ecodi_mainAnything to get people to go green. I thought I’d try this list, following up on Skellie’s recommendation. Skellie, the blogging queen at Skelliewag, suggested I put together a list of no cost green tips that are not only good for the planet, but can even save money, and in some cases, time as well. The list came down to 40 items total:

  • Adjust thermostat settings: winter days 68, winter nights 55, summer 78, fridge 37, freezer 3, water heater 120
  • Wear an extra layer in the winter; men do not wear jackets or ties in the summer
  • In summer, open windows at night and store cool air, instead of turning on the AC
  • In winter, let in the sunshine, open blinds, drapes and shutters
  • Only run full loads in your wash machine, warm or cold water only
  • Wear your clothes longer in between each wash
  • Change sheets and towels less often
  • Place your dryer in a warm area
  • Straighten your dryer duct
  • Only run your dryer on full load, energy setting
  • Clean lint filter after every load
  • Clean dryer filter every month
  • Air dry your laundry
  • Use toaster oven to bake small dishes
  • Limit preheat, avoid placing foils on racks, do not open oven door
  • Get rid of your second fridge
  • Run your dishwasher only when full
  • Wash dishes by hand in sink or dishpan filled with water
  • Place a plastic milk jug filled with pebbles inside your toilet tank, to limit water used
  • Limit toilet flushes
  • Turn off shower while soaping, take shorter showers, avoid baths
  • Sweep driveways and sidewalks, instead of hosing them down
  • Unplug computers and appliances when not in use
  • Switch off lights when not in a room
  • Print on both sides of paper
  • Set up online payment for all your bills
  • Bike and walk whenever you can
  • Carpool
  • Don’t idle in your car, or turn off the engine
  • Minimize left turns, right turns consume less gas
  • Water and mow your lawn less often
  • Use compost, grass clippings to fertilize your garden
  • Buy recycled paper
  • Reduce your meat consumption
  • Freeze food you do not need right away
  • Borrow and lend instead of buying
  • Use a cloth dishrag instead of paper towels
  • Improvise with what you already have to package gifts, other items
  • Use reusable food containers
  • Do not buy gifts, instead give your friends immaterial gifts, like a cooking lesson, etc, or things you made using what you already have, eg, cookies, etc
Saving the planet, saving money, saving time, these may still not be good enough incentives. Because a list, no matter how compelling, still remains a list, especially in the green department. Laziness, habits, convenience, cultural factors, comfort, can override the most rational decisions. I speak from experience. Some of the things on the list, I just won’t do, like turning off the water while soaping. Others, are definite possibilities. For now, I am working on not flushing the toilet every time. Actually, it is a good idea to not take on too much at once. Picking just one thing out of the list is probably a good strategy. What will you pick? I would love to know.

By Marguerite, a valued contributor of Atelier.

la margueritte
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