Our planet is a beautiful gift, filled abundantly with all the good things we need to live. However, all these good resources are limited. Consider these 10 simple things you can do to keep the Earth a healthy place for future generations.
1.Recycle
Some municipalities are making recycling a community effort by offering recycling pick up services. Look up your city website for information, or turn in the phone book for a recycling center you can make arrangements with. Sometimes you can even get a little cash for your cans. Whenever you see plastic, metal, glass, foam, or paper products, think RECYCLE!
2.Use It Again
Even recycling costs energy and resources are lost in the process. By reusing things before recycling or disposing of them, you can make every bit count. Reuse jars, plastic containers, bags, paper, and other “disposables.” Use washable dishes instead of plastic. If you have to go with something disposable, choose paper, it decomposes faster and cleaner than plastic or foam.
3.Less Is More
Use less water by running the washing machine or dishwasher with full loads, taking shorter showers, and choosing lawn plants that are satisfied with the natural precipitation of the area or by watering in the cool of the day and making sure you are not watering the plants, not the pavement. Use less energy by turning off unnecessary lights, choosing to put on a sweater and socks instead of turning up the heater, and using your ceiling fans. Talk with your family and friends about ways you can conserve precious resources.
4.Cloth Diapers
Thousands of moms are realizing the great benefits of using cloth diapers on their little ones. Cloth diapers are safe for baby, feel more comfortable (imagine if YOU had to wear paper undies!), and are utterly stylish. Checkout
www.diaperpin.com for more information on cloth diapering. If you have a washing machine, it is incredibly easy and more convenient than buying disposables.
5.Cloth Periods
Some women are discovering that using cloth pads or other reusable items like sea sponge or The Keeper cup make their periods more comfortable as well as better for the environment. Like cloth diapers, reusable menstrual care items are the way it was done for thousands of years before society got addicted to throwing things away. Comfort and health are benefits you also enjoy -especially when you need that extra pampering.
6.Eat Organic
Splurge on fresh organic produce, and treat yourself and your family to the healthy luxury of organic diary. You will find it worth the slightly higher price. Look for organic produce co-ops, local farms, and stores that carry this natural alternative. It's good for the planet, the animals, and your body. Enjoy how food was meant to taste.
7.All Natural
Clean house with natural solutions. Health food stores carry safe dish and laundry detergents that don't poison our water. Try cleaning with vinegar or baking soda, it's so natural you can eat it. Use natural products on your body as well. Try natural toothpaste, skin, and hair products.
8.Love Used Items
With everything from used shoes to pre-owned vehicles, reusing things is good for the environment and the economy. Shop Salvation Army stores, or local charity thrift shops and rejoice that you are saving money, helping the planet, and helping people in your community. Don't forget Ebay for those used items, too. Sell or donate your unwanted items. Don't throw away something that is still useful.
9.Clean Clothes
Natural fibers are better for the Earth because they are a renewable resource and they are always more biodegradable. Of course they are also healthier for people. However, conventionally grown cotton is toxic. Known carcinogens are used as pesticide for cotton crops. Look for organic cotton, or choose wool, hemp and other healthy fibers for your clothes, shoes, sheets, rugs, etc.
10.Clean Cars
If you drive a diesel, try running it on vegetable oil. Rudolph Diesel ran his prototype engines on peanut oil. The oil needs to be preheated to lower its viscosity, but you can drive for almost free on used vegetable oil from a local restaurant. Check out
www.greasecar.com for conversion kits. You gas drivers out there be sure to make your next vehicle purchase a diesel, so you can be in on the healthy fuel.
About the author:
Lindsey Meier lives in Texas with the love of her life and their two children. Between diaper changing and dish-washing she enjoys writing, reading and art. Lindsey and her husband aim to live productively and purposefully but don't mind having a little fun along the way.
