Thursday, April 17, 2008

Going green

Fake Quote of the Day:
"Actually, it's not all that difficult being green." - K.T.Frog
I am not what you would call an environmental wacko. I actually believe the people who say that global warming is a crock. BUT, I also believe that when God put humans on this earth, He charged them with taking care of it. Check out Genesis 1:28 if you don't believe me.

Anyway, over the years, our method of stewardship of the planet as a couple has developed. We have used compact fluorescent bulbs since long before they were cool. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to find an incandescent around here. Even our nightlights are energy-saving.

We insulate everything. If there's a gap, we'll fill it. If there's a breeze, we'll stop it. We are relentless.

We don't turn on the electric heat or the air conditioning until we really can't stand it any more. I will let the house get below 65 before I go around turning on the heat.

We throw our kitchen waste out in the field, either for scavengers or to decompose. It doesn't go in the landfill. Sometime this spring, I want to learn how to compost it.

Likewise with our paper trash, which we burn. I'm planning to start separating the corrugated for recycling, but we don't have a recycling center nearby, so it might stack up for a while.

We have several appliances which would otherwise be drawing power on a switched outlet. When we need them, we switch them on. Otherwise, they remain dormant and don't use electricity.

We donate all our used clothing to Goodwill or similar organizations. I think everyone should recycle their clothing, especially since then I would have a better selection to choose from!

When a rechargeable device dies, I find a place that will recycle the battery. I recycle my old printer cartridges, too.

And I joked with Hubby yesterday that we shouldn't cut the lawn this spring. After all, we'd be using gas to do it, and it would have to be done constantly to stay looking good. What's the point? And what could be greener than an uncut lawn?

We're even discussing the idea of getting a windmill. There's almost always a breeze where we live, and how great would it be to generate our own electricity?

So there you have it. And I'm always looking for simple things to add to my routine. I didn't start doing all this at once. But every little bit helps! What do you do to be green?

1 comment:

  1. We used to do a lot more when we lived in the country - similar to you but now that we are in the burbs its not that easy....

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