I took this list from
100 mile harvest's blog, modified it slightly, and filled it out for myself. I've highlighted in
green what I already do and in
blue what I would like to do. This identifies some places to work on and on things to learn how to make (soap, laundry detergent, and cleaning supplies). Good times ahead!
Around the House-Turn lights off when leaving a room
-Change air filters once a month
-
Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs
-Use ceiling fans to keep rooms cooler during the summer months
-Replace analog thermostats with programmable, digital thermostats that automatically adjust temperature according to a scheduleKitchen-Unplug all kitchen appliances at the end of the day and when leaving the room-Keep refrigerator full to maximize coolness
-Use microwave only for the minimum –defrost food ahead of time and heat food on a stove or toaster oven-Eliminate the use of disposable plates and utensils
-Use glass or ceramic containers for food storage-Use washable cloth napkins instead of paper napkins-Use water filtration system instead of relying on bottled water-Run the dishwasher only when full
-Use the dishwasher’s “no-heat” option to save energy
-Replace paper filters on coffee/tea appliances with a reusable wire mesh filter
-Use non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning supplies
Bathroom
-Use non-toxic and biodegradable chlorine-free, non-petroleum, phosphate-free based cleaning supplies-Turn the water off while brushing your teeth or shaving-Shower instead of taking a bath-Use a slow-flow showerhead that reduces water usage-Do not use the toilet as a trash canLawn and Garden-Start a garden
-Use soapy water to get rid of aphid problems on plants and shrubs
-Spread used coffee grounds on ant hills to control fire ants
-Spray a light mist of a solution of hot peppers in water to prevent fungus on plants-Use crushed, dry eggshells as calcium supplement for plants
-Install sprinkler system for a greener grass, they are most efficient at maximizing watering coverage on the lawn
-When mowing the lawn, use lawn clippings to promote growth-Water lawns before sunrise, to minimize water evaporation
-Landscape with native plants, which are adapted to the local climate
-Use mulch or lawn clippings around trees, bushes and flowers beds to help retain water
Laundry Room-Use the cold water setting for every laundry load
-Wait for a full load of clothes to start the washer-Clean the dryer’s lint filter after every use-Use non-toxic, biodegradable laundry detergentsGym -Bring filtered water to the gym in a reusable bottle-Bring a personal towel to the gym to help save water and avoid exposure to heavy-duty cleaning detergents and bleaches-Use cardiovascular equipment that does not draw electrical power. Best options are elliptical machines and stationary bikes - goodbye treadmill
-Choose outdoor exercise when possibleLifestyle changes
-Support organic farming practices
-Buy food locally-Structure a diet of mostly vegetables, meat, poultry and eggs-Eat mostly fruits and nuts with local honey as snacks
-Seek out eco-friendly businesses and support them-Cut TV usage to 2hrs a week -
Not sure I can do this!-Replace wall-to-wall carpet in the home with wood or tile flooring for allergy control
-Buy books in audio formats (preferably internet delivery rather than CD media) -
I'm using the library instead-Read all products labels, be an informed shopper
Banking -Enroll in online banking
-Decline ATM receipts
-Request paperless statement from banks and credit card companiesCar
-Keep tires properly inflated to maximize gas mileage
-Re-fuel when tank is half full, instead of nearly empty-Do not idle, shut engine off if stopping for more than 30 seconds
-Buy a hybrid vehicle
-Carpool whenever possible
-Keep vehicles tuned up
-Use a commercial car wash (most recycle their water)Reduce, Reuse, Recycle-Clean recyclable containers before putting in recycling bin.
-Recycle baby food glass jars – fitted with a tea light candle they make beautiful lanterns when hung from trees during evening outdoor events
-Stop newspaper distribution (read news online)
-Eliminate or reduce magazine subscriptions
-Recycle all junk mail
-Request to be removed from direct marketing mail lists
-Contact companies to cancel non-essential catalog delivery
-Cut old articles of clothing and bed sheets into cleaning rags
-Stop buying bottled water, use a refillable water bottle instead
-Remove caps, lids and corks from bottles before recycling-Re-use food jars for other storage needs
-Carry reusable bags on all shopping trips - I'm trying to do this!-Use recycled garbage bagsOffice
-Recycle paper, plastic, junk mail and printer, copier and fax cartridges-Replace all disposable plates and utensils in the office kitchen with ceramic plates, mugs, glasses, and flatware. Americans throw away 25 billion Styrofoam cups each year.
-Print on both sides of a sheet of paper
-Use recycled paper in printers
-Reuse paper clips
-Avoid buying/using rubber bands
-Shut down computers overnight - time to stop hibernating and start unplugging-Carpool whenever possible
-Turn lights off when leaving the office, storage or breakrooms-Bring home-cooked lunch to work - the perks of a home office!
-Carry lunch to work in reusable ceramic or glass containers
-Use non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning supplies
-Use power saver mode on all computers
-Use water cooler to discourage bottled water usage
I admit it; I am intrigued. I hope they have this book Inquiries into the Nature of Slow Money at the library. It sounds like the application of the slow food concept to financial investment. I ran across this book by researching social responsible investing this evening. For retirement planning, I have purchased some socially responsible mutual funds, but primarily I've focused on funds that will invest in anything. Given the economic craziness that has happened in the last couple of years, maybe it is time for me to revisit these things that I have always thought valuable.
