Posts Tagged ‘sustainability’

Summer Strategies for Greener Living

Saturday, July 23rd, 2011

So you want to green up your summer?!

Wouldn’t it be great to send the kids back to school, excited to tell their teachers about the changes they’ve made to lead a greener lifestyle? It’s not too late to make a difference; a difference that will stick with your kids and impact their life for the long haul. The best part is, none of these changes are difficult to make.

Take these proactive steps toward a more sustainable existence that you and your kids will feel good about!

1) Virtual Invites. Whether you’re throwing a birthday bash or summer celebration, skip the paper invitations and send out virtual invites instead. Evite is a great place to start with and sends out all the party information to your specified list of guests. Or, spread the word with Facebook or an email. Best of all, you can upload photos of your child, provide an online RSVP list and include directions.

2) Toss the Paper Products – For Good! Summer is a time when families tend to set the table with paper plates, cups and napkins for easy clean up. Instead, use lightweight plastic dishes designed for the summer. These plastic items are super light and easy to toss in the dishwasher, so you won’t mind collecting them from the table. Plus, they’re much prettier than paper plates and cups.

3) Cloth Napkins – Instead of using paper napkins with your plastic or ceramic dishes, choose cloth ones. Cloth napkins are much more absorbent, great for spills and can be tossed in the wash with the rest of the towels. Plus, you can buy napkins that match your tableware for added appeal. You’ll also love shaving money off your grocery bill each month by not having to buy disposable products.

4) Buy Locally. Locally grown produce is the new organic, so head to the local farmer’s market or find produce in your grocery store that comes from the US. Many people are hesitant to shop at farmer’s markets because of the added cost, but it’s well worth the few extra dollars. Let the kids help by choosing their own fruits and veggies to try.

5) Use Green Cleaning Products. With everyone coming in and out of the house all day long, it’s bound to get dirty. But instead of reaching for toxic cleaning products, clean with the basics such as vinegar and baking soda. You’ll be surprised how much money you’ll save and how clean the home will be without using harsh cleaning agents.

Image: flickr.com

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Stay Cool this Summer without Air Conditioning

Monday, June 27th, 2011

For many, the thought of summer equals heat. To keep comfortable, many people turn on their air conditioners and won’t turn them off until the end of the summer. Not only is this an unnecessary waste of energy, but indoor air quality relies on fresh air that comes from the outdoors.

Make it a goal to be less dependent on your air conditioning this summer. Instead, utilize the tools you already have at-hand. You will be making a difference in the environment, living a more sustainable lifestyle and also cut down the cost of your electric bill. What could be better?

For starters, see if there is a breeze outside and open up your windows to complement the motion of air. This will move fresh air throughout the home and the cool breeze will prompt your body to be comfortable.

Now may also be a great time to purchase awnings for the home. These can be made from a variety of materials and do an excellent job of blocking out the sun. Even better, retractable awnings provide a comfortable space for you and your family to relax.

Another great way to keep your home cool this summer is by using fans in each room. If you already have ceiling fans installed, make sure you run them on a regular basis. And don’t worry about the energy they use, as it’s a fraction of what running an air conditioner costs. If you don’t have ceiling fans, purchase inexpensive tabletop ones. Place them strategically around windows so they can pull air in and out of rooms.

Finally, utilize the shade that’s around your home. Of course, you can’t just plant trees and expect them to appear in a few days – or even a few years – but if you are one of the lucky ones that has a well-shaded area, enjoy the natural shade. Or, there may be some rooms in the home that are shielded from trees. You may even find that it’s more comfortable outdoors, in the shade, than it is indoors.

If you must run your air conditioner, limit its use and try relying on small, portable units instead. By taking this approach, you’ll be lowering your carbon footprint and getting one step closer to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Image c/o  inspirationbit.com

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