Easy Green Living

We can all do better.

I know that sentence has a drab connotation to it. Now go back and read it with excitement.

We CAN ALL do better! Imagine how happy our earth would be if we all had this attitude and willingness to change? Even if that attitude is far from the reality of today, leading by example is a great force of change. Today I want to share with you a list of ways I am attempting to live a more intentional, eco-friendly life. I hope at least one of them inspires you to make a positive change.

Disclaimer: This blog post may contain affiliate links meaning that should you choose to purchase something using one of these links, I could earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Are you ready?

• Switch to energy saving bulbs
• If buying new appliances, buy one with the ENERGY STAR logo
• Stop buying paper towels – and no need to buy specially marketed ‘unpaper towels’. A plain white 100% cotton rag will do until it won’t wash anymore. Then it can be composted.
• Ditch plastic wrap – switch to reusable beeswax wrap or cover your bowls with plates!
• Ditch plastic baggies – switch to reusable beeswax wrap, reusable tupperware, jars, or washable bags.
• Unplug – get rid of that ‘ghost energy’ reflecting on your energy bill. Unplug electronics when not in use.
• Turn off any lights not in use
• Use your dishwasher to clean your dishes – if you run it when it’s full, most models nowadays use less water than handwashing dishes.
• Don’t overstuff your refrigerator – it prevents proper airflow inside and causes your fridge to work harder to keep things chill.
• Keep your refrigerator set between 37 – 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Ditch the plastic water bottles and buy a reusable one that will last you a long time.
• Refuse plastic straws when dining out. If you require one, bring your own reusable one, or request a paper straw.
• Use cloth napkins at home.
• Reuse those plastic containers some food comes in – example being a rotisserie chicken container can be used to winter sow your seeds in late winter.
• Buy locally – produce, products, anything. Not only are you supporting local farmers and businesses, you are reducing the shipping, and therefore fuel impact.
• Reduce the amount of times you eat out – cooking at home can not only save you money, it can be fun!
• Have a lot of plastic shopping bags stashed away? Make something out of them.
• Pack a lunch.

• Bring and use reusable shopping and produce bags whenever you go shopping. If you’re forgetful and leave them at home? Force yourself to carry everything out to the car. Bet you won’t forget next time.
• Meal plan – prevent food waste by having a plan, making a list, and sticking to it.
• Upcycle – Want a new dresser? Consider revamping your current one with a fresh coat of paint.
• If it’s yellow let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down.
• Collect ‘pre-shower’ water – while you’re waiting for your shower to warm up, don’t let that water just go down the drain. Collect it in a bucket, use it to water your plants.
• Plant a tree. Or 10. Bonus points if it’s a fruiting tree.
• Plant a garden.
• Mulch your garden. Not only will you see a reduction in weeds, you’ll save time by not having to water as often.
• Start a compost pile, or find somebody in your town you can give your food scraps to.

• Pull weeds, don’t spray harmful herbicides. Use white vinegar if you can’t pull them.
• Research good plants that help with pest control to avoid use of pesticides. Some good ones are citronella, mint, lavender.
• Make the switch from grass to clover – clover adds nutrients to your soil, needs little water, and feeds pollinators. What does grass do?
• Water your garden before the sun gets everything all hot to reduce water waste through evaporation.
• Collect rainwater and use it to water your garden.
• Create a neighborhood share program for tools such as lawnmowers. No sense in everyone having one if you only use it once a week!
• Opt for a manual push mower or an electric one over a gas powered one.
• Ride your bike when possible instead of driving.
• Pick up litter when you see it – even if it’s not yours.
• Turn off the TV and opt outside!
• Decorate with nature instead of buying decor for each season.
• Thrift and opt for second hand items and clothing.
• Reuse wrapping paper. Unless you’re a present shredder.
• Reuse greeting cards by cutting in half and using the top part.
• Open windows in the cooler mornings and evenings in summer to reduce time the AC needs to be on.
• Utilize ceiling fans instead of the AC.

• Invest in some thick window coverings to block out summer’s heat and insulate from winter’s chill.
• Close air vents in empty rooms – no sense in heating and cooling them.
• Set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.
• Learn to mend and fix things.
• Make some shower product switches – hair products in plastic bottles to solid bars, plastic throwaway razors for steel ones, luffa sponges for cleansing.
• Switch your plastic toothbrush to a compostable bamboo one.
• Say no to Kleenex – Cut up old flannel sheets and make your own washable handkerchiefs.
• Make your own plant based laundry detergent.
• Use vinegar and baking soda to clean your house.
• Line dry your clothes instead of using the dryer. Yes,even in the winter you can do it indoors!
• Wash your laundry in cold water – your clothes don’t mind.
• Opt to go paperless on your bills.
• Utilize the greatness that is your local library.
• Carpool.
• Print double sided.
• Camp when possible instead of staying in a hotel.
• Use Amtrak instead of flying.

And just for kicks, one bonus tip that may be the most important one:

EDUCATE! Share your knowledge and passion for conserving our world with others. You never know who you might inspire.

I’d love to hear any additions you have to this list. Let’s make it as long as possible! What are some changes you’ve made in your life to help conserve this world of ours?

Until next time,

Becca