Green As You Can Be

posted by jax1215 on Sep 21

I know there are few women today that have childhood memories of hanging clothes out to dry. I grew up in a time before dryers and I’m a better person for it. When I was very young I was so excited to help my mom hang out clothes.  She did the laundry for the whole extended family, four generations of us. We had a 3 row, very long clothes line and every Monday it was filled. In the Winter we hung the clothes on lines strung in the basement. I enjoyed that time we spent together. Kind of a bonding time.

Then came the dryer. I’ll admit I used one for years, then we moved to a home that had a giant yard and I wanted a clothes line again. I enjoyed hanging out clothes, listening to the birds sing, enjoying sunshine.  I moved again, back to a dryer. Finally I ended up in the mountains trying to be “Green as I can be” and I insisted on a clothes line again. It’s not as big as the first one but it is special. My husband even built a shelf so I could set the basket on it.  I still use a dryer to fluff the towels but I only use it in non peak periods and only with a full load. I clean my lint trap after every use and in the Winter I open the utility room door so the extra heat helps heat the house.

Even it you don’t have room for a clothes line you can use drying racks on your porch or deck. I know some places have rules about a clothes line and that should be address in these more energy conscious times.

Every little thing you do, helps. Try one new thing and make a difference.

JAX

posted by jax1215 on Sep 12

I hate washing dishes, more than you can imagine. It was great to hear that a fully loaded dishwasher is more energy efficient than doing them by hand. BUT…….there are still the things you need to wash that aren’t dishwasher proof. I don’t like to use a sponge because it gets smelly and germy. I discovered a cool dishcloth to use. It’s just a crocheted rectangle made with cotton thread. It’s washable, it can be bleached and it adds a little spunk. I got mine at a cute little shop in Brasstown NC. Pam the owner makes them. They were $3 each. A small price to be clean and green.

Jax

posted by jax1215 on Sep 11

I was going to write about light bulbs today but I didn’t have the energy (groan) I decided to write about napkins. I hate using paper napkins. They are a waste to me. I decided not long ago that I should give cloth napkins a whirl. They  can be used over and over. I never have a full load of laundry, so they are easily added to the wash. Some don’t even need ironing. (like that would happen anyway) So when I visited the local library craft sale I saw 6 fat quarters for $1. I came home and cut them square and zigzaged a hem and I was all set.  I love them. Another way to be green.

I told my friend Dorothy about my new love of cloth napkins and she said she had a surprise for me. The next time I saw her, she gave me a giant bag with maybe 50 napkins. Now I have a napkin for every occasion. (and then some) At least I won’t be putting paper napkins into my garbage for many years to come.

Try them. I think it makes the whole dining experience a little more elegant and a little more green

Jax

posted by jax1215 on Sep 10

Recycle your plastic.

If you are lucky enough to have a recycling center in your area, use it. Plastic is a wonderful product but it does not fit well into the environment, so we need to use it wisely or not at all.

Do you know the difference in the plastic codes put on the bottom of your containers? I didn’t for years. So I will share what I have learned.

The digits run from 1 to 7 and are surrounded by a triangle of arrows. It was designed in 1988 by The Society of the Plastics Industry. This symbol helps the recyclers do their jobs more efficiently.

1. PET(polyethylene terephthalate- This is the easiest.  This group includes soda and water bottles, and oven ready meal trays.  Once recycled they become fiberfill, other plastics or made into new bottles.

2. HDPE (This is for high density polyethylene.) Examples of this plastic is milk bottles, laundry soap, shampoo and motor oil. This is widely accepted at recycling centers. After recycling it is put to use making new toys, piping and lumber.

3.PVC. (POLYVINYL CHLORIDE) This plastic is used in plastic pipes, shower curtains, vinyl dashboards and medical tubing. Not accepted in most recycling centers.

4.LDPE  This is made of low density plastic. It includes wrapping items , grocery and sandwich bags. Not common in recycling.

5.PP (polypropylene) Like number 4, not popular in recycling. (items include containers for margarine and microwave meal trays)

6.PS  This is commonly referred to as styrofoam.  This includes cups, plates, cutlery , meat trays, packing peanuts, etc. This is widely accepted  and used to make cassette tapes and insulation.

7. All other This is the hardest to recycle and should be avoided by the consumer. If you are driven by the recycling bug enough, you can return them to the company that made them, at your cost. I would just not purchase any item that I did not really need that had this symbol.

Now you know the numbers, put them to use, If you can’t find a use for them yourself, then recycle them.

Remember, reuse, recycle and renew.

Jax

posted by jax1215 on Sep 9

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past few years, you will know that we all need to make some life style changes in how we view the environment. You don’t have to be Ed Begley, Jr. but you can be the “Little Engine that Could”. Just keep making a little change here and there and before you know it, you’ll be GREEN AS YOU CAN BE.

Every day I will post a new idea. Some will be old hat, others may be off the wall but if you are doing any one or even all of them, you are making a difference.

1. Utilize sunlight during the day.  Why turn on a light when you can see with the sun coming in from your windows. If that’s a problem, wash your windows.  (use green products, vinegar and water work like wonders.)

JAX

posted by admin on Sep 7