I’ve always reused my shower water in order to flush the toilet. I have a shower/bath combo, so I simply plug the drain when I get in the shower and keep the water in there after I’m done. Throughout the day, whenever the toilet needs a flush (I still try to conserve my flushes), dip a large bucket in the bathtub and pour it in the toilet. Voila! Other uses for the leftover bath water include: rinsing my running clothes out in between washes.
This post was submitted by Holly.
Have just had the 3 month followup of a home energy audit which was $300 very well spent. Show Me Home Energy Solutions, owner Dave Rabeneau, did a very thorough review of our old home and showed us the most important ways to make changes to reduce our energy expenses. We carried out some of those and he comes back free to show you the change in air leak measures, etc.
Also, am driving a 2003 Honda Insight with 55.9 MPG, but declaring NoCarDays in which I leave the car and walk to the Metro. Wish I could say every day is a no car day, but so far there seem to be so many reasons to drive (have to take a load somewhere, have to pick someone up, can’t walk that far, train doesn’t go there, etc.). I know part of this is going to take breaking the habits I’ve formed.
Thank you for supporting what I know in my heart is right.
Claire Anderson
This post was submitted by Claire Anderson.
With a changing climate, water is becoming more and more of an issue. Our modern water systems also require vast amounts of energy to pump, process, distribute water and waste water, as well as heating water. We have created a new website that shows simple ways to markedly reduce your water usage. My household went from using a typical 2,000 gallons a month down to ten or so gallons a day! Please go to www.tengallonsaday.org and begin to reduce your IMPACT! Share with others, too. Simple, nearly free ways to help our planet!
This post was submitted by Louise Pape.
Nine months ago, I went vegan for the environment. I never thought I could do it, but anyone can! The production of meat and other animal products is one of the biggest causes of global warming. I eat locally grown vegetables from my town’s farmers market. It sounds extreme. And being vegan isn’t realistic or even healthy for everyone, but I urge you to try it out for a meal or two. You will not be disappointed! Vegan food is typically healthy, and great for the environment ( just stay away from the processed stuff!)
1) Eat less meat, dairy, and eggs.
2) Buy locally grown fruit and vegetables.
3) Check the labels the next time you go shopping. Look for clothes made of organic cotton. Or better yet, buy vintage!
It may sound complicated and overwhelming, so take it one meal at a time. But trust me, you can do it! Google vegan recipes. I think you’ll be surprised at how delicious some look!
This post was submitted by Lucy.
I had no kids.
This post was submitted by Trouble.
The TLC program taught me how to ease into a more earth friendly and nutritious lifestyle. This gentle approach to adding more fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds to our family’s life has change the way I see nature. I can now eat 75% from my back yard and hope to bee 100% in a few months. The extra energy from this lifestyle has allowed me to focus on growing “vegiceuticals and fruitceuticals” and my body is so clean and healthy now.
This post was submitted by Allan Oswald.
As a proponent of better building, Listed Green incorporates an overall goal of educating the public about green, energy efficient homes, in an online platform which elevates awareness, stimulates sustainable building methods and changes lifestyles.
Lowering Impact On A Global Scale.
This post was submitted by Listed Green.
Over 60 people attended a family reunion in a nice church basement, One meal was totally organic/and or locally grown food.
My mother and daughter baked all the bread and made coleslaw. The meal: organic turkey, hummus, peanut butter and cheese, vegetables, condiments, coffee and tea. Brownies and zucchini bread were baked in a solar oven.
We used tablecloths, real dishes, the dishwasher and composted food waste.
The biggest use of carbon was “love miles” ~ traveling for 60 people scattered across the nation [and world].
We catered two modest, eco-friendly meals.
At the end of a three-day event we had garbage the size of a small bathroom trashcan.
Many said the organic/locally grown meal was best.
Everyone could see everyone else; yet break into smaller groups. Displays included photographs and documents of ancestors, and posters with eco-friendly tips.
Some said it was the best family reunion yet.
This post was submitted by Pro_Cricket.
I do not use my oven from June 1 to September 1. Why make the apartment hotter? Why waste the money to heat a box when using a coil on top of the stove will do just as well?
So I have learned how to make cake on a stove top burner using a skillet with high sides and a cover. It takes no more effort on my part, althoug a bit more time to cook. But that’s time when I can do other things (the rest of the meal), or maybe even relaxing things, like reading a magazine.
It doesn’t conform in shape to what our eyes think of as “cake” but it tastes just as good.
This post was submitted by Catherine.
My city lot is .15 acres. I have killed the grass by laying down newspaper covered with “flakes” of straw. (not hay) If you buy a bale of stray and cut the bindings, saving the string to tie up your tomatos, the bale kind of divides into 5 inch hunks, which are flakes.
Most of my flowers and all of my tree and shrubs are native to this area. This feeds and provides nesting space for birds and insects who protect my vegetables from harmful insects. I do have non-natives, but am careful to avoid invasive species. A hive of bees is on my to-do list. No hens, I’m sorry to say, but a friend has free-range organic eggs for me.
Half of my lot is devoted to vegetables. I have a dwarf apple tree, a peach tree, raspberries, strawberries and tons of blueberries. (I live in Maine) I don’t even have to take the bus to the farmer’s market. I can my surplus and have a small, energy efficient freezer in the garage to store locally produced foods, which I buy in bulk in season. By spring, the freezer is empty so I unplug during the hot months. It doesn’t run at all in the winter and I figure that the electricity it does use has less impact than, say, flying produce in from South America.
This post was submitted by Patricia McClure.