The Green Update: City Apartment

So it's been awhile since I've checked in about how I'm doing with the green life and things have changed some since I moved into my own place in the city. However there is always more to do to try to make a better impact.

Transportation-Walking is my primary form of getting around now, although I do take public transportation if it's late at night and I'm still in the true heart of downtown. But most everything I need is within walking distance and it's only 20 blocks to campus. My health has greatly benefited from the additional walking as well. I do use my car to visit family that live out of town however.

Food-I'm not growing anything as there isn't much sunlight in my back corner apartment. The majority of the food I'm eating is produce though w/ some complex carbs, but I'm remembering to take my tote bags to purchase it and still love left overs that do occur. I am able to buy more organic produce now though.

Electricity/Heating-I still unplug my cell as soon as it's done charging and my computer every night as well. The coffee pot gets unplugged as soon as it's done brewing. And I use my cellphone and a battery operated wall clock for my clocks. I turn off the lights if I'm not using them and the heat gets turned off (wall/space heater) anytime I leave the apartment and when I'm sleeping. I enrolled for green energy with the power company so my electricity will come from renewable sources for an additional .008 cents a kwh. They also installed new double paned windows to replace the leaded single pane cracked and non-closing ones I had before. The blinds go up in the day to encourage any possible sunlight to get in and then closed at night to keep the warmth in.

Water-Negative.....my shower goal still stands although I might manage a shorter shower once a week. AND I don't drink enough of it. I still need to buy a stainless steel water bottle for reuse so I can have water with me all the time but haven't been really looking nor wanting to purchase. I don't have a dishwasher so wash dishes by hand and I try to be mindful of the water I'm using in the process.

Trash/Recycling-Fabulous! My non-recyclable trash production is very nil anymore, maybe one very small bag every two weeks and I'm recycling about 80% of my overall "trash".

Products-Still using natural soaps and hair products. I've been wearing less make-up after finding out how bad it is for us women and I'm just about to run out of some of what I do have-however I'm still researching more healthful options because unfortunately I do love to wear make-up but I don't want to pay excessively to get it. Am still using vinegar/baking soda and Seventh Generation dish soap as my cleaning products also. And have stepped up the using of recycled products too.

Shopping-Yep, you've heard it. Too many new clothing items although they're all being used routinely. And now I'm in this mentality that I don't want to get rid of the other things I do have because I feel like I should use them up. I also had to buy a new cellphone because my other phone finally really did die-it wouldn't turn on at all, but I feel I got a cheap yet good deal and the guy gave me a discount on my monthly bill too. However I'm still glad I was able to move and set up without too many purchases to do so.

Citizenship-Between my sister and I there are 15 scarves completed for the street youth. I'm still going and I've opened it up to one of my classes and my home churches. There is a stack of mittens at my parents place also. And I'm not sure if this counts but it's important to me, every time I walk by a homeless person I try to meet their eyes, smile, and greet them. But now that I'm living off student loans, I haven't given financially nor have I given blood since I've moved.

So now you've heard it. I'm trying to make a better impact and being in the city does enable me to have it easier in some areas. Being at home for the weekend, I found it strange to drive the mile to church instead of walking....I still have things to work on, but I am happy with the changes I've made already.

How are you all doing in greening your lifestyles? I always love reading about those of you that really are doing big things!