Some Green Journal Reflections
January 28, 2008
Posted by CindyC in : Green Journal , trackback
Since my inaugural Green Journal entry, I have tried a variety of life style changes to lessen my impact on our planet. Some were larger than others (in time and cost) and some were easier than others (in effort and compliance). So in the beginning of 2008, I looked back in effort to discover what worked and what I need to do better.
What worked for me
Switching to energy efficient lighting:
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We’ve pretty much finished our switch from incandescent to CFL bulbs. It took a good part of the year to switch (as I actually waited for the old ones to burn out) but we did it. I stocked up whenever I saw a sale, especially the reflector ones, to make the initial investment even more economical. The only lights that remain incandescent are my bathroom lights. Because my fixtures are closed and work in high humidity, CFLs did not work well. I did experience several early burnouts so I also have a CFL bouquet like CindyW. I put this action on my success list because I can estimate the impact in energy reduction and it’s easy to do – just switch and go.
Gardening Naturally:
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When we re-landscaped our yard last year, I never thought we would never finish. Even before the manual labor of digging, tilly and planting, there was plenty of research and planning. My husband and I enjoyed gardening but are no means masters. It was an eye opening experience to learn about natural soil prep, companion planting and pesticide free protection. Admittedly, while in search of natural pest protection products, I did eye those fast-acting bug killers. But the idea of my child and pet playing around toxic chemicals put me back on the right path. It was hard work but it was an effort that will pay back year after year.
Frequenting Farmers’ Markets
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One of my earlier changes, this remains one of my favorites. Understanding where my food comes from, who grows it and what is seasonal directly impacts the environment and our health. The farmers’ market is now a weekend destination for my family. My daughter loves to help pick the produce and my husband always finds something new to try. The grocery stores’ selection just can’t compete with the likes of organic, locally grown berries pick that morning. Even in winter, there are surprises to be had – like local kiwis. We are now eating healthier and with greater variety than we used to, while spending less.
What I REALLY need to improve
Reducing my plastic consumption:
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Although I avoid plastic toys, bring my own bags and reuse whenever possible, I still feel it’s not enough. I still find plastic take-out boxes and various sorts of excess packaging in my trash – all non-compostable or biodegradable. I need to do a better job in selecting vendors and stores that minimize waste.
Reuse more:
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I tried a variety of crafts and reuse ideas last year but as I got busy, I found myself slipping back to bad habits: rather than going to the library, I would run to the bookstore; instead of using creative wrapping or reuse gift tags, I bought new ones; little daily habits that are hard to break. To help me do better, I’ve enlisted my daughter’s help. She is my official Reuse Monitor and being 5 years old, she loves to correct Mommy’s bad habits.
I’m sure there are plenty of other things that I need to work on but I figure I will start off modest and add as I go. And if you have green changes that you would like to share, I’d love to hear them!
Read some previous Green Journal entries
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Comments»
Must be that time of year! Almost through January and starting to think about what has worked and what hasn’t. I’m working on a couple of posts for things that I need to do a better job on.
Like you, farmer’s markets was one of the first, easiest and most enjoyable changes. Energy efficient lighting is a cinch. We’re working on our soil now and it was a lot of work but already is looking good.
As to things I should do, well, I’ll detail those in future posts but here’s a confession, I’m glad it’s raining today so I have an excuse to drive the big guy to school instead of walk.
As far as plastic is concerned, I personally believe that there has to be real alternatives before plastic products are off the market. While it is admirable that people are trying to reduce the plastic usage, the reality is that plastic products are not going away, as long as they are cheap to produce and as long as there is no negative economic penalty for disposal. I don’t usually promote technology as the only solution. In the case of plastic, I believe technologies will provide the real solution - replacing plastic or breaking down plastic to biodegradable elements.