My partner and I ride our bikes to work or walk, and never use our car for trips less than 5 miles. We purchased a second hand child carrier to attach to the bikes for grocery shopping. We use a reusable bag or an old large Rubbermaid container for our groceries so as not to accumulate plastic bags. We have eliminated paper towels and napkins and tissues, use stainless steel water bottles and reusable sandwich covers for taking lunches to work and school. We are a vegetarian family who has NEVER purchased bottled water, wear our clothes at least twice (if not 3 x) before laundering with phosphate free soap. We use baking soda for teeth brushing and cleaning toilets and scrubbing sinks. We patronize our local farmer’s markets when in season.
We both work for the village at our local library. I am a children’s librarian and my partner the head of the IT department. He has reduced the library’s use of electricity and uses second hand equipment instead of purchasing new. I try to educate families on the importance of respecting our planet and through storytimes and family programming try to educate families about our impact on the earth and how to conserve her precious resources.
I have made a commitment to purchase nothing new this year and am utilizing our local thrift shops when necessary. As a family we are constantly trying to find new ways to lessen our impact. Thank you for your dedication to this cause. People are paying attention.
This post was submitted by Danusia Hnatkiewicz Norris.
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