hi, i'd like to go green

G

gardere_owns_OU

Guest
and i feel i've already done a small part.

when the weather turns nicer i plan to ride my bike to work. it's about 10 miles one way.

i don't do grocery shopping, but when mommy goes we get a whole cart full so getting plastic bags are a necessity. so we won't change that. we're not buying canvas bags or anything. however, we'll keep some at the house for dog poop and i'll return the rest to heb and deposit them in the recycle bin they have.

i stopped getting plastic bags at the exxon for my two drinks every morning.

what is the charge/fees for curbside recycling?

i shower with the lights off (use the day light through the window) and we have a shower head that saves on water.

what are some other small things i/we can do?
 
I replaced ever light bulb in my house with compact flourescents and saw a substantial decrease in electricity consumption ... about 30%.
 
Do you own your house?

With regards to driving:
- Drive the speed limit.
- Take your car up to 60 MPH. Note where the needle is on the tach and don't exceed the RPMs when accelerating (unless needed for safety or merging, etc).
- Keep your tires inflated.
These things right here can save you 1 - 3 MPG.
 
Hold your breath. Breathing consumes oxygen and depletes the ozone layer and kills baby seals.

Start a compost heap. Find new uses for plastic bottles and containers around the house. Don't use consumable products like paper plates and cups. Turn lights off when not in a room. Shut down your computer when you're not using it.
 
I think it was Gwyneth Paltrow that was trying to convince people to use only 1 square of toilet paper each time they take a crap. According to her, that should be enough to get the job done and any more is a waste.
 
i'm not gonna go to extremes and eat less meat or drive slower. i do have my tires properly inflated though and just had that done.

i like the idea of the light bulbs and better uses for plastic bottles rather than trash or recycle.

and breathing less.
wink.gif
 
Only buy products in recyclable (and non-oil-based if possible) containers.

Glass, aluminum, steel (aka tin) cans, cardboard, unpackaged, etc.

If you must take a bag at a store, I would suggest paper bags, they're reusable for everything from storing newprint for recycling, to mulch, to arts and crafts, can be used as kindling for a fire, all sorts of stuff..

Buy bulk refills for things like liquid soap, hand lotions, winow cleaner, etc and refill smaller bottles from them. BTW, some of these are really easy (and cheaper) to make, like window cleaner.

Unless your water supply absolutely SUCKS, don'y buy bottled water.

turn your thermostat two degrees cooler in the winter, two degrees warmer in the summer.

Compost all you leaves, egg shells, coffee grounds, old fruits and veggies, and grass cuttings.

If you like them, grow some of your own peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and maybe beans. Either in a garden or in a container. Those plants in particular are very easy to grow and you can get pesticide and fertilizer free (if you so desire) stuff for next to nothing.
 
I think it was Gwyneth Paltrow that was trying to convince people to use only 1 square of toilet paper each time they take a crap. According to her, that should be enough to get the job done and any more is a waste.

It was Sheryl Crow and she was joking.
 
I'm really down on compact fluorescents. The light is dim and depressing, and they are highly, highly toxic. You break one of those bulbs in your house and you are screwed.

I'm waiting for LED lights to become viable. Much more energy efficient and they won't kill you.
 
The light is dim and depressing, and they are highly, highly toxic. You break one of those bulbs in your house and you are screwed.
________________________________________________

Are these the lights that look like a screw? Seriously toxic? what is in them that is hazardous if they break.
 
Put me in the GHoward camp. I put them in my bathroom yesterday and it is much brighter in there. It's kind of annoying but I like money, so they are here to stay.
 
I've started unplugging small appliances when not in use (coffee machine, microwave, printer). I've also made a real effort to notice things that can be recycled that I would have simply thrown out in the past (tin foil, the styrofoam plates that you buy steaks on and the saran wrap they are covered with, plastic bread bags, newspaper bags and the plastic bags cold cuts come in, etc.). I'm pretty sure the guys that pick up my recycling are bummed with all the extra stuff each week but I feel better.
 
Don't leave tv's vcr's, computers, etc on standby.
The Link

Make sure your home is properly insulated. Saves you money on electricity (ac/heat) and good for the environment.
 
alright GOO, I can respect that you're a red blooded american who loves the open road and so then chooses to drive accordingly. However, I will tell you what I told my dad, don't complain about the country's energy policy, specifically with oil, if you don't do your part. Not saying that you're the type to complain, but just food for thought. With that said, be sure to wear a helmet when you bike - well done
laugh.gif
. I might do the same ond bike to work.
 
I don't even own a car. I take public transportation in the dead-of-winter when it's under 20 degrees, but ride my bike most everywhere else.

Of course, I live in Chicago where you don't need a car. But still. Makes me feel good.
 
I think that people should stop buying **** they dont need. Im not talking to anybody in this thread - just americans in general. Its "green" and it will save you some money.
 
Good suggestions above ...

I keep my heat at 60 degrees during the winter and my AC at 80 during the summer. The units almost never come on, and I just wear clothes appropriate to the temperature.

Edit: And I almost never turn my lights on in the house. During the day, I just open the blinds on the windows and there is plenty of sunshine coming in. During the night, well, it's night, and you have to expect it to be somewhat dark.

And yes, I ride bikes, though I don't ride to work because I can't do that while I'm wearing a suit.
 
I'm starting to use more CFLs... I've adapted to the color of the light so they're not bad - I like the idea of cost savings and that I don't need to change them all the time like my old bulbs. Also started using reusable bags at the grocery store when I realized how wasteful the plastic bags were. It just hit me one day. Now I'm noticing more and more people doing the same thing.
 
HEB is selling these bags for .99... they're not huge and would likely be great if you buy a basket's full or groceries. (basket = NOT a cart)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Weekly Prediction Contest

* Predict HORNS-AGGIES *
Sat, Nov 30 • 6:30 PM on ABC

Recent Threads

Prediction Results Threads

2024 Schedules

Back
Top