Little Steps do Count When Trying to Be Eco-friendly

I feel very strongly that we are destroying our planet’s eco-systems by little things we do each day.  I also know there are some people, corporations, etc. that are destroying the planet in a much more obvious, big way.  There’s isn’t so much I can do about that, but I can change my own behavior.

Often life is hectic and there’s not enough time.  Frankly, this lack of time often leads to the problem.  We grab a plastic bottle of water on the go instead of filling up our reusable aluminum one at home.  Same for lunch – we grab something in horrible packaging instead of using reusable snack bags, etc.  We forget our canvas bags when shopping.  We know they’ll give us a plastic one when we get there if we forget.

Even as strongly as I do feel about saving the planet, so to say, I often fall into these same predicaments.  I’m famous for forgetting my canvas bag when I go shopping.  That is such an easy single thing to do, and I often forget.  I know I should keep one in the car.  But I forget to take it back out after I bring it in with the groceries.

I know there are a million excuses.  I use them all the time.  Then I try to convince other people to live greener lives and feel sort of like a hypocrite.  I really don’t think I’m better at any of this than anyone else.  I’m just really interested in it.  I know it’s important.  I do whatever I can, bit by bit.

What can we do?

For one, I am going to make an effort to remember my bag at the store.  I often refuse bags when I can make it without one.  I'll fill up your reusable water bottle the night before so I don't have to think about it in the morning when I'm rushing to get out the door.  (I'm actually not that bad about remember that!)

I know that every single tiny step we each individually take helps.  If I remember my canvas bag one more time than I did last month, that’s a few more plastic bags not making their way out into the world.  If I did it every time, obviously it would make an even bigger impact.

I am a believer in little steps added together make a big difference.  I also think that if you change your life too much too quickly, it probably won’t stick.  So start with small steps and get used to sticky to them consistently.

Maybe you need to start just by getting a recycle bin and figuring out your township’s recycling rules.  Maybe you already have that accomplished and are ready to move to the next step.

Just take one little step at a time.

The little things do matter!

There are, of course, many little things that you can do!  I’ll be sharing different ideas I come across in my journey toward becoming even more eco-friendly in my life.  I hope that they spark some ideas for you, too. 

Together we can start to turn this planet around.

Recycle and Reuse Your Clothes!

This month, I'm focusing on how to Recycle and Reuse old clothing.  

One way - and probably one of the major ways - that I reuse old clothing is to make it into jewelry.  I've been making cuffs, mainly out of old jeans, but also with some other clothes.  I've also made pins as well.

The cool thing about reusing clothing is that you can basically make anything you would out of any new fabric, because...it is fabric.  You may have to think a little more creatively because of a hole here or a stain there that you have to cut around.

Another major project that I do with old clothing is rag dolls.

You can refashion your old clothing into new DIY fashions:  Recycled Your Clothes Into New DIY Fashions (Lots of ideas there!)

I did a post about recycling clothing previously that has some great tips.

Here's a cute video about how some artists are reusing clothing, and how to make a plain t-shirt into a cuter shirt without sewing!

Even if you're not crafty or don't wish to make something from your worn out clothes, you can always donate clothing (even worn out clothing) to your local good will or salvation army.  They pass along worn clothes to other organizations who use them for rags, etc.  

Or you can make your own rags from your old clothes!

And, if you have worn out jeans and are in the Lancaster, PA area - I'm always looking for denim!

Next week, look for another post about reusing and recycling clothing!

10 Simple Ways to Save the Earth

Today is Earth Day, but each day we can make a small difference to the earth. There are so many very simple ways to make a difference. When we all make little changes, it can really have a big impact.

Here is a list of how to make small changes to be more eco-friendly. There are so many other things you can do....and I encourage everyone to leave comments here with even more ideas.

Here are a few of my ideas:

10 Simple Ways to Save the Earth:

1. Recycle. So obvious and so simple, but not everyone does it. To make this easy on yourself and family, put a recycling can right next to your garbage can. It's just as easy to recycle as it is to throw it in the garbage this way!

2. Use cloth napkins. Either make your own by using this cloth napkin tutorial, or head out to your local thrift shop and find some. Think of all the paper napkins you throw away.

3. Use reusable water bottles instead of the individual disposable water bottles. This will also save you tons of money, too. You can get a filter for your tap water if you need to.

4. Use reusable canvas bags at the grocery store or market. You know you have extra bags around, but if you don't, you can usually purchase a canvas bag at the grocery store for about $1. My grocery store discounts my bill by 3 cents for each canvas bag I use at each visit, too, so they may be paid off by now.

5. Do not throw away things that still have good use, instead donate them to Salvation Army or Good Will. I didn't even know you were "allowed" to throw away clothes until I saw some in a dumpster once. It is so ingrained into my head.

They take other things like knick knacks, kitchen utensils, games, videos, furniture, books, etc. Or, you can contact me if you are looking to get rid of clothes, board games (especially Scrabble), old typewriters, etc..... :)

6. Reuse your "oops" printouts from the computer to print on the back, or any old paper you are thinking about throwing out to use as scrap paper. Or you can make pretty little notebooks with them.

7. Walk or ride your bike as much as possible for short trips.

8. Start a community garden. My friends did this.

9. Buy organic food. Organically grown/raised food hasn't had the pesticides and hormones that other foods do.

10. Just think about everything you use and throw away and think about how to not be so disposable. (i.e. paper napkins, paper cups, paper plates, bottles of water, etc.)