Learning to go green (recycle, organic, plastic, biodegradable)

[driftwoodpoint]

I am just learning to go green. We have saved our cans for years but this year started finally sorting out my paper and cans and plastic. I now have a container I put old batteries in to take to a shop to recycle. I bought the cloth bags so I take those to the store now which I feel good about. I have lots of plastic sacks saved and I reuse those and whatever else I can think of.
I'm taking baby steps...what's next that I can do. I know I haven't changed my light bulbs yet...

[nessatar]

Start composting. You will be amazed at the difference in the amount of garbage you DON'T throw out every week.

[driftwoodpoint]

Does that smell???? I know my older Aunt does that and was surprised that I didn't do that. I do like the flowers in my yard and I guess I could use that.

[nessatar]

No, assuming you don't compost meat, dairy, or oily products. There are lots of books that can help you evaluate the pros and cons of different composting options (hot vs cold, open vs. closed containers etc.) And a lot will depend on where you live and how much space you have.

[riveree]

A few ideas :

*Grow a garden for your own organic veggies/fruit

*Collect rainwater in a rainbarrel

*Stop junkmail

*Switch to biodegradable soap, detergent, etc.

*Consider going vegetarian or making some diet changes for lower environmental impact

[Buckeye in SC]

Originally Posted by driftwoodpoint

I am just learning to go green. We have saved our cans for years but this year started finally sorting out my paper and cans and plastic. I now have a container I put old batteries in to take to a shop to recycle. I bought the cloth bags so I take those to the store now which I feel good about. I have lots of plastic sacks saved and I reuse those and whatever else I can think of.
I'm taking baby steps...what's next that I can do. I know I haven't changed my light bulbs yet...

First of all, welcome to the movement! It's great to hear people wanting to make changes that will help make the world a better place.

I saw in your profile you are a Christian, here is a link to a great book I read earlier this year (heard this guy on a podcast from Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids, MI) called Serve God, Save the Planet by Dr. Matthew Sleeth. This link offers 50 practical tips to get started - many you may already do. Check out the book if you get a chance, it was a huge eye opener for me.

Servegodsavetheplanet.org » Practical Tips to Get Started

Been to Oxford a few times - had a friend and cousin who went to Miami, nice little town!

[nessatar]

Originally Posted by riveree

A few ideas :

*Grow a garden for your own organic veggies/fruit

*Collect rainwater in a rainbarrel

*Stop junkmail

*Switch to biodegradable soap, detergent, etc.

*Consider going vegetarian or making some diet changes for lower environmental impact

I wholeheartedly second the vegetarian diet. It is crazy how many resources it takes to raise meat. We did the veg. thing for a year and my husband couldn't take it anymore! Now we do meat 3-4 days per week and veg. the rest. And on the days we do meat, it is not the main portion of the meal.

This week, we bought one whole chicken, 2 pounds of ground beef, and one salmon fillet and that is 5 meals for us (a family of 6). I'd rather not do any meat, but I am satisfied with our compromise (for now!). Last week, we only ate meat 2 days.

I think it is a good investment in your health as well, and that's good for the planet.

[Buckeye in SC]

Originally Posted by nessatar

I wholeheartedly second the vegetarian diet. It is crazy how many resources it takes to raise meat. We did the veg. thing for a year and my husband couldn't take it anymore! Now we do meat 3-4 days per week and veg. the rest. And on the days we do meat, it is not the main portion of the meal.

This week, we bought one whole chicken, 2 pounds of ground beef, and one salmon fillet and that is 5 meals for us (a family of 6). I'd rather not do any meat, but I am satisfied with our compromise (for now!). Last week, we only ate meat 2 days.

I think it is a good investment in your health as well, and that's good for the planet.

Agreed, some people think they have to have meat for their diets, but they don't. That said, I love a good burger or steak from time to time, but I don't deem it necessary to have meat daily or anything like that. So I think your compromise is a good one - if everyone did it, would make a huge positive impact on our environment and would probably help bring obesity rates down in our country. It takes 10 times more energy, water & grain to produce a pound of meat than it does to produce a pound of cheese or milk.

[brently54]

Originally Posted by Buckeye in SC

Agreed, some people think they have to have meat for their diets, but they don't. That said, I love a good burger or steak from time to time, but I don't deem it necessary to have meat daily or anything like that. So I think your compromise is a good one - if everyone did it, would make a huge positive impact on our environment and would probably help bring obesity rates down in our country. It takes 10 times more energy, water & grain to produce a pound of meat than it does to produce a pound of cheese or milk.

If everyone did it, no one could afford a loaf of bread!

[RTTNFAM]

Originally Posted by Buckeye in SC

First of all, welcome to the movement! It's great to hear people wanting to make changes that will help make the world a better place.

I saw in your profile you are a Christian, here is a link to a great book I read earlier this year (heard this guy on a podcast from Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids, MI) called Serve God, Save the Planet by Dr. Matthew Sleeth. This link offers 50 practical tips to get started - many you may already do. Check out the book if you get a chance, it was a huge eye opener for me.

Servegodsavetheplanet.org » Practical Tips to Get Started

Been to Oxford a few times - had a friend and cousin who went to Miami, nice little town!

Thanks for the link!