Comments on: Green Resolutions for the Year

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:23:05 +0000

SkylarKD, some great points, I need to improve in the cloth/paper area.

By: SkylarKD

SkylarKD — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:36:24 +0000

We also use cloth napkins and rags instead of paper napkins, and when my daughter was in diapers we used cloth wipes for all except the really messy diapers (which also saved a lot of money!).

We’re trying to be more conscious of buying things with less plastic packaging, bringing cloth bags to stores and only using produce bags when necessary. We also shop at local farmer’s markets, use CFL lightbulbs and try to use recyclables and things destined for the garbage bin for kid’s craft projects.

We use a backyard composter for food scraps, which really cuts down on our garbage, and we’ve been cutting down on the amount of wrapping paper we use at Christmas, using gift bags, fabric and homemade gift wrap (kid’s art on recyclable plain newsprint).

There’s so much more that can be done, but baby steps make a difference! Good luck!

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:01:55 +0000

Amanda, WOW, 2 rolls of paper towels for the year?? I’m impressed.

Amy, love the use of vinegar, I have been doing the same. I’m also looking for some nice stainless steel water containers to replace bottled water on trips and hikes.

Thanks for the suggestions.

By: 'Becca

'Becca — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:39:42 +0000

Look for ways to use whatever comes your way. In addition to switching to cloth towels for most purposes like Amanda, you can fill some of your paper-towel needs by saving any extra paper napkins you get in restaurants, etc.; just stick them in a little box or basket until needed. I get a lot of useful stuff from junkmail: Paper that’s blank on one side can be used for shopping lists, phone messages, kid’s drawing, etc. Envelopes are good for storing small things. Return-address stickers (when I have more than I need for mail) can be looped to stick things, instead of tape. Larger stickers are excellent for removing lint from clothes!

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:10:11 +0000

WOW Amanda, that’s pretty incredible! Two rolls of paper towels for the year?
As far as going green is concerned, I try to make my own laundry soap, (recipe on my blog, under laundry quandry) to cut back on the amount of plastic bottles I throw into the trash. I also make my own cleaner. Vinegar is the king for all kinds of green uses, and it’s SOOOOO cheap! (again, check out uses on my blog!)
Good luck to you!!!

By: Amanda

Amanda — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 02:30:17 +0000

One thing that has been both frugal and green for my family is switching from paper towels to hand towels. We only use paper towels for blotting sausage or bacon, but even with that I only bought 2 rolls for our entire family last year.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:46:37 +0000

Heather, I love my reusable totes, especially the ones with long handles that I can carry over the shoulder instead of by hand.

Rachel R, that’s the key, having steps that are maintainable for the long-term.

Thanks for the comments.

By: Rachel R.

Rachel R. — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:50:47 +0000

Love your effective use of baby steps!

By: Heather @ Green Baby Green Mama

Heather @ Green Baby Green Mama — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:22:52 +0000

Don’t forget to use a reusable tote!