Eating vegan/organic and local foods and dumpsterdiving for Foods. Not buying clothes, shoes, accesories, etc . Using my bike, walking and taking public transportation 95% of the time instead of driving a car. The extra 5% I carpool with friends and family. No drinking bottled water. Using recicled and used stuff instead of buying new. Not using AC at home, watching 0 TV. I have been shopping for food and medicines mainly and want to reduce every day the number of things I buy that aren’t food or medicines; right now the number of things I buy dayly is almost cero so I am almost there!
This post was submitted by Gerardo Tristan.
I enjoy getting myself around by my own “people power”; by foot and by bicycle!
Although winters in Western New York can be harsh, I heard that people in cold weather areas are happier if they spend time outdoors in the winter and allow their bodies to acclimate to the cold.
My tip is to get outside, even when it seems “too cold” or “too snowy”. Walk, bicycle, and run in the cold. You’ll thank yourself for it!
This post was submitted by Rebekah in Buffalo, NY.
Also here in Italy we’re working on reducing our impact, some useful tips I follow:
In winter*turn on the heating only in the evening, two three hours a day,(but where I live it’s not very cold), turn off the light when watching TV,
use the washing machine just after seven in the evening or during the week ends(in Italy saves) at low temperatures, on Saturday and Sunday I get around by bike, I bought an ecologic car, Use cooking water of pasta and rice to wash dishes and cutlery, starch is an excellent degreaser, use the vinegar as anti limestone and water and baking soda to clean stainless steel and ceramics, is also sanitizing. Since last year do the shopping through a group of collective purchase directly from producers of the area, a sort of short chain from the producers of organic meat, organic vegetables, and organic soaps to buyers, it’s less expensive and more safe!
I use cotton bags to do my shoppings. I try to do my rubbish collection for recycling….Little things to stay better!
This post was submitted by monica.
One of the hardest things for me to give up in my eco-concious lifestyle is long hot baths. So I’ve found a way to justify my luxury.
In the winter time, when I indulge in a bath I leave the hot water in the tub when I’m finished. The heat from the water dissipates into the house and it also helps to humidify that super dry winter air. I also use some of the “grey water” for cleaning and for watering house plants once it cools.
The way I figure it, for the same amount of hot water, I can indulge in an hour long bath instead of a 10 minute shower. And I’m not just letting all of that heat go down the drain. It’s even better if you turn off all of the lights and bathe by candle light. That’s an hour spent in complete self-indulgence with no TV, computer, stereo or lights burning electricity!
This post was submitted by Rebecca Miklich.
i often carry my salad for lunch in mason jars.
its glass, resuable and versitle.
i also bought BPA free container for lunches that are a bit more messy.
but mason jars are a great alternative.
sure i’m a bit more careful with my bag now, but at least im not polluting more by using plastic wraps or buyign lunch in extra packaging.
This post was submitted by mabel.
I have parked my car and se an electric bike, public transit or my thumb to get around.
This post was submitted by mynalee johnstone.
Stop buying magazines, newspapers, books, dvd’s and cd’s - use your local library instead. Your library already purchases many of these items with your tax - make good use of it. Recycling a purchased book these can be checked out make one book get a thousand uses. Libraries also house free programs, reference services and many other services. Make good use of this resource and be part of your community through your library.
This post was submitted by Betsy.
By getting rid of the second car and commuting to work (10 miles each way) by either bike for at least 9 months of the year, or a combination of bike and train when the Scottish winter kicks in.
This post was submitted by Iain Gray.
I keep my thermostat below 60deg in the winter and wear sweaters
I removed my lawn and planted a garden
I use my computer for all my needs, eliminating material items like TV, CD player, etc
I print pdf documents and email them instead of printing
I eat vegetarian (no that doesn’t mean I eat vegetarians)
I bring used plastic containers and bags and use them when I buy bulk items at the store
I ride my bike everywhere
I built a cargo trailer and use it to carry large items like lumber, furniture, etc.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/sets/72157594287363109/
This post was submitted by Aaron.
Recently became an independent distributor with a company called wowgreen which just launched their products March 2009. All their cleaning products for residential and commercial use are 100% non-toxic. Thru this company I’m able to educate people on how chemicals they use to clean their homes & businesses are not safe for their family, workers, pets and the environment.
“Freeing the world of toxic chemicals - one household at time!”
www.GreenYourFamilyLLC.com
This post was submitted by Donna Dannunzio.