For green change #10 I went around the house and unplugged the appliances we don't use much, like the cell phone chargers we only use at night and the TV in the playroom that is only occasionally used by Jo for video games. And we've been better about turning the computers completely off at night.
Appliances use electricity ("phantom power") just by being plugged in, even if they're turned off. I had heard this before, but never did much about it until Heather reminded me the other day of this easy and free change I could make. She pointed me to an article in Tree Hugger that lists some high-tech gadgets you can get, like smart power strips that cut the power when all of your appliances are off; I might get one of those next time I need a new power strip, but for now I just did it the old-fashioned way and pulled the plugs out of the wall.
Green change #11, buying a battery charger and some rechargeable batteries, was easy, and will save money in the long-run despite the initial investment. We used to have a battery charger, but have been lazily buying disposable batteries since the old charger wore out. I'm excited that we're getting back to the rechargeable batteries; our digital camera is a battery hog, and I'll be glad to be able to change the batteries less often.
Finally, although green "change" #12 was just a conversation, I think it will ultimately have the biggest long-term impact of all of our changes. A couple days ago Glen asked me what he could do to support my efforts to be more eco-conscious. I wasn't sure initially if he was on board with the changes I've been making, so I've been pleasantly surprised that he's been supportive of this process and went out of his way to ask how he could help. I told him that I'd like our family to start approaching all of our purchases with a green mindset: Do we really need the particular item? Does it make sense to buy it used instead? Is there a recycled or recyclable or non-toxic or longer-lasting alternative?
We're lucky to live in a town like Fairfield that has an organic grocery store, an organic clothing store, organic restaurants, a green building supply store, access to things that are pretty much unheard of in most towns our size. But I have to say that, while these items are available to us in Fairfield, they sure don't come cheap. We're a pretty cost-conscious household, so I know there will be tough choices.
I actually came up against my first tough choice this weekend. We needed diapers, so I looked for an eco-friendly alternative at Everybody's, and discovered that they carry Seventh Generation diapers. I love the company, and buy some of their cleaning products, but these diapers were more than $15 for a pack of 30; at Evil Empire Walmart they're about half that price. With the number of diapers we go through, I just couldn't stomach the price, although I later looked online and found them cheaper. But these particular diapers aren't even recycled or recyclable or anything; I think the only difference between Seventh Generation diapers and our usual Pampers are that Seventh Generation diapers are chlorine-free. Which means another research project for me. Are chlorine-free diapers important enough for the environment or maybe for Jack's health that it's worth taking the extra hit in our pocketbook? I don't have the answer today; I'll be looking into it, and would appreciate any thoughts on the topic. Of course, there's the further dilemma of buying from a local organic market vs. a big box giant, especially Walmart, but I won't go any further into the many pros and cons now, as Jack is tugging on my arm to be the drummer in his impromptu band, and I'm a sucker for rock stars...
This is the end of my little challenge to make 12 green changes this month, but I'm sure I'll write more in the future as we continue to make changes. For the most part, I'm trying to approach our green changes as an adventure, and not beat myself up when I'm less than perfect. I know we won't be perfect, but I'm excited about the changes we are making and the things we're learning along the way.
I just got the list below in my inbox from Viva Terra, tips on cutting paper waste. Looks like your idea to cut out the ATM receipts was right on target!!
(Also, thanks so much for listing me in your blogroll, I really appreciate it!)
Cutting out the waste.
1. Switch to paperless bank statements. This will also help deter identity theft.
2. Say no to the ATM receipt. If everyone did we'd save 2 billion feet of paper a year.
3. Pay your bills online. Most monthly bills can be received and paid online.
4. Double side your copies. If 1 in 4 of us did we'd save a stack of paper the diameter of the earth.
5. Bring your own coffee cup to Starbucks. Americans use 14 billion paper cups a year!
Posted by: Heather Miller-Rodriguez | January 29, 2008 at 05:14 PM