I am gradually getting green...one step at a time. So far:

- recycle paper, plastic, metal, etc.
- compost kitchen scraps, paper, garden waste, etc.
- 3/4 of light bulbs have been replaced with CFL's
- installed rain barrel for watering garden
- growing my own veggies this summer (Green? Saves green!)
- replaced gas guzzler with 4 cylinder car
- plan errands instead of running out several times (trying to limit myself to a $40/week gas budget-doing better than I thought)
- using cloth bags at the grocery store
- give away things I no longer need on Freecycle - love it!

The compost bin has been quite eye opening for me in several ways. In a typical week we would put out 2 trash bins - now we're down to 1. The compost process itself is actually quite interesting and contrary to what I thought it is NOT smelly - it has a very earthy odor. (I also thought that I would be all squeamish (and girly) about turning it but it isn't gross at all. The first time I went out in full combat gear! LOL - not necessary!) The coolest thing of all is that one neighbor has started a compost bin and another is depositing her kitchen scraps in my "holding bin" 2-3 times a week. She plans on starting one too! I built the bin (recycled materials - 4'x 4'x 3 1/2') about 5 weeks ago and at this rate I will have to build another very soon. Think about that.....just 2 familys' kitchen waste (+ leaves, etc.)can accumulate that much in such a short time. Obviously it's not feasible for everyone but if just 25% of the population did it..... By telling my neighbors, they are a little more conscious of their habits. It was not my intention to recruit anyone (glad I did though). I wasn't pushy - simply mentioned it because I was excited about it. No guilt - no pressure. Just do what you can.

Ok...one last ramble. Hopefully, since they are a "public" habit, cloth bags will do their part to raise awareness as well. I bought the bags because I saw others with them. Even if the effect is minimal, customers and workers/ cashiers notice the trend (many of whom are young-the next generation) and follow suit. Plastic bags are such a nuisance.

Thanks for listening!

Maureen

P.S. Last week my husband laughed and rolled his eyes when he saw me come home with a pitch fork for my compost..."So now you're the suburban farmer?". lol

Hubby just traded in his truck for a car, so he will be getting better gas mileage. I also combine errands, so I am not out and about constantly. (I do drive an SUV, which is paid off, so I won't get rid of it.)

I am starting to buy organic fruits and veggies, and will be planting late season tomatoes in the above mentioned lasagna bed.

I also use reusable bags when shopping, and stopped buying chemical cleaners. I use either vinegar, baking soda and borax or Mrs. Meyers. All work well!! Oh, and no more kitchen sponges. We use white cloths now, which go into the washer and are reused. Instead of drying, they go outside to dry.

Am looking into a rain barrel as well, to help water the plants.

I we all do a little bit, it will help. I know my kids(11,9) are more aware of things since I started making these small changes. Hopeully, they will continue to things like this as they get older.