[quote author=neiman link=topic=2473.msg23715#msg23715 date=1369143660]
... we wash our silverware rather than using plastic.
This is one of those green items I am not sure is really so green. For the record we also use real plate and silverware and wash them instead of plastic and tossing..... but that being said.... aren't we using MORE resources with water, then soap to buy to wash the items, then a towel to dry them (which then has to be washed with hot water and soap and then dried), then dumping that grey water that was used to wash them, etc, etc, etc.
Just food for thought on that particular item.
I am not sure we are so much "Green" as we are leave no mark behind. You would never know we are at a site as we disturb nothing and cleanup everything including policing and cleaning up things that were left by others.
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The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything that they have! |
I use a real full size (60 gallons I think) garbage can for recycling. Often I fill it. My neighbors on the street still use the 2 town issued milk crates. Often I wonder how I produce so much recycling -vs- other people on my block.
It is so nice to have co-mingled recycling. I usually bring my recycling home from camping trips so I don't have to bother separating it.
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
We started recycling but 2 1/2 years ago as a New Years Resolution. Our pickup is also co-mingled which makes it very easy. For some time now, our recycling has been bigger than our trash. We always bring home a bag from camping and DW brings all of her office recyclables home. We are doing it for the DGD's, since they will be around to hopefully benefit from it.
I have also taught the DGD's that my personal hunting rules apply to camping as well. You leave the area better than you found it. We stop and pick it up regardless of who put it there. :camperkid:
When we were living in South Florida, we recycled for years: glass, plastic, paper. In our town in Georgia, everything is co-mingled but I can also bring things like batteries (not car) to my church where there is a family who volunteers to take care of the recyclables. The only thing we personally save are aluminum cans and metal (and the little pop tops from food/soda cans for a friend's daughter). DH brings the aluminum and metal to the recycler and I go with him. When he gets the cash, I make him take me to lunch! 😛
We recycle paper, plastic and aluminum. Our town does not provide pick up for this, but there is an area for bins to deposit the items, which has only been available for about 3 years. For years I had wished we had some sort of recycling here locally, but it seems to be looked upon as a personal issue. Which many and I would say most of the residents don't take it personally, so they don't do it. You can tell by the size of their overflowing garbage cans. When we started recycling we probably cut the amount of garbage in half. Oh and I love the recycled items at the thrift stores!
Our township's weekly pickup includes papers, co-mingles (glass, plastic, aluminum, steel), and regular garbage. Very easy to do, love it!
While I do not have a composting pile (live on a corner; site plan/neighbors' views and prevailing winds are too complicated to explain here) I use our grass clippings as mulch along my fence line. Not a 'designer' red or black mulch, but totally free - saves on the cost of yard bags (for the clippings) and the time (energy) it would take to use the weed-whacker.
We try to conserve electricity as much as possible; our house is situated so that we can take full advantage of prevailing winds and minimize use of the central A/C.
Speaking of the central A/C, I put a watering can or bucket underneath the outside condensate drain spout; I water the plants with the water that would otherwise drain away.
I've planted deciduous shrubs that shade our house in the summer, but allow us to take advantage of the sun's warmth in the winter.
I hang out clothes when I can rather than using the dryer (often easier said than done when trying to get to work on time in the morning).
I grow my own cut flowers/veggies/herbs when possible. Again, can be easier said than done - as far as cut flowers, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and growing flowers can range from no maintenance to high maintenance, which is outside the scope of this post - just wanted to put it out there! Veggies have the same restrictions. Personally, I feel herbs are a little bit easier, as many are unappealing to rabbits and other pests but are still pleasant to look at (like lavender and rosemary).
I also love shopping at thrift shops for anything and everything, though I usually am looking for clothing, kitchenware, or dinnerware. You can find things that have been discontinued (in my case, jeans that fit me perfectly but are no longer made) and/or are excellent quality for a reasonable price (such as a top-brand 8" chef knife for $2). The thrifts that I shop at support causes that I value, but aside from that, it's important to me to reuse whenever possible.
Don't throw out old clothing. If it's in wearable condition (no stains, tears, etc.) donate it; if not, cut it up for cleaning rags.
In closing, I just want to say that it wasn't my intention to provide a "must-do" list; I'm certainly not perfect when it comes to protecting the environment. I just wanted to share my experiences, and am always looking for ways to improve - great thread!
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