I am passionate about the environment so I started a PODCAST with tips for living a more sustainable life! Check it out... Climate Hacks Pod website. Enjoy!
If I could snap my fingers, I would be living in a sustainable community where everyone shared living spaces, the land, and the work involved with living off the grid. We'd have gardens, animals, and support each other spiritually and emotionally. I know places like this exist, but I also know that most people in our country are not interested in this type of lifestyle.
Personally, I have not (yet) seeked out this type of lifestyle because I felt an obligation to raise my kids in the mainstream, then let them choose their own path. I have shown them, by example, how to live in mainstream society but still be aware of how they can reduce their carbon footprint.
Looking back, I know I could have done more...but I wasn't even aware that I felt so strongly about these matters until only a few years ago.
Now, my kids are in college and I plan to make adjustments in my life to honor the values I have regarding respecting the earth.
Personally, I have not (yet) seeked out this type of lifestyle because I felt an obligation to raise my kids in the mainstream, then let them choose their own path. I have shown them, by example, how to live in mainstream society but still be aware of how they can reduce their carbon footprint.
Looking back, I know I could have done more...but I wasn't even aware that I felt so strongly about these matters until only a few years ago.
Now, my kids are in college and I plan to make adjustments in my life to honor the values I have regarding respecting the earth.
On this page I'll try to provide some links and resources as I come across them.
For example...
Mother Nature Network has some great information about ways to save the planet.
For example...
Mother Nature Network has some great information about ways to save the planet.
Clothing: 5 reasons why I shop at the thrift store instead of the mall
1. It reminds me of my mom. When I was a kid, my mom took us to the thrift store because we couldn't afford to buy new clothes at the mall. It was normal...and I never felt "less than" or different. The clothes were not worn out or tattered! They looked new or close to it...so it wasn't like I was walking around in rags. Now, as an adult, I can afford to purchase new clothes if I so choose, and on occasion I do (especially shoes and underwear LOL) but I still purchase most of my clothing from the thrift store. It is therpeutic and it brings back memories of spending time with my mom, who passed away when I was 20.
2. To save money
I can get a pile of clothes for a fraction of the cost of new. The thrift store in my community, called Savers, has 50% off on every holiday, so I save even more! TIP: Be prepared for crowds! Wear a tank top or camisol and try things on in the aisles just in case there's a long line at the dressing rooms.
3. It's good for the environment
This website explains the environmental impact of fabrics better than I can.
4. Benefits the community
Savers helps more than 120 nonprofit organizations by paying them for donated goods.
Goodwill:
5. I can change my wardrobe on a whim
I change my clothes with my mood. Sometimes I'm into black, sometimes into color, patterns, neutrals...no matter! When I spend $2-$4 on one item, it's easy to change my mind about what I want to wear! And when I'm tired of something, as long as it's still in good shape, I'll donate it back!
1. It reminds me of my mom. When I was a kid, my mom took us to the thrift store because we couldn't afford to buy new clothes at the mall. It was normal...and I never felt "less than" or different. The clothes were not worn out or tattered! They looked new or close to it...so it wasn't like I was walking around in rags. Now, as an adult, I can afford to purchase new clothes if I so choose, and on occasion I do (especially shoes and underwear LOL) but I still purchase most of my clothing from the thrift store. It is therpeutic and it brings back memories of spending time with my mom, who passed away when I was 20.
2. To save money
I can get a pile of clothes for a fraction of the cost of new. The thrift store in my community, called Savers, has 50% off on every holiday, so I save even more! TIP: Be prepared for crowds! Wear a tank top or camisol and try things on in the aisles just in case there's a long line at the dressing rooms.
3. It's good for the environment
This website explains the environmental impact of fabrics better than I can.
4. Benefits the community
Savers helps more than 120 nonprofit organizations by paying them for donated goods.
Goodwill:
- placed more than 312,000 people into employment
- 42,000 people engaged more than 42,000 people with local Goodwill organizations to earn a credential enabling them to increase their collective lifetime earnings by more than$14.2 billion
- Nearly 2 million people received Goodwill services in-person to build their career and financial assets
- More than 35 million people used computers and mobile devices to access Goodwill training virtually
5. I can change my wardrobe on a whim
I change my clothes with my mood. Sometimes I'm into black, sometimes into color, patterns, neutrals...no matter! When I spend $2-$4 on one item, it's easy to change my mind about what I want to wear! And when I'm tired of something, as long as it's still in good shape, I'll donate it back!
5 tips for reducing Food Waste
The average American family of four wastes anywhere from $500 to $2000 a year on food. That discarded food is a waste of precious resources, water, land, and oil. And when food makes its way to the landfill, it emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas. There are plenty of facts out there about how much food we waste, where it goes, and the harm it is causing to the environment. TAKE ACTION!
Here are 5 things you can do reduce the amount of food you waste:
1. Plan ahead when food shopping
Figure out what you'll make, how much you need, and how you can reuse leftovers. And, DON'T SHOP WHEN YOUR HUNGRY!
2. Shop at the farmer's market if possible!
Local fruits and vegetables travel less, so less resources are sued to get them here. They are also not subjected to rough transportation, handling, or interrupted cooling, so less are wasted in transit.
3. Don't be tempted to buy in bulk unless you plan to use it all or freeze it. Consider shopping with a friend or neighbor so you can save money without wasting that extra food.
4. Eat leftovers
And not only leftovers from your own meals, leftovers from restaurants! When I go out to eat, I often find that the portion is way too large for me. So, I enjoy half, then pack the remainder in my own container that I brought with me, and have the rest for lunch the following day. This not only saves money, but might have the bonus effect of loosing a few pounds!
5. If you are a gardener and find yourself swamped with tomatoes, zucchini and lettuce, consider donating to your local food pantry or soup kitchen. Visit AmpleHarvest.Org to locate a food pantry near you.
For more tips on reducing food waste, click here.
The average American family of four wastes anywhere from $500 to $2000 a year on food. That discarded food is a waste of precious resources, water, land, and oil. And when food makes its way to the landfill, it emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas. There are plenty of facts out there about how much food we waste, where it goes, and the harm it is causing to the environment. TAKE ACTION!
Here are 5 things you can do reduce the amount of food you waste:
1. Plan ahead when food shopping
Figure out what you'll make, how much you need, and how you can reuse leftovers. And, DON'T SHOP WHEN YOUR HUNGRY!
2. Shop at the farmer's market if possible!
Local fruits and vegetables travel less, so less resources are sued to get them here. They are also not subjected to rough transportation, handling, or interrupted cooling, so less are wasted in transit.
3. Don't be tempted to buy in bulk unless you plan to use it all or freeze it. Consider shopping with a friend or neighbor so you can save money without wasting that extra food.
4. Eat leftovers
And not only leftovers from your own meals, leftovers from restaurants! When I go out to eat, I often find that the portion is way too large for me. So, I enjoy half, then pack the remainder in my own container that I brought with me, and have the rest for lunch the following day. This not only saves money, but might have the bonus effect of loosing a few pounds!
5. If you are a gardener and find yourself swamped with tomatoes, zucchini and lettuce, consider donating to your local food pantry or soup kitchen. Visit AmpleHarvest.Org to locate a food pantry near you.
For more tips on reducing food waste, click here.
Upcoming topics
All day, we use products that are harmful to the environment and ourselves and do things that have a detrimental effect on nature. I hope to educate readers about these products and activities, and offer alternatives. Even if I reach one person who might change ONE habit, it will be worth it.
I brainstormed things I'd like to research and then share.This list was compiled as I think about one day in the life of a typical, middle class American. I'm sure there are plenty of other things that can be done, but I'll start here and see how it goes. Thanks for reading!
Morning
tooth paste, tooth brush, floss, toilet paper, soap, shampoo & conditioner, other hair products, cosmetics, shaving supplies, deodorant, moisturizer, perfume, tissues, nail polish, vitamins, coffee, tea
Daytime
driving/commuting (cycle, walk, public transportation, carpool, combine errands,
laundry products
Cleaning products
washing dishes/dishwasher
clothing
electronics
furniture
shoes
paper
paper towels
napkins
sponges
pillows
mattresses
Pets and pet products
Trash
Water
Nail polish
Holidays (wrapping paper, gifts, greeting cards, lights, christmas trees)
Shopping bags (paper, plastic, cloth)
Party goods (decorations, plastic toys/goodie bags, plastic table cloths)
Liquor
Sun screen
Air Fresheners
Energy
wind, solar, electricity, oil, gas coal
Food
food waste (composting, shopping smartly, leftovers, etc.)
food packaging
straws
paper/styrofoam plates
single use water bottles
Chocolate
Meat
chicken
pork
fish
Pharmaceuticals
Baby Stuff
diapers
stuffed animals
Other topics
the ocean
recycling (recycling symbols, methods, impact, etc)
paper
global warming
landfills
I brainstormed things I'd like to research and then share.This list was compiled as I think about one day in the life of a typical, middle class American. I'm sure there are plenty of other things that can be done, but I'll start here and see how it goes. Thanks for reading!
Morning
tooth paste, tooth brush, floss, toilet paper, soap, shampoo & conditioner, other hair products, cosmetics, shaving supplies, deodorant, moisturizer, perfume, tissues, nail polish, vitamins, coffee, tea
Daytime
driving/commuting (cycle, walk, public transportation, carpool, combine errands,
laundry products
Cleaning products
washing dishes/dishwasher
clothing
electronics
furniture
shoes
paper
paper towels
napkins
sponges
pillows
mattresses
Pets and pet products
Trash
Water
Nail polish
Holidays (wrapping paper, gifts, greeting cards, lights, christmas trees)
Shopping bags (paper, plastic, cloth)
Party goods (decorations, plastic toys/goodie bags, plastic table cloths)
Liquor
Sun screen
Air Fresheners
Energy
wind, solar, electricity, oil, gas coal
Food
food waste (composting, shopping smartly, leftovers, etc.)
food packaging
straws
paper/styrofoam plates
single use water bottles
Chocolate
Meat
chicken
pork
fish
Pharmaceuticals
Baby Stuff
diapers
stuffed animals
Other topics
the ocean
recycling (recycling symbols, methods, impact, etc)
paper
global warming
landfills