Green is the new Black

I said it’s 2011 so let’s be real. It’s virtually impossible to live with zero environmental impact nowadays.  But when I read through the stats, it got me thinking…during the times when the world was young and we did not have the technology we had today, our ancestors survived. I’m not saying you should go find yourself a forest, quit your job and live a la caveman, but tiny things you can start now can prolong Earth’s life to…i don’t know…last long enough for your grandchildren’s grandchildren.

1. Bring your own mug to the coffee shop. - Ditch the cute papercups and enjoy your drink in your own mug. Or save money and just make your own coffee at home and sit by the front porch.

2. Build an Herb Garden. – plant and grow instead of buying. You can start by setting up your herb garden with small pots and a few different herbs such as basil, chili, oregano, mint and the likes. Save a trip to the grocery, save on gas (you have no idea how much is spent in getting these stuff to the stores), and a little money too.

3. Use your MOB (my own bag). – help reduce the production of plastic bags by bringing your own MOB or using them to store or carry things. Besides, they’re much sturdy, stronger and hold more than your regular plastic bag. They’re reusable, obviously, and washable too. The idea is so smart, the person responsible for it should be thanked with a life-size monument.

4. Airdry - skip the dryer and save energy consumption by airdrying clothes. take advantage of a good weather when the sun is up. use the clothesline and your laundry should be dry in two hours or so. If the load ain’t too much, you might want to consider hadwashing as well.

5.  See the light - Use natural lighting as home as often as you can and save on energy. You can cut down on your utility bills, too. (just a thought…candles in cute holders that line the garden look way nicer than that flourescent bulb attached to the gate post).

6. Power Down – During cold nights, opt for a fan instead of turning up the air-conditioning unit. Or you can open a window and let the cool breeze hum you to sleep. Be aware of the time it takes your phone to fully charge. Remember that appliances still consume 25% energy when they are plugged, even if they’re not in use.

7. Watering Hole – fix that dipping faucet or a leaky toilet and the unused water can go to people in that part of the world where there is none.  Shower smart. By that I mean, shower fast and sing later. Soap, soap, soap, rinse, rinse, rinse and that means a wad of money and energy saved.

8. Setup a Rain Barrel – When it pours, open a drum to catch the rainfall. Okay, don’t roll your eyes. You can use it later to water the plants or clean the garage, instead of using fresh water from the faucet. Neat, huh.

9. Smoke Vapor. – If you can’t stop from lighting a cigarette, cut it down by using e-Cigs instead. This smart smoker’s gadget has nothing in it but water vapor, yet gives you the feel of a real stick. Find out more online.

10. Choose to Reuse. – I cleaned out my underwear closet and I found out I had a lot of bacon undies that were no longer wearable. Instead of throwing them away, I asked our househelp to cut the hems, saw them together and turn them into small rugs she can use in cleaning. Okay don’t laugh. At least they’re no longer useless now. Do the same for old shirts!

Accept the challenge and go green. It’s not so hard to do, ya know

Advertisement

---