7 Easy Changes You Can Make to Live a More Eco-Friendly Life

Every day there are simple things we can do to be a little greener. Below is a list of just seven such things.

1. Write your shopping list on the notes feature of your cell phone or PDA rather than using another piece of paper that you will inevitably throw away.
2. Stop using plastic bags. Buy some cloth sacks for carrying everything from groceries to your latest and greatest pair of jeans from the department store. If you must have plastic be sure to return the bags to the store – most retailers offer recycling bins on site.
3. Combine your errands. If you take some time to plan it out you can run to the store, drop off library books or a bill payment, and get gas all in one session – this will save on fuel consumption and exhaust fumes.
4. When getting food to go from your favorite restaurant ditch the Styrofoam. Most restaurants will use a substitute if you ask or will accept your container if you offer it up front.
5. Save on paper, envelopes, and stamps – bank online. These days you can pay pretty much every bill you have online. You can also transfer funds, check balances on accounts, and so much more – talk to your banker about it today!
6. Rather than using disposable wipes start using old towels or t-shirts for cleaning. You can wash them when they get grubby and use them again.
7. Look for labels when shopping that let you know what you are buying is recycled or in a recycled container. If more consumers begin demanding such things (and only buying items with these labels sends a clear signal of demand) more manufacturers will make them available.

Living greener is easier than you think – one small step can make such a great impact. What are you waiting for?

Copyright ©  2009, Becki, Green Christian Network, All Rights Reserved

               

Reduce Your Trash

Trash is a huge issue for the environment. Dumps are overflowing and there are not enough landfills to keep all of the trash we make. It does not have to be that way. We can reduce the amount of trash we create by changing a few things we do.

Tips to reduce trash

• Buy Less. Only get what you need.
• Pay attention to Packaging. Go for minimal packaged products.
• Reuse paper. If only one side or half of it has been used. Use the rest. Make sure it is well used before throwing away.
• Baggies. Reuse plastic sandwich baggies. All sizes. Wash. Rinse. Use. Repeat.
• Glass Jars. Reuse them as pen holders, for food leftovers, storing buttons and such or anything else you can think to use a jar for.
• Cards. Birthday and holiday cards can be reused as well. Simply cut them into small tags to reuse on future gifts.
• Gift Bags. When you get a gift bag. Reuse it.
• Newspapers and Magazines. Use old issues to line drawers, litter boxes, etc.
• Clothes. Donate them to homeless shelters or resell them at second hand shops. If they are too old and worn, make rags out of them.
• Try and Fix it. If something breaks, see if it is salvage before you toss it. It may just need a minor fix.
• Have a Yard Sale. Your trash may be someone else’s treasure. Plus you can make a few bucks while helping the environment.
• Freecycle. Give it a way. Someone may need or want what you would like to toss.
• Recycle. Get on your towns recycling pick up list. If you cannot figure out a way to reuse some stuff at least recycle it.

These ideas are only meant to get your mind working and thinking. We need to be aware of the trash we create. Landfills are growing and we are running out of space for all the trash that we create. We need to start making a difference now, before our kids and grandchildren are left with a trash infested planet!

Copyright © Green Christian Network

Stay Green!

               

Is it Expensive to be Green?

This is a question many people have asked me and unfortunately the answer is not that easy. While, yes, to buy organic and items that are green can be quite costly, there are also many ways to be green that are very affordable. You do not need to spend a lot of money to be green. It simple requires a willingness to be a better steward of God’s planet and some creativity.

When I first decided that I wanted to be green, I was not swimming in the green…if ya know what I mean. LOL! However, I had a desire to be a better steward of the planet and I started to brainstorm. Out of that brainstorming came Green Christian Network. It helps me be more creative and I am forced to come up with cheap and free ways to be an environmentally minded person.

Yep, that’s all it takes, people. Willingness and effort.

Eco Tips to Get Your Started on the Greener…Cheaper Path

• recycle. most states have recycling programs and they provide the bins and pick up service for minimal cost. It is actually a part of your garbage bill…at least it is in my town. this ONE act can do a world of good for the environment!
• reuse. start thinking about ways that you can reuse the items you use every day.
• limit paper use. stop overusing paper towels and paper products like they are going out of style. make the most of everything and use it more then once. we have many paper tips here.
• stop wasting. waste is something anyone and everyone can stop doing. it is free and simply requires willingness.

These are just a few simple changes to get you started. If you implement even one of them, you are already making a difference!

We would love to hear some of your ideas. Post them below or send them in!

Copyright © Green Christian Network

Stay Green!

               

Simple Green Habits to get You Started with Green Living

Going green does not have to mean expensive alternatives. With the popularity of going green on the rise, it’s become cheaper and easier to switch to greener habits.

10 Green Habits to get You Started with Green Living

Unplug all the electronics when they aren’t in use.

Turn off lights you are not using.

Reducing your heater use, and wear extra layers of clothes to keep warm.

Switch from toxic cleaners to the eco-friendly and home made alternatives to improve the quality of your indoor air.

Ride the Bus. This is a great way of supporting your communities green public transportation efforts and save you gas and car repair money.

Switch to energy efficient light bulbs.

Purchase some energy monitors and programmable thermostats in order to avoid wasting energy in your home.

Eat more organic foods and avoid packaged foods. Packaged food products can be harmful to your body, and in some cases, their packaging, may be harmful to the environment.

Walk more. If where you are going is less than 1 mile, try walking.

Quit smoking. Cigarettes are one of many sources of litter. Replace this bad habit with a healthier one.

These are just 10 simple habits to get you started with green living. One good green habit at a time and we can become better stewards of God’s planet!

Copyright © Green Christian Network

Stay Green!

               

Green Start to Your Day

What better way to begin your day than Green? You can start your day glorifying God by taking care of what He placed in your hands…His planet. How?

Simple. Forget about the norm when you wake up each morning. Leave your technological ways behind, and consider something new and green.

Try waking up a little early and having a warm natural bubble bath. Light some candles and spend some time praying and giving your day to God. Taking baths helps save water verses a long shower.

NO time for a bath?

There are other ways you can save water and make your mornings greener…

1. Shorter Showers. Take 5 minute shower and work quickly to get the job done. This will save water.
2. Married?  Consider showering with your better half. Not only will you save water…you will heat up your marriage!
3. Turn off water when shaving, brushing teeth, hands, etc. Only have the water on when you need it. Avoid letting it just run down the drain.
4. Keep Up leaks. If you notice a leak, in the morning, have it fixed before the day ends. Stopping leaks is a great way to make a greener home.
5. Low-flow shower heads and efficient water heaters are also great options to help cut your water usage.
6. Buy a permanent razor versus disposable razors. It is an easy and great way to go green.
7. If you are a woman who wears makeup, consider Eco-friendly products.
8. Clothing. Consider switching to natural organic fibers. This will take time, so you do not break the bank…but remember, every little thing helps!
9. Morning Java. Try a cup of organic coffee in order to get you going in the morning. Or, a green alternative for coffee is green tea.
10. Try using the same glass/cup when you get home. The less you dirty, the less there is to clean. The less water used.
11. Car Pool if you can. If you work far and MUST drive, try carpooling. The less cars on the road the better. Plus, with gas prices the way they are everyone involved will save some money!
12. Ride a bike. If work is not too far and riding a bike is an option for you, it is a great way to green up the environment.
13. Cancel your Newspaper. Go Digital. Save some trees. Keep the oxygen flowing. There are MANY Online news sources.
14. Pray on your way to work. Instead of listing to your radio if you do drive, spend time praising and talking to God. Radios use your engine and more energy. Plus, He sure would love to hear form you!
15. Turn off the Lights. When you wake up in the morning, open the blinds. Use as much natural light as you can.

These are just a few ideas to help you start your day green. If we all do a little it really will be a huge help to God’s planet.

Copyright © Green Christian Network

Stay Green!

               

Natural Uses for Baking Soda

Baking soda is GREEN! Well, actually it is white. However, it is Eco-friendly!  Baking Soda has more uses than just cooking. It is also an awesome NATURAL product that has many versatile uses!

Below are several natural ways that you can use baking soda in your home:

• Fresh Smelling Carpet. Say goodbye to carpet odors the green way. Sprinkle baking soda liberally on your carpet or rugs. Let stand for 30 minutes. Vacuum.

• Dishwasher. Add some baking soda to your dishwasher cleaner. The baking soda will give your cleaner an extra boost to help get your dishes super clean and green.

• Counters and Floors – Green Stain Remover. Mix equal parts baking soda and salt.  Use the same way you would any other scouring powder. Another option is a baking soda and water paste.  Use it to remove stains from laminate counter tops.  Apply paste. Allow to dry, then rub off and rinse.

• Bites and Sting Relief. Mix 2 parts baking soda to 1 part water. The goal is a paste. Slather on bug bite or sting and immediate natural relief ensues.

• Chicken Pox Soother. Add two Tablespoons of baking soda to lukewarm bath. This is a great way to sooth skin from the irritations and pain of chicken pox.

• Put out the Fire. Most of us know that when the stove catches on fire to throw some salt on the fire. However, baking soda is just as good!

• Pet Odors Be Gone. Sprinkle baking soda in your cat’s clean the litter box. Sprinkle it on pet beds and in crates as well. Anywhere your pet spends a lot of time. It is a natural deodorizer that is safe for your pets.

• Frugal Laundry Soap. Add an equal mixture amount of baking soda to your laundry soap. So that you have 50% baking soda and 50% laundry soap.  This will stretch your detergent AND make your clothes smell fresh and fab!

• Fridge Odors. If you are one of those people like me, who often has items growing green fuzz in your refrigerator, you may want an Eco-friendly deodorizer to place in your fridge. Just open the box top and put the baking soda in the back of your fridge and smell the odors disappear! Make sure you change box once a month or so to KEEP the odors at bay!

• Say Goodbye to Toxic Draino! Baking soda is an Eco-friendly product you can use to  unclog your drain.

Here’s what you do: Pour one cup of regular table salt, one cup of baking soda, and half a cup of plain white vinegar down the drain. Let it do it’s green thing for about 15-20 minutes. Then, pour one gallon of boiling water into the rain. Finally, allow your hot tap water to run unto the drain for a few minutes.

Baking soda is a multi-use green and clean item that is sure to become a must have in your home! This is just the tip of the iceberg to the Eco friendly uses of baking soda! Please take a moment to leave baking soda tips!

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Stay Green!