Image: Its Future is in our Hands by aussiegal
You may have noticed when I
announced the launch of My Earth Mondays that I gave no end date. My Earth Monday is
forever.
Plus, it's not just tasks for us to complete. It's green gadgets, eco stories, and earthy photos I find to share with you to help raise awareness of the world around us.
The "My" part of the title is not just for me. I named it that way so you can all take ownership of this planet and to encourage you to feel you can take part.
This is why I'm so pleased at the comments and emails saying "okay, I'll try that too!" and "hey, have you done this?" Your participation means a lot.
This week, instead of a task, I'm sharing with you
the list of green things I already do. I've sent several replies to visitors saying "I already do that. Do you have any other suggestions?", so this should help if you want me to try something out that I've never done before. And maybe this list can give you ideas to add to
your list.
So, do you do any of this stuff already?
What is on your green list?
Here's my green list:
1. Use a programmable thermostat to automatically turn down the heat at night.
2. Compost.
3. Made all my bills electronic. (I tried to do my phone bill, but they still snail mail me my bill - must call them today.)
4. No smoking.
5. Use wind-up flashlights.
6. Use rechargeable batteries for digital camera.
7. Use cold water for laundry.
8. Use a natural laundry detergent.
9. Enforce a shoes-off-at-the-door policy.
10. Recycle everything that can be recycled.
11. Use reusable bags instead of plastic grocery bags.
12. Use towels at least 5 times before changing them.
13. Growing indoor plants.
14. Use
Method dishwashing liquid.
15. Use
Norwex cleaning cloths and water for everyday cleaning (diluted dishwashing liquid for heavier dirt).
16. Properly dispose of my used batteries at a local hazard waste depot.
17. "If it's yellow, let it mellow..."
18. Pick up litter when I spot it.
19. Continue to reuse our ugly fake Christmas Tree and reuse our favourite ornaments, instead of buying new Christmas decorations.
20. Have occasional "inside days" when we don't go out and spend money.
21. Drive a fuel efficient vehicle.
22. Own one vehicle for family use.
23. Live centrally where every convenience is in walking distance.
24. Xeriscaping the front yard.
That's all I can think of...Okay, now you!
Results of Last Week's My Earth Monday: Switch to Natural Bath Products...
My new favourite body wash is
Desert Essence Organics' Green Apple & Ginger Body Wash. It was not drying, lathered nicely, and had a scent that was vaguely reminiscent of the watered down martinis my friends and I used to down every Payday Friday in the late '90s. I should get harmzie or myrtle to smell my arm... maybe they'll recognize it! :)
They contain "NO parabens, NO Sodium Laurel/Laureth Sulfates, NO Phthalates, NO Artificial Fragrances or Colors, NO Silicones, NO EDTA, NO Glycols and NO Petroleum based ingredients". They are cruelty free and are completely biodegradable. Very nice.
$8.99 for a 237ml tube.
I LOVE my new hair products! I went to my local
VitaHealth market and bought the
Rejuvenating Shampoo and Conditioner by Green Beaver Company. I even used it on the kids when I gave them their bath last night. My (and the kids') hair is so bouncy! I am more than pleased. They were about $8.99 each for the 325ml bottles. It's not drugstore prices, but it's worth it... oh, and it's a Canadian company using wild and organic Canadian ingredients.