IDEAS FOR GOING GREEN

It is estimated that:

We only use 20% of the stuff in our homes.

We wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time.

De-cluttering eliminates 40% of work needed to clean the average home.

We live in a consumer-driven society and most of us are affected to varying degrees. We are enticed and urged to want/need more, newer, better. We buy then we have to find a place for the new item. Sometimes the new item requires additional purchases to care for it properly. Maybe the new item stands out among older belongings, prompting the purchase of more goodies to achieve the right look, etc. Some of us have the financial resources to increase our material gain; some of us do not and incur debt to live in the style we aspire to.



I'm not suggesting that we rid ourselves of all our earthly belongings and live a life of strict self-denial. I am, however, suggesting that we reduce our material possessions to what we really need and want...within our budget. Some of our existing belongings may still work for us by using them in a different way (re-purposing). We do ourselves and our environment a great service when we de-clutter our personal space and recycle our unwanted or no longer needed stuff.

There are many recycling options:

Have a garage sale...make some money/donate what doesn't sell to charity

Consign...make some money/donate to charity if it doesn't sell

Auction or Sell (eBay, Craig's List, etc.)

Give to someone we know

Donate to charity

Throw in dumpster (or appropriate disposal of environmentally-sensitive items)

A couple of important things to keep in mind:

Rarely does our stuff (no matter now nice or expensive) have the same value to someone else it does to us.

There are tax advantages to charitable donations.

We can become frustrated and overwhelmed if we spend most of our lives working to earn money for stuff, cleaning/maintaining said stuff, and eventually trying to store or dispose of the stuff. We may not even realize how significantly clutter impacts our quality of life until we are rid of it.

Reducing our material possessions makes organizing what remains much easier. There is nothing like an organized, clutter-free life. It fosters a greater sense of peace and calm, enhanced efficiency, feeling of security and control, and improved health and well-being...not to mention freeing our time for the really important activities (like family, friends, passions).

If you are stressed by the material clutter in your life and don't know where to start, or want a partner in your de-cluttering efforts, there are people with the expertise and experience to help in most areas. If you live in the area of Temecula, California...I can help. Just contact me through my bio contact button.

Did You Know?

Outdoor water use can account for up to 50% of total water use for a home during the summer months.

Homes with automated irrigation systems are more likely to overuse outdoor water (i.e. wasted water running down sidewalk).

Over irrigation can damage plants or make them unhealthy.

Over-watered plants are more susceptible to disease and pest infestation.

(Personally, I have killed more plants from over-watering than under-watering.)



What You Can Do:

Mulch - Mulch holds moisture in the soil and prevents evaporation from soil surface. Fine-textured mulches (pine straw, mini nuggets, shredded hardwood) are more effective in conserving moisture than coarse-textured mulch. Apply to as large an area under the plant as possible. Consider putting 2-3 sheets of newspaper under mulch for added water retention.

Deep Watering - Shallow frequent watering encourages a weak root system and reduces plant tolerance of drought.

Water Roots, not Leaves - Wetting the foliage encourages diseases and results in water loss through evaporation.

Hand-water newly planted trees, shrubs, and thirstier plants. Again, deep watering is the best way to encourage strong root system and drought tolerance.

Use Drip, Trickle or Soaker Hose - Drip irrigation uses 50% less water than conventional sprinkler irrigation and applies water slowly and directly to root system.

Use the Timer and Install a Rain Sensor on Irrigation System - Rain Sensors are inexpensive extras that usually pay for themselves (in water savings) within 2 years.

Adjust Irrigation Controller - according to change in seasons and rainfall.

Depend on rainfall as main outdoor water source when possible.

What if the nice cashier at your favorite market asked "Would you like to kill a tree or clog a drain?" instead of "Paper or plastic?" Without batting an eye you reply "I brought my own stylish and sustainable shopping bag." You might if you consider a few facts about paper versus plastic:

Paper bags not only rely on sacrificed trees for their existence, they

use 4 times as much energy to manufacture as plastic bags

use almost 90 times as much energy to recycle as plastic bags

don't generally decompose any faster in landfills than plastic bags

Plastic bags are sometimes mistakenly ingested by water fowl and fish, and

only 3 percent of plastic bags are recycled

the 97 percent not recycled can take 20 to 1000 years to break down

they are made from non-renewable natural resources:oil, gas and coal

(If we could just stuff the plastic bags in our gas tanks, we could solve at least two environmental concerns!)

Actually, the pollution caused and resources used in manufacturing, distributing and discarding the two types of bags are roughly the same.

Why not opt for a reusable, heavy-weight, natural cotton bag that is generous in size, machine-washable and won't shrink out of shape? And you don't have to choose between practical and chic any more - check out the array of colors and designs that won't fade after repeated washing.



One feature I especially like is the squared bottom (like a paper grocery bag) so carefully selected produce is not squished by a gallon of milk - unless King Kong bags them.

Paper versus plastic? I think I'll just pack my reusable shopping bag myself!

If the truth be told, we would be a lot better off, health-wise and environmentally, if we eliminated most plastics from our lives. This is not going to happen, of course, so the next best thing is to educate ourselves and do what we can.

A good place to start is with plastics that come in contact with our food and beverages. Bottled water is very popular and commonly used by most of the population daily. Plastic water bottles are the focus here (no pun intended).



Hydration is good, so I try to drink (daily) ounces of water equal to half my body weight (and grateful I am only 122 pounds). Having water with me is right up there with my American Express card when I leave home. And not just any old tap water (We don't really know what's in that, do we?); it's moderately-priced, plastic-bottled water for me.

Being health conscious and eco-friendly, I engage in an on-going effort to educate myself. As a result, I became concerned about several toxic substances, that can cause a host of serious health issues, leaching into my moderately-priced, plastic-bottled drinking water. If I don't leave my plastic water bottle in the hot car, freeze or reuse it, will I be safe(er)? Then there's the debate about the quality of the water even before any leaching is involved...but I digress.

Environmental Impact

As if the health issues were not enough, the environmental concerns tipped the scales for me in the plastic water bottle debate. For example:

Each year, 1.5 million barrels of oil are used to produce plastic water bottles...and even more if you factor in the transporting of said bottles.

90% of plastic water bottles are not recycled, so they wind up in landfills where they take thousands of years to decompose.

Now, I know I have to die of something...sooner or later, but see no need to speed up the process with suspect water stored in plastic water bottles. What are safe and mobile hydration alternatives?

At this writing, the "safer" alternative to plastic water bottles appears to be stainless steel (sans a plastic lining and not to be confused with aluminum) or glass. While there are some reportedly "safe" plastics, all the facts are not in...and they don't always pass the taste test for a discriminating palate.

I opted for glass, which does not leach toxins or affect the taste of the water. I bought two bottles (glass) of water, watered some plants and filled the bottles with tap water...wash and repeat. (I filter and optimize the tap water myself...another subject for another time.)

Glass bottles do have one notable drawback but I am not mountain-climbing with them in tow and am researching a viable solution to the breakage "challenge" since I favor glass.

Like that "new car" smell?

Of course, plastic water bottles are only a fraction of the ever-growing plastic concern. PVC is another widely-used toxin. PVC is responsible for the "new car" smell,or new shower curtain smell, etc. So now I'm wondering if the "new car" scent at the car wash is PVC spray...nah, surely not!

See A Few Interesting Facts About Plastic below for more information on PVC and other plastics we are in contact with every day.

Smart Plastics Guide - Healthier Food Uses of Plastics

The Smart Plastics Guide by Kathleen Schuler, MPH is information-packed and easy to read. She lists types of plastics, common uses, toxins involved and their health and environmental impact.

To see the complete Guide, click on the link below, select "toxins" from the drop-down list and scroll to "Smart Plastics Guide" posted on April 4, 2008.

Smart Plastics Guide

Are Creepy Crawlies lurking in your bed?

If you suffer from environmental allergies, you're probably aware that your bed can be your worst nightmare...especially if it's a hideout for dust mites. There's a better than average chance you're sharing your bed with these microscopic monsters...and they aren't under it!

Dust makes even mild allergies worse, so you want to keep your sleep environment as clean as possible. Dust mites feed on dead skin and your bed is where you spend the most time...shedding your skin. Yuk! How to get rid of dust mites? Vacuum and dust the room regularly, change bedding frequently and wash it in the hottest water possible. Even more important, protect your mattress, box springs, comforters and pillows with allergy relief bedding covers.



Organic Wool from Organic Sheep...of course!

Wool is a natural dust repellent...and organic wool is the best anti allergy bedding you can buy.

Wool from the organic production of sheep has no chemical residue in it because no chemicals were ever put on the land where the sheep graze. The fields are rotated so they are not overgrazed, preventing the buildup of parasites. The hay that is produced to feed the sheep is also grown organically.

Now, the idea of a cozy, warm, wool-covered bed may be very appealing in winter but what about the summer? The idea of cozy and warm turns into extreme physical cruelty, right? You may be pleasantly surprised to learn:

Wool is "nature's air conditioner", wicking away moisture so you won't wake up in a sweat. It breathes better than any other fabric, allowing the body to reach a comfortable sleeping temperature faster and maintain that comfort level longer. This insures a deeper, more restful sleep.

In addition to being comfortable and dust-mite resistant, wool is a natural fire retardant. An excellent source for purchasing this allergy-relief bedding:



Being kind to yourself and the environment will help you sleep even better...and you'll never have to count sheep again!

Warning! If you are not a dog lover...and don't have a furry or hairy (of the canine variety) member of your family, you may want to read no further.

Okay, you've gotten this far so you are 1) a pet owner 2) curious or 3) if none of the above, I don't even want to speculate on your reasons for reading this.

If you are checking out this site, you are probably interested in ideas for going green. You may be convinced that plastic bags are bad for the environment and you are in the process or have already eliminated them your life. Good for you! But what about the dog poop?!

As a responsible dog owner, you may have been "recycling" your plastic bags by using them for dog waste receptacles...yes? What you have also been doing (unwittingly, I presume) is mummifying your dog's poop...preserving it for...future generations?

Believe me when I tell you that it will be preserved for many generations to come. Dog waste is totally biodegradable, but putting it in a plastic bag keeps it around for hundreds of years! If this is not your intent, why not opt for a biodegradable waste bag? A biodegradable bag (such as BioBag) will decompose (along with the poop) in 30-45 days...naturally.




And, when you look into the eyes of your already adoring canine friend(s), you may see a new gleam of respect.

Fleas are dangerous pests...and insecticides can be equally dangerous. These mini vampires continue sucking blood even when full because their larva feed on the blood they pass in their stools (Yuk!). Fleas carry tapeworms and a bad infestation can cause serious blood loss to the host. Puppies and kittens can die from flea-induced anemia. Why not get rid of fleas naturally?

Insecticides are absorbed through the skin of both animals and people and breathed in by same. Fleas are often resistant to many insecticides and the ones that work are especially strong and can act as hormones. The long-term effects on people are unknown.

Some natural methods of ridding these little blood-suckers from your life include:

Eucalyptus Leaves - If you do not have a Eucalyptus tree in your yard, the leaves can be purchased at any craft store. Scatter them generously through your yard...safe for people, pets and the environment. It is believed to work because fleas don't like the smell...some people don't like the smell either, however.

Cedar Chips - If your neighbor is breeding fleas (hopefully unknowingly), placing cedar chips along the fence between your yard and your neighbor's yard will keep the fleas at bay-naturally (and maybe low-flying moths too!).

Borax - Yep, good 'ol 20 Mule Team Borax. Sprinkle on your carpets, let sit overnight, then vacuum. It can also be sprinkled around the fence of your yard. And, as a bonus, ants are also repelled by Borax.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) - This is normally used as part of the filtration system for swimming pools and a large bag can be purchased for just a few dollars at any swimming pool supply store. Sprinkle all over your yard.

Dish Liquid "Trap" - To rid your home of fleas naturally, put a water-filled plate on the floor in the most affected area, add a drop or two of dish liquid, put a lamp on the floor next to the plate and go to bed (unless you want to hide and watch). The fleas are attracted to the light and jump on the plate. They would be able to jump out of water alone but with the dish liquid, they sink and drown. (A quick and quiet death.) You would, of course, use common sense where pets are concerned, keeping them out of the area if they may be inclined to drink dishwater.

All of the above suggestions, to rid your life of fleas naturally, may not work equally well in all parts of the country, but why not try one or more of these methods rather than going the insecticide route?

Super easy ideas for going green and they can be implemented right away:

GAS

Combine Errands-plan most efficient route/time of day

Share a Ride-get a few extra winks (unless you're driving)

Lower Speed/Use Cruise Control-great for lead feet

Telecommute-must have user-friendly company/boss

WATER

Take Shorter Showers-think fast forward

Water Lawn/Plants Early Morning

Use Automated Car Wash-uses less water/time than in your driveway

Run Full Loads in Washers/Dryers & Dishwashers-in off-peak hours

PAPER

Opt out of Junk Mail

Recycle Newspapers/Magazines-can also share/donate magazines

Bank on Line-save time and stamps too

Two-sided printing/copying

MISCELLANEOUS

Turn off Lights-when out of room for more than a few minutes

Donate Clothes/Household Items-recycle AND help someone

Use Fans vs A/C when possible-a fraction of the cost

Use Reusable Shopping Bags-see "Paper vs Plastic" in this lens

Close Fireplace Damper-when not in use

Want to have some fun promoting your views on going green and environmental interests? Need a unique gift?

Find an organic tee, poster, mug or card (for example) and express yourself! Lots of choices for adults, kids and pets alike.

The Isle of Squid