Good afternoon everyone. I was just looking out my window at Raleigh, turned snow globe and thinking is it Spring yet? Winter gets a bad rap but it is totally necessary as the reset for so many things on our planet. As I look forward to spring I wanted to give a short list of ways you can be as green as the landscape come Spring!
1. Air Dry: Washing clothes is a chore that we all partake in. Washing and drying clothes takes up electricity and water. I suggest that you use a tried and true method to dry your clothes by using clothes line. Not only will you be saving money but you may be surprised by the nice clean scent you have from the outdoors.
2. Gardening: A great way to be a little more green is to plant something green! I know cheesy play on words. Seriously though, by planting your own fruits and vegetables. You can save not only money but the planet as well. If you have your own garden then you will know exactly what is going onto your table. Did you know that the average meal has traveled 1,500 miles to get to your plate? (http://www.cuesa.org/learn/how-far-does-your-food-travel-get-your-plate) Think of how much fuel, pollution, and time this takes. All of these resources can be preserved if we had our own garden. Gardening can be a rewarding hobby, as well as a great teaching tool for families. A friend of mine once told me, “aint nothing like a home grown tomato.” I think there is wisdom in this statement. Please ask if you have any questions on how to start a garden!
3. Composting: This can be a great way to get rid of table scraps as well as yard waste. It can also be of great use in your garden. Composting creates dynamic soil. The health of the soil will determine just how successful your fruits and vegetables will be.
- Mix dry browns ( hay, straw, small branches, dead grass, leaves) with wet greens ( kitchen scraps, and fresh grass clippings)
- Keep it moving: You will want to mix it up from time to time, weekly. This allows air to work with your compost and it will breakdown quicker. You may even want to invest in a tumbler. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lifetime-65-gal-Compost-Tumbler-60028/202963958
- Keep it wet but not too wet. You want it to be the same consistency as a damp sponge. This creates the ideal environment for the bacteria to breakdown the materials.
4. Turn off the light!
5. Think before you Buy: Before your next purchase ask yourself a couple of question. Will I use this enough to justify the purchase of the item? Can I use it in multiple settings? How long will it last me? Is it timeless? Is it a fad? These questions have helped me tremendously in cutting down on my consumerism. Another stipulation that I have placed on myself is that I have to donate an item if I plan on getting something new. For example If I buy a pair of shoes I have to donate a pair that I currently have. This not only keeps me in check but it also helps others.
These are just a couple of things that you can do to help make our world a better place. I like to periodically ask myself the following, ” Am I leaving the world in a better place for future generations?”
I want to leave you all with one of my favorite quotes, ” Live simply so other may simply live.” Gandhi
Think on the complexities of this simple statement, I know I am still pondering it.
Nunc Coepi 