Environmental

This is one of the most beautiful sights my eyes are blessed to see...therefore doing what we can to honor her I believe is our responsibility.

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When it comes to being environmental it's simple...think "less".
And No I don't mean to "think" less...I mean to think of the "word" less.

By less I mean to (buy, use and throw away) less. Yes I know everyday we're bombarded by advertising telling us that if we want to be (happier, healthier, popular, etc.) that we "neeeeeeeed" something to make that true...but the truth is that's Bullshit!
Before you buy something "think" about it, ask yourself...

Is it something that I will use
When no longer usable, what happens to it
Am I buying it out of need, or simply want
Is the product causing harm to the environment
How long or often will I use it

We've been brainwashed (and yes that's exactly what it is) into thinking it's ok to constantly "buy" shit, to make what happens to it "someone elses" issue, "believing" that there are no consequences, and that it's an "all or nothing" deal. Truth is...

We buy simply because someone told us to, not out of need
What happens to the stuff we buy is everyones responsibilty
There are consequences to actions
And no one is a perfect environmentalist

Sooooo...Think, Be Responsible, and Do Something


Now the suggestions I have aren't "perfect" but like I said there is no such thing, nor will they be ones that everyone will do. But again it's not an all or nothing deal...doing 1 thing is better than nothing and can lead you into doing more.

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These are some (and lol yea it's just some of) my canvas bags which are always with me and always used.

I also use vegetable bags, and cold storage bags.
LOL and I also carry (and use) wipes and lysol. Trust me you'd be surprised what virus's are on shopping carts (google it sometime).

I also periodically wash and air dry my bags.

*TIP*

If you're one who "forgets" to use them buy 10 of them (most stores sell them for a buck), and keep 5 in the car (4 inside 1) and keep the other 5 on by the front door. That way you'll have them in the car when you go shopping, and you'll remember to take them back out to the car after you've used them. Another good tip, try to buy ones that have cardboard bottom inserts (or make them yourself) because those are easier to pack and add strength to the bag when full.

If you use plastic bags always recycle them (return to the store, recycle bin, etc.)

Unfortunately most of the food we buy is contaminated with shit, so if possible either buy organic (yea I know abit more expensive) or grow your own.


These are my upside down plants on the right and lettuce container one on the left. I reused 2 liter bottles for the upside down ones. Now it says something when even I give growing my own food a shot seeing as plants cringe when I walk by them.

*Update*
Here are the before and current photos of my Lettuce plant.

(Yes I'm so lame as to be completely excited by seeing sprouts)


(Seriously I actually grew food)


Peppers

Bell Peppers

I'm not saying that I've become Farmer Pam by any means...what I am saying tho is that we've lost (allowed to be taken) the right and benefit of knowing Mother Earth by growing our own food. We need to change that...one small step at a time.

*TIP*

Use food saver bags, bowls, etc. They actually do extend the shelve life, and reduces the amount of food thrown away.

I have plastic sandwich bags (the ones I use biodegrade in 12-24 months and are made of recycled materials) which I wash and reuse (they're over 2 yrs old). The same goes for the aluminum foil, the green bags, etc. 

(update...these have All now been replaced with Reusable Bags)

I try to buy in the largest container possible and then use reusable (BPA Free) bottles.


I buy bird food in bulk and use fallen pine cones as feeders for them


To say I'm a "regular" at the library would be an understatement, as I've always had (and use on a consistent basis) a library card (normally 1 for each nearby county). If I can't find it there or want a personal copy I will purchase one (used most often), and any that I can't donate to the library I recycle (take off the cover and recycle the pages).


One of the arguments to lowering the thermostats (water and heater) is that it's not (warm/cool or hot) enough. That's a simple remedy...turn it up when you need it, and then back down when you don't. During the winter I normally use space heaters that have energy saving settings and use (socks, sweats, and blankets) most of the time. During the summer months (it stays in triple digits here) I use fans in each room. I also adjust the blinds depending on the season...closed during the summer, open during the winter.

Phantom Energy is something that I'm very conscious of. I use power strips for everything, and whatever I'm not using I unplug. Trust me you'd be surprised the amount of phantom energy that exists.


CFL's are a topic that has both a good and a bad side, but for me using them means that I buy far less (therefore throw out) far fewer. I used to blow out at least 3 light bulbs a week (lol there's something about my energy they dislike), but the CFL's last me at least a year if not more. You do need to be very conscious of the fact they contain mercury in them and handle (and dispose) of them properly.


I limit setting out my trash to 1-2 times a month ( I have the smallest trash can available), and try to recycle at the very least 75% of what comes into the house (I have 2 large recycle bins, and 2 large green bins).

Litter is something that most will notice but, do nothing about...again it's the whole "it's not MY responsibility". The truth is however that it's Everyone's responsibility because as it's said..."We are borrowing from our children and grandchildren". If we take pride in picking up trash, then they will also. Now obviously because of germs, doing so bare handed isn't smart...so always carry wipes and hand sanitizer with you. Doing so is also extremely important to do so when you're shopping. Trust me you'd be amazed by what is on a shopping cart.

*Tip*
Something most don't think of is that those cigarette butts thrown out are not biodegradable, so always make sure to completely extinguish and throw in the trash. 

Saving water is easy to do, the trick is to actually "do" it. Running water is a comforting sound but when it's running down the drain...not so much. Turning off the faucet while brushing teeth, taking shorter showers, fixing leaky faucets and off setting the water in the toilet tank are just a few of the ways to save. Watering your lawn in the early morning or late evening prevents evaporation. Watering deep and less often allows the roots to grow stronger and creates a healthier lawn. Catching run off water from a rain provides perfectly good water for your dry spots on your lawn, garden flowers, etc. While you shouldn't use run off water for your vegetables etc. you can use the water that is normally wasted waiting for the shower to warm up. Keep a large pot or container in the shower to catch the clean water and simply take it out before stepping in. Water you've used to cook vegetables in or pasta water is also water you can use for your plants. 

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