Live, Laugh, Love and Be Greener
There are so many reasons and ways to go green all year long that are not only easy but fun too. You’ll also find that being more environmentally friendly will complement your wallet, instill great habits in your children and make you feel awesome about giving Mother Nature a helping hand.
Here are some helpful and easy tips to go green all year.
January
Start the year out right by signing up for eco-friendly blogs, newsletters or daily reminders that keep you inspired, encouraged and on the right track all year long.
Start saving items for creative purposes and projects, such as egg cartons, toilet paper tubes, buttons, ribbon, milk jugs, jars, newspapers and old wrapping paper. Have your kids decorate old boxes to store all of your items in so you will stay organized all year long.
February
Swap out your old light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). If every American home replaced just one light bulb with a CFL, we could save enough energy to light 3 million homes a year.
Turn your water heater temperature down to 120 degrees and you will save 6 to 10 percent in energy costs. This also prevents the danger of scalding—and that could be a lifesaver with little ones around.
March
Carpool. Better yet, walk or bike to your destination. The physical activity is great for you, and the less we drive, the fewer harmful emissions we create. Not only will you be showing your children that walking to the grocery store is a great alternative or biking to school is fun, you also will imbed in them healthy habits. “They love it when we ride bikes to and from school. It’s literally the first thing they ask when they wake in the morning—I love it,” says Jessie Cross, Olathe.
If you’re not able to walk your outings, then try consolidating all of your errands into one day and driving the speed limit.
April
Try your spring cleaning this year with all natural cleaners; you can make them or try the eco-friendly store-bought ones. Ditch the paper towels, too, and switch to old rags. “I make all of our own detergents, soaps and cleaning supplies. It makes me feel more at ease knowing what I’m cleaning my house with,” says Virginia Simms, Overland Park.
Now that we’ve hit Day Light Savings Time, the days will be getting longer. Utilize this natural energy by keeping the lights off as long as possible.
May
School’s out for the summer. Look through your children’s old school papers and materials. Save what can be used for next year and use their old unwanted papers for scraps to write out notes or grocery lists.
Sign your children up for kid-friendly environmental programs in your area that will keep them busy this summer. Make it a point to pick up trash in your neighborhood or your favorite park at least once a month.
June
Leaving for a summer vacation? Remember to turn down your thermostat, unplug electronics and set a timer for the lights you are leaving on for safety precautions.
Assign your children specific duties to complete every time you leave the house, such as making sure all lights are off, blinds are closed and appliances are off.
Get your kids in the habit of turning off lights as they leave each room and turning the computer completely off before bed.
July
Stat washing your clothes on the cold short cycle and line dry your laundry. This will save you money and energy and extend the life of your clothes.
Schedule weekly field trips to your local science centers, museums and nature centers. These places do a wonderful job of teaching children how to protect and respect our natural resources.
August
Build a rain barrel and collect water to water your flowers and garden or even wash your car. When washing your car, pull it on your lawn, so your grass—instead of the street—will get the excess water.
Bath time! Combine baths with your little ones or try reusing the bath water, if it’s not too gross.
September
When doing your back-to-school shopping, look for supplies that are made from 100 percent recycled materials.
Check out your local thrift stores for gently used clothes for school wardrobes and, if able, reuse last year’s backpacks. If your child packs his lunch, switch to reusable containers, bags and utensils.
October
Farmers’ markets are closing down, and backyard gardens are spent, but why not get local produce all year round? Door-to-Door Organics is a company that delivers organic fresh produce and dairy right to your doorstep in the Kansas City Metro area. You’ll not only be feeding your family fresh all year long, but also supporting your local economy. “I started using Door to Door Organics when I was making my own baby food and just continued it because we love the quality and eating local all year long,” says Kristie Summers, Lee’s Summit.
Looking for Halloween costumes? How about letting the kids rummage through your closet or their grandparents’ trunks? There’s no telling what things they’ll find to inspire them!
November
Winterize your home by conducting an energy audit; you can go to www.EnergyEarth.com to get started. Install weather stripping, caulk, thermal drapes and plastic sheets to help insulate your home. Also check to see whether you need to insulate your hot water heater, too.
December
Instead of buying all new gifts this year for your family, organize a toy/clothes/electronics swap amongst girlfriends. This way, everyone gets something “new” while still being thrifty and recycling perfectly good items. Also check our Craig’s List and Freecycle.
Instead of wrapping all your gifts this year, try leaving the presents from Santa unwrapped or using newspaper instead.
Jennifer Duxbury is a SAHM from Olathe who tries to go green all year long!