We all need to try and do it.
Some people are very dedicated to decreasing their carbon footprint, others take simple steps to do the same and yet others don’t do anything at all.
I will be honest, we are not the very dedicated by any means but we also, are not ones that do nothing at all. We pretty much are in the middle. We try to be aware of how our purchases, waste and consumption contribute to our carbon footprint but we have a long way to significantly decrease it. We don’t have the best fuel economy vehicles, we consume more than we should (even though we are aware of it) and we aren’t very cognizant of our use of electricity, heat and air. I know, it’s crappy and we have a lot to work on.
With that said, here is a list of ways we are trying to be GREEN:
~ We have changed our light bulbs to the CFL bulbs.
~ Recycle when at all possible.
~ Turn the water off when brushing our teeth.
~ We by energy star appliances.
~ We buy local as much as possible.
~ We use reusable water bottles.
~ We buy organic food, health and beauty supplies.
~ I try and remember to take reusable bags to the grocery store in place of the plastic grocery store bags.
~ We cloth diapered.
~ We donate clothing and any items we no longer want or use.
~ I try and educate family and friends with the knowledge that I have, even if it may be very little. If they can make some changes a difference is being made.
I know it isn’t a lot and we definitely could be doing more. The goal is to keep adding to our list to continue decreasing our carbon footprint.
Here are a some sites to help you go GREEN and reduce your carbon footprint.
Sustainability: 15 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
11 Environmentally Friendly Habits
National Geographic for Kids – Green Scene (Great for kids)
By being green and protecting our environment NOW we are providing a healthier future in many ways for our tykes.
Where do you fit in when it comes to being GREEN? How are you reducing your carbon footprint?
We do pretty much the exact same things that are on your list (and TRY is the operative word for us too when it comes to grocery bags – its so hard to remember to bring the reusable bags!) On the days we forget and end up with plastic bags, we save those and reuse them for trash bags in the bathrooms. Probably the “green” thing I’m most passionate about is cloth diapering. It’s so much easier nowadays, and I think that a lot more people would do it if they knew just how easy it was – not to mention how much money they are saving!!! I actually did a post a while back about getting started with cloth diapering: http://cragmama.com/2011/03/in-praise-of-cloth/ It’s been a great experience for our family, glad to hear there’s another outdoor mama out there that enjoyed it too!
I loved cloth diapering J-Man. It was so easy and we saved a ton of money on diapers. I will say that when we traveled we didn’t bring the cloth. We used disposable. Frankly, I just wasn’t that dedicated to it that I wanted to occupy my time cleaning and drying them for 2 weeks or so. If I don’t bring my own bags to the store I try and reuse them, as well. They become poo bags for the dogs. haha Thanks so much for sharing!