How green are you?

[canelaajena]

Do you consider yourself an enviornmentalist? Why or why not? What do you do that is considered eco-friendly? If you don't have eco-friendly practices explain your reasons why.

[grocerymama]

I love the green movement. We do what we can. The only thing that really bothers me about it - is that big industrial companies are packaging up the idea and selling it back to the consumer.
I think going green means living more simply, buying local or trying to be sustainable.
What consumers have to realize that it still takes energy to mass produce some of the "green" items they are buying.

[ThatCrazyMom]

We do what we can but our area is so far behind the times, we're pretty limited.

I've been switching to CFL light bulbs. I use things like baking soda and vinegar to clean. I use cloth grocery bags. I drive as little as possible in a small car. I unplug appliances.

Unfortunately my trash service doesn't offer recycling. The closest recycling center is about 40 miles away and I don't have the storage space to make it worth the trip.

My little one is on a recycling kick lately, ever since they celebrated Earth Day at school. She has a bag of pop cans that I'm going to take her to cash in.

[yayamommy]

We recycle almost everything we can.  We are lucky to have recycling services with our trash service.   I guess I just assumed it was the same for everyone.  Shows how niave I can be, huh?  Well, I can't say that I am as green as I want --or even should --for that matter, but I am aware.  It's the first step right? 
I do try to teach Sophie conservation as much as possible and we participate in some of the bigger earthy things like the earth hour from Australia. 
Baby steps.  I am looking forward to switching to the other lightbulbs (when our cash flow is a little better) and I am interested in a hybrid car.  We'll get there. 

[grocerymama]

I think every little bit helps.
We did earth hour as well. It was a lot of fun. It was so quiet without all the buzz of electricity and we ate by candle light. I think we might just do a family earth hour once a month for fun!

[yayamommy]

I liked earth hour too!  We played checkers by the fire.  I'll be harder to do in the summer time because it stay light out for so long, I don't think it'll be as fun without the candles, but it is still nice to have quiet peaceful family time!

[Tara]

I just posted about this on my blog a little while ago:
http://www.twolinesonastick.com/2008/05/19/going-green-changes-for-a-healthier-lifestyle/

[grocerymama]

Great Post on your blog Tara, lots of helpful info and links!

[Tara]

Great Post on your blog Tara, lots of helpful info and links!

Thanks

[Jo Ann]

i am a big failure in this area (but I do have CFL bulbs, does that count?). i am reading your blogs and taking notes of ways to go green. i admire you all... this is now one my agenda as soon as i am out of this office.

[yayamommy]

OMG you are not a failure!  cancel cancel.  The cfl bubls totally count!  I'm impressed that you care enough to try new things.  I love that you are paying attention. 

I also LOVE your new picture on the sidebar.  Super cute Jo Ann!

[give-and-receive]

Hi Everyone,

You know, I'm ashamed to admit this but 5 years ago I wouldn't take 2 minutes to listen to anything about "being green" or "global warming"...I just didn't think it was really that important...but today, I'm a different person!

I owe it all to the movie "An Inconvenient Truth" ...I now see the seriousness of global warming and the need to help this wonderful planet we live on!

I am slowly implementing "green-ness" into my life and trying to teach my children the importance of it too.

Here is a great place to start,10 Simple Tips http://www.climatecrisis.net/pdf/10things.pdf It lists 10 simple ways to get started at very little cost and it is easy to understand...it also explains how these 10 simple steps can have a huge impact for the better if everyone would just start!

[Jo Ann]

OMG you are not a failure!  cancel cancel.  The cfl bubls totally count!  I'm impressed that you care enough to try new things.  I love that you are paying attention. 

I also LOVE your new picture on the sidebar.  Super cute Jo Ann!

thanks yayamommy! 

[SarahJewel]

I try to recycle almost everything I possibly can.  The CFL lightbulbs scare me (if they break, you're DOOMED) so I only have one on the porch for now.
I use my own canvas bags when shopping.
I try to save water.
We're also going to start our own mini-farm!  I want to be as close to 100% self-sufficient with our produce as possible.  I also want to raise a few cows for family consumption.

[grocerymama]

That's great SarahJewel. I wanted to get a few chickens for eggs. But my HOA says it's a no go. And my husband wasn't too keen on the idea either.
I'm not giving up though