Thinking Green

I believe that is essential for everyone to go green in some way or at least do their part in helping our future and the future of our children. Here are some great ideas that you may not have thought of for going green. When you are running water it should be only a pencil-width, nothing wider. Use this train of thought when washing your hands, dishes or your vegetables. This way not so much water is wasted down the drain. A great idea for doing laundry is to use cold water for both white and dark clothing. Your clothes will be just as clean and you won’t waste so much hot water. Also, cold water helps keep your colours brighter and your gas bill will be much lower.

There are many ideas for helping your family go green like switching to glass bottles and staying away from plastic. Plastic stays in the landfills for years. Another idea is to use small packets and add them to a pitcher of water in the fridge to make your own juice rather than buying countless plastic bottles. The bottled drinks tend to have more sugar anyway.

An idea for school aged children is to make a recycled notebook by using cereal boxes for the front and back covers. Then attach them using rings you can get at an office store and fill them with recycled paper. This is a unique idea that they can share with their friends at school. Make sure your children wash their hands frequently to rid of potential germs and be sure to use safer products free of harmful chemicals. Also, if you choose to use the anti-bacterial hand cleaners make sure they are safer as well. Of course for playtime use non-toxic crayons rather than traditional ones that are petroleum-based.

When you are deciding which personal care products to use like shampoo, toothpaste and makeup be sure to go more natural. This avoids toxic chemicals from going down the drain and into the water systems. Toxic chemicals may include toluene, formaldehyde, coal tar plus many more. Did you know that over ninety-eight percent of household products that you use everyday contain formaldehyde?

I would love to know your ideas for going green. I personally use the green shopping bags at the grocery store and think this is a great idea. Plus they are much sturdier than those plastic ones anyway. To help you remember to bring your eco-friendly shopping bags with you keep them in your car or keep them by the front door so you see them on your way out. Why not try using more natural household products overall? You will be helping your family and also the environment.

Sincerely,

Jill Ann Bromwich
http://www.JillAnnBromich.wordpress.com