Micro-Green - Small Steps to a Greener Existence

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 69 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #432 in Green, #46,843 overall

The Longest Journey Begins With a Single Step

It happens too often. We read an ad or see an uplifting documentary about conservation, saving the environment, ecological responsibility, going green, and say "Hey! I can do all that stuff!" And that's great and encouraging but, like a good golf swing, the whole deal needs a follow-through.

The trap is that many of us try to do too much at once and end up not doing any of it for very long. What starts out with the best of intentions ends up as a stack of unrecycled newspapers molding in the corner of the garage, or a bin of unrecycled glass containers too heavy to be lifted to the truck.


So here we will explore a few things one can do - one day at a time - one action at a time - that will help to make a difference in the long run.

BOOKMARK THIS to see new ways to save the environment... and maybe even some money!

Lo-Flow Faucet Aerator (see microhints) 

One for the kitchen and one in each bathroom, and you'll see the water savings start to add up immediately.

Amazon Error: Could not open remote connection

Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.

American Red Cross Radio 

Hand crank radio and power generator

This may not be an energy saver over the long haul, but in case of emergency, saving power will be far from the first thought on your mind. This just looks like a great idea, plus Eton, the manufacturer, donates a part of the profits to the American Red Cross. That just makes it all the better.

Below the product display on their page is a chart that gives some guidelines to picking which radio you need. Please read it first to make sure the one you pick is the one that will help you personally.

American Red Cross FR400 Emergency Radio, White

The Etón Grundig American Red Cross FR400 is one of Etón's American Red Cross branded, weather-resistant emergency radios. With a dependable hand-crank power generator that powers the unit's AM/FM/TV/Weather radio, built-in LED flashlight, cell phone charger and emergency siren -- all surrounded by a sturdy, weather-resistant casing -- the lightweight and portable Grundig FR400 is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a radio that can be relied on in emergencies or in environments where there are limited power sources

Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now

Just found and added here... 

You'll see several references here to taking your own bags shopping. Well, I just found one that is great for that ... and much more. This net bag will not mildew, rot or retain odors, making it ideal for days at the beach (solving that age-old question of what to do with the wet swimsuits... eww).

As further incentive... you can get it for free (see the detail page in the Product Promotions section).

Mesh Beach Bag with Heavy Duty Handles

Can be used year round for laundry, toys, sports equipment, camping gear, shopping, wash and tote bag. Heavy duty handles with drawstring closure. Measures approx. 18-in x 20-in.

Amazon Price: $6.97 (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now

Featured Favorites of the Eco Friendly Sort 

Other lensmasters who contribute wonderfully to the cause

Take a look at the work of other Squidoo Lensmasters who are focusing on the environment, and support their lenses as well.

Coming Attractions... 

Vote here - what would YOU like to see next?

Organic and Earth-Friendly Merchants

Who's respecting the environment and what you can more...6 points

How to Read your Electric Meter

How to find out just what that microwave oven real more...2 points

http://www.squidoo.com/purewater-cleanair

Most drinking water provided to communities comes more...1 point

How to Read your Gas Meter

The secrets of what those racing dials really mean0 points

How to Read your Water Meter

Real life detective work, AKA how to turn this int more...0 points

It's Easy Being Green 

Read a book.. it's contagious

It's Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living

Surveys find that over 80 percent of Americans agree with the goals of the environmental movement. Sadly, most Americans admit to doing little more than basic recycling when it comes to acting on that disposition.

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $10.39 (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $12.99
Used Price: $0.07

Usually ships in 24 hours

Think Ahead and Be Reasonable 

A wee bit of humor but perhaps not all laughable

Know your lifestyle and limits. A few things to consider:

If you don't have a yard or garden, don't compost

If your domain is on the sixth floor of an apartme more...4 points

If you can't walk to the mailbox, don't marathon

If you're out of shape and lose your breath before more...4 points

If you are allergic to bees, don't gather honeycomb

If the presence of a bee sends you into anaphylact more...4 points

If you live where there's no wind, don't put up a windmill

No matter how quaint the ones in wild west movies more...4 points

 



You wouldn't intentionally pour 2000 gallons of water out into your yard, but did you know that a dripping faucet can waste that much in a year? Small steps add up!

Recycle a Can

Just one. Start simple. It will feel so good you'll want to keep doing it.5 points

Take a Hike

If you need a carton of milk, leave the car in the driveway and walk the two blocks to the convenience store or grocery.5 points

Pull the Plug

If you're not using an appliance, a television, your third computer, shut it down and pull the plug out of the wall.5 points

Give Stuff Away

Face it. Most of us have too much stuff. Box up things you haven't used in a few years and donate it to the Goodwill or a family who needs things. Don't give away junk - recycle broken items properly.5 points

Fix the Leak

A dripping faucet can cost gallons of water in a very short time. Check it out: Stick a big bowl in the sink under the drip and see how much has accumulated overnight. You may be shocked.4 points

Refill your wine bottles

This lens shows you how http://www.squidoo.com/refillable-wine-bottles/
Another small step1 point

Use green cleaning supplies

Most common household cleaners are detrimental to your health and the environment. Find a better way to clean with natural remedies or green products that are truly green! Check out my lens on Creating a Healthy Home at www.squidoo.com/cleanandgreen.com1 point

Use Soapnuts

The natural, environmentally friendly and cheap alternative to all that toxic stuff you use on your laundry and to clean your house. More info <a href="http://www.squidoo.com" target="_blank">here</a>0 points

What Can Be Recycled 

(and what can't!)



Knowing the difference between what can and cannot be recycled with today's technology can mean the difference between a happy emptied recycling bin and a full bin left at curbside, improperly prepared and abandoned. Learn here and then pass it on to a friend.

Garbage and Recycling (Young Discoverers: Environmental Facts and Experiments)

Explaining the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable garbage, this book shows how glass, metal, and wool can be easily recycled. How Can I Help? boxes give suggestions for the young environmentalist who wants to recycle at home.

Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now

Lower Energy Use with Fluorescent Lights 



I was a bit wary, the first time I installed one of these swirly lightbulbs, wondering if it was going to spiral up and smack my pretty lampshades or look ugly or put out spiraling light.

None of the above. You can actually install smaller wattage fluorescents as you replace your burned-out ones and get the same light (or better in some cases). I've got them everywhere I can reach, including in that strange vent/fan thing in the hood over the stovetop.

Globe 48526 23-Watt Mini Compact Fluorescent Spiral Bulb (100-Watt Incandescent Equivalent), Soft White, 4-Pack

A 23W CFL is equivalent to a 100W regular incandescent bulb. It uses less energy, and helps protect the environment. Depending on your kWh rate, you will enjoy significant dollar savings per bulb!

Amazon Price: $49.99 (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $19.99

Frugal Living for Dummies 

Don't be put off by the name



Don't let the name put you off - I've found a lot of for Dummies books are anything but. This is here because recycling and saving on energy costs directly impact your pocketbook.

Amazon Error: Could not open remote connection

Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.

Possession is Nine-Tenths of the Burden 

Years and years ago, back in the last century's sixth and seventh decade, the word recycling was linked inextricably with words like hippie, kook, tree-hugger, environmental freak, etc. I know. I was there. Even though it was just as good an idea then as it is now, there were very few solidly on the bandwagon. All that has changed, of course, as more crucial conservation projects and laws have become reality. It is no longer considered a Bad Thing(tm) to be ecologically sensitive.

Of course, if you look back even further into the past, even back a century or so, you'll find that recycling and conservation was quite common. A pioneer woman on a farm in Illinois or Nebraska would no more think about throwing out a slightly dented pan than she would consider ditching a basket of sewing into the henyard. What cloth was on hand was used, reused, mended, patched, hemmed, taken in, let out, repurposed and then possibly retired. The pan would be fixed, patched, smoothed, reused until it would no longer serve its purpose at all, and then a new purpose would be found. One did not just walk to Wal-Mart and get a new one. I know. My grandmother told me about some of those times, and she heard a lot of it from her mother and elder sisters.

We're spoiled by excess. We're spoiled by immediacy which strips quite a bit of the value of the items themselves. Could you put all your belongings in the back of a covered wagon and move 1500 miles to a new homestead? I know I couldn't.. not anymore.

I'm not saying it is wise to give all your goodies away and live like a hermit in a log cabin or out of the back of a covered wagon. I'm not saying that it's necessary to give up the comforts of this century's existence.

But I am saying that it makes sense to be careful what we do with those goodies and comforts, short term and long, so the footprints we leave as we race through life aren't big dents in the environment.

 

Amazon Error: Could not open remote connection

Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.

Plug into the Sun: Solio 

A dream gadget hits the reality bricks



Get one. Or two. Or 15, for gifts and family members. I'm frankly amazed that I hadn't heard about this from one of my gadget-conscious friend, but now that I have, it's high on my list of Micro-Green steps.

UPDATE: I got one of these for my husband for his birthday and got a huge grin and cheer in return.

Solio Universal Hybrid Solar Charger (Black)

The Solio universal "hybrid" solar charger is powerful enough to charge all of your handheld electronic products at home or on the move. The Solio works by absorbing power from either four hours in the wall socket or 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight, and then storing the energy within its internal battery.

Amazon Price: $143.99 (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now

 



Vote as you go and watch to see what everyone else is doing as well - and let's see what the most popular starting steps turn out to be.

Get a Handful of Net Bags

Take your own bags to the grocery store.5 points

Install Compact Fluorescent Bulbs to replace Incandescent

Almost instant savings for you and the environment. Compact fluorescent bulbs last longer, use less electricity, and look pretty cool.4 points

Speed-Shower

Cut a minute or two off your shower time.4 points

Schedule your Appliance Use

Run your washing machine in the early morning or late evening when the power load on the grid is lower than midday. It probably won't save you money but you'll be making a difference.2 points

http://www.squidoo.com/cleanandgreen

Have you considered green cleaning supplies. Most common household cleaners are detrimental to the environment and your health2 points

Air Dry or, better, Line Dry

If you have an automatic dryer, set it on the lowest possible setting for the shortest time possible. Better yet, put wet clothes on a line outside.1 point

Put your Power on a Curfew

Set a family lights-out time at 11:00 (ok, after Letterman, if you must) and make the turning off of lights and appliances part of the nightly ritual.1 point

Truly Environmentally Serious? 

then check this out...

Loading Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

Save on Water with Low-Flow Sprinklers 

Raindrip Low-Flow Sprinkler Kit #R547DP

The Low flow sprinkler kit is ideal for watering ground cover, flower beds, new and hillside planting. The sprinkler heads are adjustable and have three spray patterns.

Amazon Price: $32.48 (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now

Take Your Own Bags When You Shop 



A large handful of nylon bags stuffed into the glove compartment or underneath a seat can save a lot of time. Just don't forget to put them back. I have two net bags I keep in a ziploc bag in my purse, which comes in very handy.

ChicoBag Reusable Shopping Bags

ChicoBags rock! - The Reusable Nylon Shopping Bags Use the ChicoBag Reusable Nylon Shopping Bag for everything trips to the grocery store, farmers market or out shopping.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now

Bigger Steps 

Extra effort, extra rewards



Yes, these are going to take more work than the first micro-steps, but the payoffs will be greater as well. Some will even add value to your home, I'm sure, especially if you leave your Energy Star appliances behind if you move. And besides, with all the money you'll be saving, you can treat yourself to even more net bags and spiral light bulbs!

Throw Out your Lawn Mower (well, recycle it!)

... and get a hand mower instead. You'll benefit by saving gas, reducing emissions, and getting exercise to boot.4 points

Replace Old Appliances with Energy Star

If your refrigerator is running half the day and it's time to replace it, look for new ones with Energy Star efficiency. Read the ratings carefully.3 points

RideShare

Once a month, or even once a week, rideshare with a neighbor heading the same way to work. Daring? Take a bus or rail!3 points

Wrap your Water Heater

A $15-20 expenditure for a water heater blanket is a significantly lower expense than $700 for a new water heater. Try that solution first.2 points

Get Mowing and Get Exercise Too 

Scotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower

The Scott's classic reel mower is light, maneuverable, and economical. The business end of this push reel mower is solid, sharp, and everything a reel mower should be, with five heat-treated, knife-sharp steel blades that can be adjusted for nine grass heights with very easy wheel tabs.

Amazon Price: $119.99 (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $119.99

 



The more you take microgreen steps, the more you are going to run up against naysayers who refuse to believe that who recycling and environmental steps are worthwhile. Do what I do - smile and step aside, and let them discover all on their own just what a difference one person can make. It's your wallet, after all.


The Next Step: 50 More Things You Can Do to Save the Earth

When the book 50 Simple Things You Can Do to Save the Earth came out in 1989, even the authors were astonished to see it become one of the bestselling environmental books of all time. Based on that huge interest and participation by large numbers of people, they have come out with this book as the next logical step. It goes beyond simple, individual actions, and focuses on ways of expanding community participation and awareness, ways of empowering people to create an impact beyond their own homes.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now

From the Mouths of Babes... 

Some pretty durn good advice!

Recycle Please!

My fourth grade students made these four commercials to promote recycling. Follow superhero "Recycling Boy" as he cleans up the universe! You can help him by passing this video on and doing your best to recycle. Thanks!

Runtime: 11:16
21442 views
10 Comments:

powered by YouTube

 



Ok, maybe not so microgreen, and they are heavy duty steps to take, so please don't enter into any of them lightly or without consulting knowledgeable professionals. If you live in a flood plain, please don't just dig a hole under your house and move in.

Windmills in your Yard

Not on the scale of the windmill farms on the hills east of San Francisco, but you might consider one if you're in an area where the wind rarely slows down.3 points

Move Underground

If you're faced with the curse of unlimited funds and highly stable land that you own, dig in and build your living quarters underground.3 points

Recycle the Chevy Camaro and buy a Prius

... if you can find one, that is. This is a serious big step and is not going to be cheap.2 points

Solar Panels on your Roof

Expensive. Horribly expensive, but in certain areas with tons of sunshine, the payoff may be enough to warrant the long cost recovery cycle.2 points

Plant a Forest

I'm not talking about a measly few acres. I'm talking about getting out with a crew and helping reforest the areas which have been decimated by cutting and fires. Plant some underbrush while you're up there, and keep the mudslides under control.2 points

Green Remodeling 



Natural remodelling - sounds almost too good to pass up, especially for the skilled do-it-yourselfer. The book touches both on the conceptual and the practical, making it good read for both sides of your brain. Remodeling an existing house to 'green it up' is vastly less expensive than buying a new one, plus just think of the added property value when selling time comes around.

Natural Remodeling for the Not-So-Green House: Bringing Your Home into Harmony with Nature (Natural Home & Garden)

To have a home that's more in touch with the earth, you don't have to start from the ground up! It's possible-and more environmentally friendly-to go green by renovating an existing home. With the help of Carol Venolia, an award-winning architect and bestselling author, and Kelly Lerner, a world-famous innovator in the field of sustainable development, even the least mechanically inclined person can make a difference in his or her dwelling%u2026and to the planet.

Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now

Windmills and Wind Turbines (Subject to Availability) 

These are decorative items not meant to generate power, but they look great and add rustic farm country charm to even a suburban back yard!

6 Foot Windmill

6 Foot Windmill Our garden windmill stands 6 feet high and is a perfect decoration for your yard and garden. Metal construction comes in the colors green and yellow. Ball bearings allow easy windmill motion. Anchors included for securing into the ground. Assembly is required. (Decorative item)

Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now
List Price:

Green Company 



The pressure is on for businesses to take ever-increasing responsibility for their impact on Planet Earth. Those who dig in their heels or balk at taking that responsibility pay the price in reduced revenues as people (like us) turn their attention toward the one who do support environmental efforts.

50 Simple Things Your Business Can Do to Save the Earth

The pressure is on for businesses to take ever-increasing responsibility for their impact on Planet Earth.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now

Solar Power, Solar Panels (Subject to Availability) 

If you are going to consider using solar power, please consult a licensed electrician or contractor before purchasing components.

Let me repeat that, just in case you missed it... check with a professional electrician before laying out the money to put in a solar system on your roof or in your yard (and possibly a roofing contractor as well, to make sure your roof is actually appropriate for putting a solar system on).

Sunforce 50044 60-Watt Solar Charging Kit

The Sunforce 50044 60 Watt Solar Charging Kit gives you another reason to love the sun -- it'll help keep your batteries charged. This kit is excellent for cabins, remote power, back-up power, and 12-volt battery charging.

Amazon Price: $299.99 (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $599.99

 



Ok, if you're not going to take my word for it, at least read something about solar panels and systems before you push your credit card across a virtual checkout counter.

Planning and Installing Photovoltaic Systems: A Guide for Installers, Architects and Engineers

Growth in photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing worldwide continues to increase. In parallel, appropriate standards and certification schemes are being developed. During this transition period, clear guidance is crucial for integrating this technology into working practices of professionals in the building sector. This book offers such guidance, detailing every subject necessary for successful project implementation, from the technical design to the legal and market issues of PV installation. Beginning with resource assessment and an outline of the core components, this guide comprehensively covers system design, economic analysis, installation, operation, and maintenance of PV systems.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now

 



If you're a confirmed Do-It-Yourselfer, you'll find a wealth of great information to read on greening up your home. This one is a good place to start if you're considering a solar energy project (aka photovoltaics). As noted above, this is not the sort of project to be taken lightly, but if you're the sort who performs complete bathroom remodels over a long weekend, this is for you.

Hot Water from the Sun: A Consumer Guide to Solar Water Heating

Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now

 



If you're the type of person who revels in the facts and in-depth research before taking a decision on anything major, you won't be able to pass up this DVD.

21st Century Complete Guide to Hybrid Cars and Green Vehicles: Department of Energy and EPA Comparisons, Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, How Hybrids Work, ... Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions (DVD-ROM)

This important and up-to-date electronic book on DVD-ROM provides a comprehensive guide to government information on hybrid cars and green vehicles, designed to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. According to automakers, consumers who care about fuel economy will have a dozen hybrid cars and trucks to choose from within the next few years.

Amazon Price: $25.00 (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now

Microhints 



* Organic produce will cost you more than buying 'regular' produce, unless you plan on doing your own organic gardening. It can be done, if you're prepared to invest the time and energy.

* I should have reminded you of this earlier. If it is not winter in your part of the woods, make sure heating pilot lights are turned off if your furnace is one of those that is set up to allow it. If you need help, call your gas company or check the furnace instructions from the manufacturer.

* This sounds like a good time time to talk about disaster relief and donations. Recycle those four extra pairs of blue jeans. Find a collection center today.

* Do you live in a small community? Consider starting an errands rideshare system into the 'big city.'

 



* Find out how many gallons of water your household is using per month. Is your bill in cubic feet? Multiply that by 7.48 to get gallons.

* Do you use an inkjet printer? Before you toss out empty cartridges, check to see if your local Walgreens has a refill service - many do now.

* Finding it difficult to recycle? Find a church group or charity that is running a recycling program. Many will be glad to receive your recyclables and put the donations to good use.

* Buy in bulk, but only when you can justify doing so. Loading storage shelves down with a case of creamed corn that nobody will ever eat willingly makes no sense, no matter how much money you saved by buying it by the case.

* When shopping, look for items with minimal packaging. Patronize those product lines that don't overpackage and keep the excess out of the landfills.

* Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth! The water savings will add up fast.

* Start saving your egg crates. They stack easily for storage, make ideal tiny parts holders for model makers, and even work for mixing small amounts of finger paints. Save a large stack and donate them to a school (with an explanation, of course).

* Grocery shopping time? Remember that freezers run more efficiently when kept full and stock up appropriately.

* Unplug that spare TV in the guest bedroom. It's munching happily on electricity even though it is 'turned off.'

* This afternoon is a good time to make sure that rain gutters are actually draining to a place where the water will do some good - a garden, a barrel, a pond.

* When preheating the oven, set a timer for 10-15 minutes, then check to see if it's ready. Many ovens come up to temperature rapidly, especially if they're well-insulated.

* Wash and save glass jars. Use them to store bulk purchases of beans and rice. They're reusable and they seal perfectly for pantry use.

* Check your tires this weekend to make sure they're inflated properly. We'll try to remind you once a month.

* Choose reusable gift bags instead of wrapping paper. When gifts are opened, gather the bags back up, press lightly with hands and store flat. If you're careful with tape (or use raffia to tie on cards), they can be reused many times.

 

* Keep plastic jugs on hand (washed and stored) for use as watering cans and garden trash collectors.

* Here's a good reason to wash and dry old drinking straws: Use them to keep chain necklaces untangled. Simply string the necklace through the straw and fasten the clasp.

* Do you get styrofoam popcorn in packages? Augh! What to do with it.. Easy. Check with your local businesses that manufacture things and ship them - see if you can give that styrofoam stuff to them!

* Quite often, nice companies will send us stacks of return address stickers. If they're accurate (right name, right address), use the labels to mark your personal property instead of throwing them out. Stick them inside appliances and electronics where they're not likely to be seen (but not on power sources or where they'll interfere with the workings).

* If you're giving the dishwasher the night off, rinse dishes in a pan of hot water instead of running the faucet to rinse each one.

* Save 'holy' pantyhose instead of tossing in the trash. Instead, wash them and save them for tying up small tree branches and fragile plants in your garden.

* Look under your kitchen sink - not for old cleaning products but to make sure there are no leaks. Today's microhint takes no work unless you see water seeping out of a joint. If you do, get it fixed.

* Clean out two dresser drawers straight into Goodwill or Freecycle. Recycling based on kindness may not save you energy on your monthly bill, but kindness credits add up, too.

* Invent a game that rewards kids for recycling and turning off light switches. How about one where the kid who recycles the most cans gets to pick one of several low-energy weekend family outings, like a biking picnic or a trip to a public swimming pool?

* Some cans can't be recycled but that doesn't mean you can't use them over. Use them to give garden seedlings a start; just don't forget to poke the proper drainage holes in them.

 

* Unplug your television. Nothing cultural, but it eats electricity even when turned off.

* Join your local Freecycle group. Before you toss something, see if someone else needs it. I've been able to freecycle everything from cookbooks to car parts, and it feels great to be able to give away what I no longer need.

* Replace that kitchen faucet nozzle with a lo-flow version and the savings start immediately.

* Sidewalks do not grow, no matter how much you water them. Are you doing so by accident though? This might be a good time to go check.

* Do you know how to water your lawn? Find out how to judge what is enough, what's too much, what's too little. The results may surprise you.

* No net shopping bags yet? If you must choose between paper and plastic, go paper. Plain brown paper wrapping can be adorned with festive stamps and raffia bows. Save your bags by loosening the glue seams and stretching out flat, then rolling them around those gift wrap tubes you kept from last year.

* Do you have a fireplace? Make logs out of newspapers instead of ditching them (Make sure to keep a watch on your chimney for build-up.)

* Turn your post-dinner nap into a dishwashing venture. Odds are good that you'll use less hot water than an automatic dishwasher, plus standing up will help your digestion.

* Start a grocery carpool. Lots of people ride-share to work and school, so why not for regular shopping trips too? Save the gas, share a ride.

* Unplug a clock... specifically that one in that room where nobody goes.

*Check the air pressure in your car tires this morning. Properly inflated tires save gas and last longer. Check when cool, before driving. Learn more about this.

* Make your furniture purchases from a 'green' company. Go Green with Stacks and Stacks
.

 

* Cover a window with heat control window film. Reflect 70% of summer heat and 99% of dangerous UV rays - and save money on your cooling bill. This package will cover five 24"x36" windows... plenty of progress to start seeing rapid results.

* Make iced tea in a sun tea jar. Save all that energy needed to heat the water - let the sun do the work for you!

* Wash clothes in cold-water friendly detergent and run only full washing machine loads. You'll save on the cost of heating the water and, in many cases, extend the life of the clothes themselves.

* Install motion sensors in bathrooms and kitchen. Energy costs add up through the little things.

Did This Help? 

Did we give you some good ideas?

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Leave Tracks Here, not on the Earth 

Take a moment and tell us what you're doing, or plan to do, whether you're planning small steps to go micro-green, or massive steps. Thanks!

CherylK wrote...

This is a wonderful lens on a very important topic. Love your presentation, too! I'm adding it as a featured lens on my Quest For A Greener Life lens and lensrolling it to my other green lenses, as well.

ReplyPosted July 07, 2009

totalhealth wrote...

great information and tips, there's no small or big things in helping our environment because everything that we do to help our environment counts.

ReplyPosted June 15, 2009

Robin_Forlonge_Patterson wrote...

Great work!

ReplyPosted March 11, 2009

2danet wrote...

It's a great lense! I can always use reminders on how to conserve. If I can do 10 small things then that can really help. Thanks for the great tips. We were not recycling at my work so I got them started on a program. It's crazy to think in this day and age that people still do not recycle. Check out my blog Best Digital hearing aids

ReplyPosted February 24, 2009

starsam wrote...

Your lens would be a great addition to the 'Solar Technology and Solar Energy' Group
( http://www.squidoo.com/groups/solar )
Feel free to add it anytime!

ReplyPosted February 16, 2009

K_Linda wrote...

Excellent lens, so full of great tips and info! A great reminder to do more than I am doing now.

ReplyPosted November 25, 2008

K_Linda wrote...

Excellent lens, so full of great tips and info! A great reminder to do more than I am doing now.

ReplyPosted November 25, 2008

Lensmaster

The information in the lens is good and also impressive. The lens has got its own importance in this category. Thumbs up to your lens.And the quotation is great.
Feel free to visit my a href="http://pressurewashsearch.com/">the pressurewashsearch blog

ReplyPosted October 15, 2008

Lensmaster

Nice lens.This can bring the awareness regarding pollution and the quote in the begining of the lens is attention drawind and even it is true.Thanks for the info.
Checkout my bad credit blog

ReplyPosted September 01, 2008

hirohurl wrote...

I liked the styrofoam popcorn tip! Actually, I already recycle the stuff by using it in packages I sent out to my customers! I wonder what they do with it... Perhaps I should send them the url of this lens!

David Hurley
Internet Marketing Strategies

ReplyPosted August 28, 2008

Lensmaster

Hi, The lens is very informative ans also inspiring.I will tell my friends to have a look at this lens.
Checkout my blog nursing home blog

ReplyPosted August 25, 2008

Lensmaster

The lens is good and informative as well.It is even very inspiring.
Checkout my blog bad credit blog

ReplyPosted August 25, 2008

aj2008 wrote...

This is a great lens by someone after my own heart! 5*s and favourited.

ReplyPosted August 12, 2008

rose08 wrote...

Love your banner and the water drop! Very elegant. Being greener, being healthier. Thanks for sharing your experiences and amazing tips with great resources on this well organized lens. Here I would like to share with you a similar informative site about barns buildings along with plenty of portable buildings stuff.
Enjoy the gardening time.

ReplyPosted August 06, 2008

rose08 wrote...

Love your banner and the water drop! Very elegant. Being greener, being healthier. Thanks for sharing your experiences and amazing tips with great resources on this well organized lens. Here I would like to share with you a similar informative site about barns buildings along with plenty of portable buildings stuff.
Enjoy the gardening time.

ReplyPosted August 06, 2008

 
1 of 5 pages

by Caseyfern

M K (Casey) van Bronkhorst





Few of us recycle and go green as much as possible, but all of us should try. I take my own tiny steps and encourage you to do what you can as wel... (more)
Create a Lens!