Sustainability Made Simple Series: Part 3B
Posted by Michelle Moquin on 12th October 2009
So how’s it going so far? Have you been able to incorporate some of the things that I have written about into your lives? I hope so. It really can be pretty simple with a little effort yes? Ya know, it’s kind of like flossing, once you get into it, it becomes habit and you don’t really think about it anymore. Of course, for those of you still trying to make flossing a habit, this may be a bit more challenging. Fortunately, you not making a habit of flossing doesn’t affect any one but you. Unfortunately, not making a habit of some of these sustainable suggestions not only affects you but the rest of the world too. If you can’t do it for yourself, do it for the world. Okay. Enough said. Here’s the final post Sustainability Made Simple Series, and the continuation of At Home:
And as a final reminder, once again, there are several categories and each has three steps, progressing from the simplest to the most complex.
Insulation:
- Conduct a home energy audit. You can do it yourself online. Companies is some areas will conduct a free at-home audit; check your local listings.
- Replace any single-paned windows with double-paned models.
- Install modern, effective insulation in your home.
Electronics and Appliances:
- Turn off all electronics including TVs and computer when not in use.
- Unplug or shut off everything using power strips - many electronics consume standby power when they are turned off but still plugged in.
- Purchase Energy Star appliances.
I am always so surprised when I walk into someone’s house and the television is blaring but no one is watching it. To me there is so much noise in this world, I love the opportunity for quiet. Silence is golden.
We use very little light in out house so many lighting fixtures are left unplugged until they need to be used. Now that it is fall and the light is disappearing quicker, warm up your house with candles. They are great for picking up your mood and not only does everyone look better in candlelight but it is more romantic, even if it’s just you hanging out solo :)
Water Conservation
- Reduce the amount you water your lawn and gardens. Water in the evening and early mornings to reduce evaporation.
- Install low-flow toilets or place jugs filled with water in your toilet tanks to lower the water they use per flush.
- Install low-flow faucets and shower heads. – they can reduce water use by up to 50%.
Lawns are passé and not very pc these days. I know lots of friends who are giving up there lawns and opting for a rock garden which is much more low maintenance and eco-friendly, not to mention, zen. We have a very eco-friendly lawn, one that only needs to be moved a few times a year and uses less water, but I’m still not happy with it. We’re slowly letting it go.
We also had low-flow dual flush toilets installed a few years ago, and I love them. We even got most of it paid for by our utility company because they use less water. Something worth checking into in your area.
I have to admit though, I like my shower head and have resisted switching to a low-flow. Although to make up for it, I turn off my shower when soaping up and shaving. For those of you that don’t like to do that, getting a low-flow would be good. Speaking of….Doug are you living up to your pledge?
Hot Water Conservation:
Lowering your hot water use means lowering both your overall water use and your energy need
- Take shorter showers.
- Wash your clothes in warm or cold water only.
- Turn down your hot water heater to 120 degrees F and wrap it in a thermal blanket.
Taking shorter showers is always easier during the summer than the winter. And the old saying, ‘shower with a friend..’ yeah right….From my experience, showering with ‘a friend’ has never conserved water. The way to conserve it best is to turn it off.
Purchasing
- When you go shopping bring your own reusable bags.
- Buy eco-friendly products that contain no toxic chemicals, and are produced using sustainable methods.
- Evaluate your needs and cut down on unnecessary purchases. Donate or sell unneeded items, and buy used items from your friends and neighbors.
To me all three of these are easy. I still can’t believe how many people don’t bring there own bags when they go grocery shopping. I am appalled at people who leave the grocery store with armloads of those horrible plastic bags filled with food. It is just unacceptable these days.
Eco-friendly products are available everywhere and they aren’t much more expensive than the toxic ones. And they are so much better for the environment and your health.
And this last one is most important. We are a consumeristic society that has to have the latest and greatest. If we keep buying the latest, the companies will always develop more, and we’ll always get tempted to buy more. The shelf life of electronics is so short lived because of our demands. I’ve written about the precious minerals in the congo. Remember, our fingers are tapping daily on devices that contributes to the plight of so many women. Be a conscious, caring buyer.
There you have it again. What do ya think? Doable yes? Now…go out and do what you can. Thanks :)
**************
Hey Roy: Welcome to Earth! I hope that you have been enjoying yourself here. I am so curious after reading what you wrote about life on your planet. What is your government like? Do the men and women rule equally? Is there racism? Crime? Or does everyone love, live, and let live? Do you respect your environment and the plant and animal life? Are you able to traverse to all of the planets in your solar system and what are the inhabitants like on other planets? I know…lots of questions. Feel free to answer only those that you wish.
Hello Lloyd: Don’t you mean you are commenting again? Obviously you are always reading or you wouldn’t know that the aliens are back :)
Hi Ruth: I’m not sure what you found on the web but I’m looking forward to it. Try again please. It seems like you have your hands full but you seem to enjoy it. Big hugs to the little women.
Readers: It is the beginning of a new week – make it good whatever you’re doing.
Peace out.
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle
Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor
If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the ‘Donate’ button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my ‘Donate’ page)
Posted in Good Reads and Good See'ds, Health & Well Being, Long Live Planet Earth! | 9 Comments »


