So I have to say---our one green change challenge totally rocked our worlds in a good way last month. Honestly, I had envisioned that we'd make lots of smaller changes and it would be challenging. Ironically, in January I feel like our one green change got the wheels a'spinnin' and we incorporated many of the other ideas I'd intended to use throughout this year.
Our green change in January was to only buy used for items beyond personal care products and groceries.....and we both did amazingly. We both only bought one new thing a piece (hub bought new clips for the dumbbells and I bought a new set of leashes for the dogs), and I honestly don't think I bought anything else the whole month. Hub ordered a few other used things but his overall spending was cut way back.
So what else in January did we do?
--Hub started to take his own lunches---this was going to be another thing for me to try to tackle and he did it all on his own accord. I've heard him mention at least three times how much money he's saving and it's great to hear. (He used to buy his lunch and sometimes dinner from the food carts---probably $5-$10 each go.) It's only really cute AND cool to see him packing his lunch of left overs the night before.
---Leading to: we've started actually eating left overs again!
---I started taking lunches period--making sure that I'm eating during the work day.
---I've started using my collapsible tote bag almost every single time I go to the grocery store OR carrying out items in my hands if I can.
---We've also started grocery shopping just once a week on Sundays---one list, one trip.
---We cancelled catalogs and a few magazines that we don't have time to read.
---Hub got himself set-up to be able to ride his bike to public transport to go downtown to campus.
---I've stayed out of Target.....and focused on using and reusing items already in my wardrobe.
---We are switching the dogs to dog food in recyclable packaging and that supports the local economy.
And honestly, I've been struggling to think of something realistic and energizing for February.....and it's now the 4th day of the month. I thought about not eating out---but we like it on occasion as a treat, it's a great social outing, and in reality we always eat places that support the local economy. I could choose some less-preserved foods or something else to benefit me on that level, but I'm not going to lie...right now time and energy for most things are lacking. So I asked hub the other day what he thought we should do for February. Our original idea had been not to buy anything this month, but I think we're going to stick with January's version of buying used...and also just trying to do without period. But anyway.....
Hub reported that his green change goal for February is to ride his bike to public transport to go downtown at least twice a week. A good goal and one I hope he sticks with.....especially if it starts raining again! :) So tonight, for me, I'm thinking beyond not trying to buy much of anything, I'd like to try returning to greener cleaning products in the kitchen and bathroom----mainly vinegar and baking soda. If I make it my greener challenge, then I'm more likely to follow through with it!
Our green change for March might just be plain sharing the house with the new housemate(s)....and yes you saw that "s" right. There might be two--as we've also agreed to open our guest room up to a potential new hire for my college who would be moving out here from NY, should he desire to take it. Don't worry.....I'll keep you all posted. Sharing square footage is one of the greenest changes we can make---and with how particular I can be, it just might truly be a real challenge! :)
Any new green changes for any of you out there?!
Our green change in January was to only buy used for items beyond personal care products and groceries.....and we both did amazingly. We both only bought one new thing a piece (hub bought new clips for the dumbbells and I bought a new set of leashes for the dogs), and I honestly don't think I bought anything else the whole month. Hub ordered a few other used things but his overall spending was cut way back.
So what else in January did we do?
--Hub started to take his own lunches---this was going to be another thing for me to try to tackle and he did it all on his own accord. I've heard him mention at least three times how much money he's saving and it's great to hear. (He used to buy his lunch and sometimes dinner from the food carts---probably $5-$10 each go.) It's only really cute AND cool to see him packing his lunch of left overs the night before.
---Leading to: we've started actually eating left overs again!
---I started taking lunches period--making sure that I'm eating during the work day.
---I've started using my collapsible tote bag almost every single time I go to the grocery store OR carrying out items in my hands if I can.
---We've also started grocery shopping just once a week on Sundays---one list, one trip.
---We cancelled catalogs and a few magazines that we don't have time to read.
---Hub got himself set-up to be able to ride his bike to public transport to go downtown to campus.
---I've stayed out of Target.....and focused on using and reusing items already in my wardrobe.
---We are switching the dogs to dog food in recyclable packaging and that supports the local economy.
And honestly, I've been struggling to think of something realistic and energizing for February.....and it's now the 4th day of the month. I thought about not eating out---but we like it on occasion as a treat, it's a great social outing, and in reality we always eat places that support the local economy. I could choose some less-preserved foods or something else to benefit me on that level, but I'm not going to lie...right now time and energy for most things are lacking. So I asked hub the other day what he thought we should do for February. Our original idea had been not to buy anything this month, but I think we're going to stick with January's version of buying used...and also just trying to do without period. But anyway.....
Hub reported that his green change goal for February is to ride his bike to public transport to go downtown at least twice a week. A good goal and one I hope he sticks with.....especially if it starts raining again! :) So tonight, for me, I'm thinking beyond not trying to buy much of anything, I'd like to try returning to greener cleaning products in the kitchen and bathroom----mainly vinegar and baking soda. If I make it my greener challenge, then I'm more likely to follow through with it!
Our green change for March might just be plain sharing the house with the new housemate(s)....and yes you saw that "s" right. There might be two--as we've also agreed to open our guest room up to a potential new hire for my college who would be moving out here from NY, should he desire to take it. Don't worry.....I'll keep you all posted. Sharing square footage is one of the greenest changes we can make---and with how particular I can be, it just might truly be a real challenge! :)
Any new green changes for any of you out there?!
3 comments:
Awesome job! I try not go go out to buy anything...ever. I get into trouble too easily. Especially since having kids! Using the vinegar/baking soda for cleaning is a great idea! There is a great book called make your place:affordable and sustainable nesting skills which i think you might like, lot's of great recipes in that book for cleaning. I think my green change for this month is going to be using rechargeable batteries. We don't have a lot of battery operated toys, but Emma does have a little tablet for kids (we do love electronic gadgets here) and that thing sucks batteries down in two days tops. So hopefully this will help!
And kudos to you for opening up your house! We have the space, but I do NOT like being a landlord at all, maybe it would be different if we were just opening a room up to someone we at least knew a bit...I am not good with noise besides my own kids :-) And most people we rent to don't really have concern for reducing their usage...and while a good tax break it drives me nuts to see our $50 electric bill sky rocket to over $200. Good luck to you guys!
Heather---you have no idea. I am incredibly particular about noise levels in my home and at least surface cleanliness....it will be a challenge ;) But I'm hoping & praying it will go alright! Your green change sounds like a good one---you'll just need multiple sets so you have enough to replace while the other set is charging! Enjoy the super bowl today!
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