We’re finally getting a composting bin put in! I’m pretty excited about it. I brought it up to the board and the other owners in the building and found that some others were thinking the same thing so we’re going to do it. That should help quite a bit with reducing the amount of garbage [...]
Since our move to the new neighborhood leaf blowers have been more and more common. Our neighbors actually have yards here and many of them hire people to come out and care for them.
Leaf blowers have always kind of gotten on my nerves. They are noisy and incredibly wasteful. What’s so terrible about having a [...]
This week summer finally arrived. Yay! Well kind of.. This is my first summer in a couple years without central air and it’s definitely an adjustment.
The major challenges to keeping the place cool are
#1 We’re on the 3rd floor
#2 South facing windows
#3 No shade from other buildings to keep the sun from beating down on [...]
Here’s a short list of small changes you can start working into your daily routine that will make a big impact on your environmental footprint.
1. Bring your own bag to the market, convenience store, hardware store, everywhere.
Last year I bought some nylon reusable shopping bags. I bring them everywhere not just the grocery store. My drawers were still filling up with plastic bags. I try to remember to bring them with me everywhere not just the grocery store. I purchased a huge reusable tote from Bed Bath and Beyond (under $5) a few months ago and I bring it with me when I know I’m going to have some bulkier items to bring home.
2. Bring your own cup.
This one too is not just limited to the coffee place. Use that mug as much as you can. I’m not sure if fast food places like McDonald’s would be as open but I’ve used my own mug at Subway. They’re usually open to it if it’s a place where you fill your own drink. Know how many ounces your cup holds and make the effort. People usually don’t care. It costs them less to not give you a cup, lid and straw.
3. Turn the water off when you’re brushing your teeth
My little bathroom faucet pumps out 2.5 gallons of water a minute. It takes a lot of energy and resources to get the water from the treatment plant all the way to your faucet. Be conscious of how much water you’re using and try to shut it off when you don’t need it.
I watched this movie this morning.. I’m kind of speechless about it. Not sure if I’m angry, helpless, empowered or sad. I think a good helping of all of the above would be accurate.
