In the Spirit of Small Changes

[KatalinsMom]

In the Spirit of Small Changes Big Impact, I thought I would list a few of the things we do around our house.

It is rather remarkable how quickly all the "little things" add up.

I do LOVE working to improve the world and environment (AND simply reduce the damage I cause to it) so I'm just going to list my favorite 10 ideas.

Some I do all the time, some I'm hoping to start, but I hope each one inspires you to make little changes, and inspire your children to join in!

 

#1- Pick up Litter.

      I remember when I was a kid my mom used to take us for walks through the neighborhood wearing gloves and carrying Wal-mart bags. We would pick up anything that could be recycled, like cans and bottles, and put them in one bag. And we would have another bag for non-recyclable trash.

      If you go for walks anyway (which is great exercise and wonderful together time with the kiddos) it's a really easy little thing to add to your every day life. And it helps teach your children about public responsibilty! Just because we didn't make the mess, does not mean we can't clean it up!

     You can also check with your local parks and recreation department for litter pick up events at local parks. Or, if you have older children, engourage them to have a "litter" party at a park that needs cleaned up with some of their friends!

 

#2- Reuse ALL the containers you can from your food, supplies, etc.

       Another one I learned at a young age from my mother. We had an art closet full of strawberry baskets, mushroom boxes, and other containers for use in our many projects.

       In my house we use nearly every reusable container: Jars, Tubs, Bins. With a little creativity most items can be repurposed over and over... and of course, if they become over used or you have too many, you can recycle them, or list them on Freecycle!

 

#3- Recycle every LITTLE bit that you can.

      LITTLE things that can be recycled often get thrown out. Most plastic grocery bags are #2's, which are taken in most places. And if they aren't taken by your recycler, Walmart has a bin in front of it's store to recycle them.

       Toilet Paper Rolls, Clothing Tags, Junk Mail, Use planner inserts, the list goes on and on. Think before you throw.

 

#4- Compost

     It may be easier than you think. We use our old Cat Litter tubs during the winter, and will be building a bin this spring in our backyard.

 

#5- Buy concentrated or bulk to reduce packaging

       Bulk rice, flour, etc. out of the bins deffinitely cuts back on packaging. Buying the large sizes of things like condiments and cereal reduce as well. And don't forget about concentrated cleaners. Or better yet, check out the next idea!! 

 

#6- Make your own cleaners

       With Vinegar, Lemon Juice, Baking Soda, and a few Essential Oils, I have eleminated all of the commercial cleaners from my home minus laundry detergent.

Here's my recipe for "Clean All" spray:

Fill the bottle with White Vinegar. Drop in 20+ drops of Lemon and Tea Tree Oils. (Sometime Eucalyptus, depending on my mood).

I use this to clean EVERYTHING: Mirrors, Counters, the Bathtub, Floors, etc.

The Baking Soda is used for anything that needs abrasive cleaners (like Bon Ami or Comet). I.E., the Bathtub. Just spray the tub with water, sprinkle Baking Soda, Spray with Clean All, and let sit a while. Then scrub and rinse.

For more disinfecting I've screwed a spray nozzle to a bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide. It's a wonderful stain remover and deodorizer.

         

#7- Don't leave the light on, and Don't leave the door open.

        At first my husband made fun of me. But if I don't need it, the light is off. And I close all the doors in the house relegiously, even closets. If I don't need the room heated or cooled, I want the door closed. This includes the outdoors. Of course, on a nice day I open the doors and windows, turn on the heat or AC and let the breeze come through :)

 

#8 -Avoid disposables

         Clean with rags, not paper towels.

         Use real plates and glasses, not disposables.

         And the big one that I have yet to give into, Cloth Diapers. If you're like me and can't bring yourself to use cloth, Seventh Generation Chlorine-Free diapers are about the same price as the other brands from Babies R Us, or Daipers.com.

 

#9- Walk when you can.

        Starting on the next warm day I need to go to the grocery store or CVS I'm walking. I plan on walking every chance I can to run my errands. Not only does it save money and emmisions in the gas, but it's good for your health too!

 

#10- Do yard work manually.

          Again, real health benefits. We'll be using a reel mower, and getting out and pulling weeds and trimming hedges the old fashioned way :)

[MaMas06]

May. 2, 2010 at 7:22 PM

Thanx for your tips on making our Earth a better one! I will most def. try to make my own cleaning solvents.