my quick tips on how we all can lead simpler and stewardishy lives:
a. Avoid buying bottled water. Get a nice shiny reusable aluminum bottle and fill it to your heart’s content.
b. Wash towels only after using them more than once. Be discerning about your dirtiness.
c. Use the library for books, CDs, and movies. (I just cancelled Netflix and my book club membership.)
d. Get off junk mail lists.
Greendimes will help make that happen.
e. Don't pre-rinse dishes. Tests show pre-rinsing doesn't improve dishwasher cleaning, and you'll save as much as 20 gallons of water per load.

Do you have tips of your own? Do you?
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GIVEAWAY UPDATE: I promised a little prize today and Kristi is the winner! She wins her own special bag of fair trade Ugly Mug Coffee! I personally picked out Good Vibes because being greener definitely gives you those. {cheese}

9 comments:

  1. Lots of good ideas!

    My tip is also a big money-saver as well as earth saver. I almost never buy coffee from Starbucks etc. I fill up a flask of coffee at home and bring it with me. In the last year I’ve probably saved buying two cups of coffee every week, which would add up to about £250 and over a hundred disposable cups.

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  2. Uhm, I don't really know if this counts, but drink less cokes and other prepackaged sodas and things in favor of drink mixes, water, teas and the like. You'll be using less plastic.

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  3. I'm going to see the Disney Movie "Earth" this weekend, because if you buy a ticket during opening week (it opened today) Disney will plant a tree! :) I reuse glasses so I don't have to wash dishes as often. That's probably more laziness than greeniness.

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  4. Start using those fun, curly florescent light bulbs. And don't feel the need to leave every light on in the house when you're not actually using them. If you leave - turn it off.


    Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

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  5. I just saw this morning that we use 1 trillion plastic bags every year. that's disgusting. so taking bags to the market or buying canvas is the way to go

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  6. recycle,recycle,recycle

    Use a brita water filter and a re-usable water bottle
    If you do pre wash dishes due to a cheap dish water fill a big bowl of water instead of running water.
    Re use your Wal Mart bags they make good liners for small trash cans
    Run fans to help cool your house.
    Get motion detectors for your outside lights. They are cheap and easy to install.
    Brush teeth while in the shower, it will save time, money and help keep your sink clean
    Amen on the towels. I think you should be able to get at least 2 or 3 days use if you hang them up. After all you should be clean when you get out of the shower right.
    And for you married folks shower together it will save time, money, the environent and could even enhance your
    marriage. I know TMI but to borrow Margo's line " I'm just saying" Good post Jamie

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  7. If its Yellow, let it mellow...
    If its Brown, flush it down!

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  8. If it's brown leave it for your wife to discover. But that doesn't rhyme with down does it.

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  9. Jamie - you spelled my name wrong. It's CHRISTIE - not Kristi!

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Don't be afraid if I chase your rabbit comment...

 
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