10 Things You Can do for the Environment
I don’t know if its the new year , the economy, or just another one of those days when I start thinking, “Maybe I could do a little more for the big mamma earth.” The more I think about greener choices, the more I realize how much they simplify my life. I love a win-win. That’s why I keep thinking, “Hmm… what more can I do?”
So if you’re hungry for little changes with big impacts, well here you go – 10 things you can do for the environment.

1. Use greener, more natural cleaners.
2. Reduce first. Then reuse. And then recycle.
3. Try walking instead of driving for every errand that within a mile of your house. It’s really relaxing, and your kids can come, too.
4. Carry a rolled fabric bag in your purse (like one of these I quickly sewed myself) so you don’t have to turn to plastic or paper bags for various purchases.
5. Call up catalogue companies and unsubscribe from their mailing lists if their catalogues just land in your trash/recycling pile.

6. Use the dishwasher more and wash by hand less.
7. Avoid foods with extra packaging. Even speak up to the department or store manager at your grocery store.
8. Make water your go-to thirst quencher.
9. Pick environmentally friendly laundry soap.
10. When you feel chilled, drink something hot or bake something warm instead of turning up the heat.
What are your ideas for small adjustments that are a huge deal for our little round globe?








January 18th, 2010 at 3:38 am
hey, where do you find Ecover in Germany? I haven’t spotted it. Have you ever tried the Frosch stuff? We use that for tougher household cleaning and it seems to be good and enviro-friendly. Just haven’t made the leap to clothes cleaning. We’ve been using Ariel, and while it doesn’t irritate my skin like Persil did, I still kinda think it does and I find it expensive.
January 18th, 2010 at 6:28 am
Juliette, we find Ecover at the biomarkt. It seems to be getting more and more common, and the price is getting cheaper and cheaper. So it might be worth checking a bio store that you’ve been to in the past. I’d price it right along with standard soaps now.
I’m actually using Ecover for general cleaning, too! Perhaps a good post on this topic is in order…
Katie
January 18th, 2010 at 7:06 am
Great post! And I’m glad I’m doing already all these things and even some more…it’s a little sad though to be the only family among family and friends that tries really hard for a greener future. But I’m very happy that my child lives in a chemical free house, wears chemical free clothes, learns to recycle and respect this planet and eats fresh, healthy, home made food.
That said, we also:
1) compost in a daily basis. this alone has eliminated our garbage to a small bag per week.
2) use public transportation or bicycles to go shopping or walk for pleasure
3) collect and use rain water for our garden
4) use only home made natural cleaners even for the laundry
5) air dry the laundry (of course the weather helps)
6) use a solar system for hot water
January 18th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
OH! I had never thought of number 10. We keep the heat pretty low in our house to save money/energy, but I do turn it up a few times a week, when I get cold in the evening (if warming up w/ a blanket doesn’t work). I think drinking hot tea is brilliant!
January 18th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
I use soap nuts for my laundry. A bag of one Kilogramm costs between 8 and 10 € and lasts me for about one year. And after using them, I just can throw them on the compost.
January 19th, 2010 at 5:58 am
Thanks Katie! I would be interested to hear about what German products you use in general. I try to clean a lot of stuff with vinegar/baking soda, etc. but sometimes you need a little something special. Toilets…? Also, I know it’s bad, but I’m a sucker for pre-soaped cleaning wipes. I really want to wean myself off of those this year, make my own and keep in a Tupperware or something… goals goals! =)
January 19th, 2010 at 7:52 am
Mmm I did one of these last night. Instead of turning up the thermostat, I made hot chocolate. :-)
January 19th, 2010 at 8:46 am
Personal favorite for warming up is layering sweaters and jumping up and down…. but I’m not opposed to a hot cup of tea, either. :)
Hilde, what are soap nuts?
January 19th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Just listen to the things you all are doing. Very cool.
I’ve asked Hilde to tell us a little about soap nuts down the road. Cross your fingers and tuck in your thumbs in hopes she’ll get us up to speed.
Tea is ready, and I’m cold-
Katie
January 20th, 2010 at 9:33 am
Later this week I’m posting on how I reduced my heating bill by 80% this winter. I do all consistently except for #3 and 7 – both of which I’m doing more and more, but not totally consistently yet. I do try to buy food that doesn’t come in containers, unless I have no choice.
I LOVE Sun and Earth counter cleaner. I also only scrub my sinks with baking soda and water these days. It does a GREAT job, and using it means I don’t have to store a kitchen cleaner!
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Hello Katie,
My name is Erin and I’m interning with Heal the Bay – an environmental nonprofit based in Santa Monica, California. Here at Heal the Bay our mission is to keep coastal waters, safe, healthy and clean – so we’ve been fighting hard against ocean pollution and plastic marine debris, such as nurdles, bottle caps and single-use bags.
I’m reaching out to you to see if we can potentially partner and collaborate on this issue (via your blog). Please let me know if you’re interested in learning more. Thank you in advance for your response!