Oh, lookie. $3.50/gallon

[picture_kept]

As Earth Day is tomorrow, I thought it would be nice for people to comment on at least one way to reduce your or your family's environmental impact-- maybe something you do currently, and something you'd like to add

Comments

[trilobits]

I'll ride the bike and get the cr-v serviced.

[picture_kept]

Good deal!

[dindin]

I use far too many papertowels and paper napkins; I should invest in acual dishtowels and cloth napkins that can be thrown in with the wash.

But I'm saving on disposable menstrual products with my IUD. ;)

[picture_kept]

Good ones!

I totally relate to the paper usage one. Even with dishtowels handy, I reach for the paper towel to avoid the germs that just MUST be on that towel, even though I'm nearly positive the dishtowel is clean. As for napkins, we only use cloth for special occasions-- that can easily be an everyday thing.

[picture_kept]

I knew about the former, but haven't done that-- I personally prefer those silicon scrubber things to sponges for dishwashing. I think our current sponge needs the dishwasher, though!

I definitely knew about the latter, and practice that as well. Drying the curtain liner is easy, too. Just hang it back where it goes. ;)

[picture_kept]

You're awesome by biking every day-- and in the rain! I'm still a new biker, and the thought of biking from Reston to Alexandria scares the ever living crap out of me. Plus I'd be leaving even earlier than I do now, which just isn't realistic. The consolation is that I only drive that commute 9-10 months out of the year.

I've been curious about the benefits of front-loading machines (y'know, besides how cute I think they look). It's good to know they conserve energy and water. ...I wonder what happens to old machines.

[scarykarrey]

I ride the city buses here, which are fueled with soy biodiesel. Also, while I haven't gotten away from using bottled water completely, I only purchase a bottle once every two weeks, and simply refill the bottled and reuse it between each purchase.

[picture_kept]

I hear you on the water thing. In my need to drink more water, I'm caught between conserving and preventing drinking leeched chemicals. I think a Sigg bottle is definitely in my future.

[scarykarrey]

Definitely. What's bad is that I've already bought one, I just have to wash it and start using it.

[picture_kept]

Hehe! Yup, that'd be a good start.

[anonymous]

1. We use cat litter made from wheat (the clay type just sits in the landfill and flushing it can cause problems with the water supply)
2. When disposing of the litter we use biodegradable bags made from corn
3. Recycle - also try and pre-cycle when buying products. Down to less than a 13 gallon bag of garbage a week.
4. Compost kitchen scraps/leftovers - also included in the composting is the cat litter
4. Walk to work several times a week
5. Flush toilets less and take short showers
6. Use recycled paper products
7. Bring my own bags when shopping - not just at the grocery store. Since using my own bags only a couple dozen plastic bags have made it into the house (all brought in by my husband)

[picture_kept]

These are great, and I especially like #2 from your list. May I ask who you are, Ms. Anonymous? :)

[cherylathens]

Anon is me!! Read your entry in the friends of the Athens GA community.

[picture_kept]

Cool! Man, I miss Athens like crazy. Are you a student or a regular person? ;)