Becoming "Green" Part 1

[Kenre]

I have found many people say that they cannot become green because it is hard or expensive. I am here to help these people who want to become green, save money, and live happier and healthier lives through it. It's not hard. It's one step a week. I am going to put a new step (with three things you can do to be Green) every week for everyone to start to follow. If you'd like to follow me in this mission, then here we go.

Onward to becoming "Green": the cheap and easy way.

Part One

1. Shoes off before entering the house or apartment. Removing your shoes when you enter your place of living doesn't only keep the carpets cleaner (saving on the amount of vacuuming a week) but it also keeps contaminants that are found in dirt, such as pesticides, entering your house. Ask your guests to please remove their shoes as well.

2. Free Newspapers and Junk Mail should be turned off. Leaving a note for the mail man/woman can stop this from happening. Any junk mail should be turned off. If you have to call, or write the newspaper or junk mail company. This cuts down on paper being thrown away. If you still recieve these services even after trying to shut them off, or leaving a note for your mail service to not give them, remember to recycle (find a local recycling plant for paper, and save it for a once a month drop off. Saves gas to only go once a month.)

3. Buy some of those energy saving light bulbs. Replace your burned out bulbs with these new energy saving bulbs and watch not only your electric bill go down, but the planet bloom with thanks. These bulbs last six times longer and save you up to 60$ on your energy bill for the life of the bulb. (Don't forget to turn off lights you're not using.)

This is your mission this week. Next week we will have more saving tips, green tips, and living in a better environment. As things progress it can become more difficult. Just stay at a pace that works for you, and remember that Rome wasn't built in a day. Going green isn't hard, but it can be hard to break habits.

Cleaning tip for the week:

-White Vinegar is a natural cleaner. When you have overly greasy dishes, just add a little vinegar (and some lemon juice for freshness) to your dishwasher or dish water. Your dishes will be sparkling clean.

[mamamissy316]

Apr. 15, 2009 at 12:05 AM

Check, check, and check.  I love that you are doing this.  I look forward to next weeks tips!

[tammyhoward2007]

Apr. 15, 2009 at 12:07 AM I also learned how to make my own laundry soap so that I am not buying laundry soap every 2 weeks. THis way a bucket of soap last me about a month now.

[GreenB]

Apr. 15, 2009 at 12:10 AM

I love that you are doing this,too....some people just get overwhelmed by everything they hear,so I think it's great that you are keeping this simple and putting it in a way so it makes sense to do it...people like quick fixes and all the little fixes add up to a happy planet

[tammyhoward2007]

Apr. 15, 2009 at 12:14 AM

Hahaha! Well, don't get ahead of me! LOL! I'm trying to take people slowly through going green. I will definately get to laundry soap and such. I have many good books on this subject. I'm going through them and finding the easy things first, and then gradually it's going to get into making more things and getting a bit tougher. I found that if you push or go too fast, the people break and stop working on it.

 

Apr. 14, 2009 at 11:07 PM

I also learned how to make my own laundry soap so that I am not buying laundry soap every 2 weeks. THis way a bucket of soap last me about a month now.

(Original Poster)

[dragonfly_cp]

Apr. 15, 2009 at 12:51 AM

Awesome...can't wait for the next tips!

[txmamaof3]

Apr. 15, 2009 at 11:31 AM

we switched to the hallogen lights that last 5 yrs and i leave all the lights off during the day and just open the blinds for light, which i've been doing since we moved in this apt 3 yrs ago... i think i may try that vinegar thing and save some more money =) cant wait for your next post...

[dpaez21]

Apr. 15, 2009 at 4:19 PM

Thank you ! I am going to buy those light bulbs the next time I go to the store. I can't wait till next week :).

[Stephanie087]

Apr. 15, 2009 at 4:49 PM

awesome! awesome! i just told my hubby no more walking on the carpet with shows on! lol he said he agrees.

[boomom1973]

Apr. 15, 2009 at 10:20 PM Good Job! Thank you for your post, I look forward to the next post.

[ohmandy]

Apr. 25, 2009 at 9:31 PM

thank you!! ive been trying to do the green thing, and in some ways am, but it seems overwhelming all at once... thank you for this easy way to "convert" to greeness :)