The world population jumping over the 7 billion mark has had me thinking a bit about my place in the grand scheme of things. So, after reading a few articles (here and here and here) and playing with a couple of gadgets (here and here) I decided to re-watch this video:
I first saw this video about a week or so ago on hazel-dene’s blog and was completely inspired! It’s a bit long (18 minutes), but is SO worth the time. Trust me 🙂
Sometimes I feel like the whole let’s-save-the-planet-from-global-warming/the-peak-oil-crisis/over-population/factory farms (the list goes on) can feel just a little bit overwhelming! What can a single person/couple/family possibly do to help with such huge issues?! Then, I remember that, even the small steps still get you where you’re going. It might take a little longer, but you’ll still get there, you just have to put one foot in front of the other and go.
- carpool
- keep your tires inflated to their proper poundage
- plan out your errands so they can all be done in one day
- set your washing machine to cold
- turn off the heat dry setting on your dishwasher
- take 5 minute showers (put a timer in your shower)
- place a bucket in your shower to catch the cold water as your waiting for the hot water to work it’s way into the pipes
- use above water to water your indoor plants, veggie patch, cats or dogs or to flush the toilet
- water before 10AM or after 6PM (when it’s least likely to evaporate)
- turn off the water while brushing your teeth
- shower with your partner 🙂
- invest in a rain barrel (or three)
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| A rain barrels save what is free and falls from the sky… How cool is that?! |
Electricity
- turn down your thermostat by 3 degrees
- set your dryer to low
- turn off lights when you leave a room
- change your bulbs out to the energy efficient ones
- shut down your computer when it’s not in use
- unplug small appliances when not in use
- eat strictly vegetarian one day a week
- start growing one (organic) fruit, vegetable or herb, then slowly expand
- buy only non-GMO seeds and plants
- visit the Farmer’s Market and purchase one item weekly (buy local!)
- stay away from pesticides
- buy flour and grains in bulk (save money and packaging)
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| Kale is nutrient dense and one plant doesn’t take up much space |
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| Spinach, again, nutrient dense and compact |
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| Tomatoes (who doesn’t love tomatoes?!) can be compact if you plant a Determinate variety. Bush beans are pretty compact and produce tons of beans! |
- plant a tree (shade, oxygen, beauty, possibly…fruit!)
- visit second hand shops
- cut your six pack rings up before throwing them in the trash
- find a new hobby/craft, or tighten up the one you already have, and use it to create gifts for birthdays and holidays (handmade gifts are seriously under-rated)
- recycle whenever possible
- reuse items as often as is possible
- use Eco font when printing (it looks normal when printed at standard font size, but will save you (or your company) 20% in ink because of the “invisible” holes in it). Try it, you’ll be amazed.
- take a picnic to the park (save on dinner and a movie) and put your toes in the grass
- pick up and throw away random trash you pass on the street (it feels really good, just wash your hands when you’re done)
If each person tried just one or two new things, that would be a step. Remember, it’s the small steps…and we all still have so much to learn! (If you’re not learning, you’re dead.)
For more inspiration, check out kitchengardeners.org/ or, for regular updates that really take no effort on your part (the best thing EVER), just like their facebook page 🙂 Ever wonder why the First Lady decided to plant an organic garden? Yeah, me too! Check it out.
This post is linked up with Homestead Barn Hop
cityhippyfarmgirl – Sometimes it’s good to remember where we started, so we can remember how far we’ve come, right? Cheers!
All wonderful things to start with and continue doing.
(and I agree, handmade gifts are seriously under rated!)