Mommy impact environment

I have always known that there are things that I can do to
conserve natural resources. With 3 small children, it is not
easy to look outside of my family’s health and needs to keep
track of what the world may require. Recently, though, I have
begun to feel the weight of personal responsibility. I can’t
open a magazine or look at my computer without finding an
article about how to "Green" my home or my life. So call it
inspiration or just call it about time, I have finally begun to
compile a list of ways that I can contribute to the preservation
of our earth.

1. Recycling is a tremendous way to reduce the amount of
trash being sent to the landfills everyday. Many new, clean,
usable products are "reborn" when items are recycled. Many
communities have curbside recycling programs. For those
communities that do not come to you for your recyclables,
there is usually a station somewhere in the area.

2. Unplugging all unnecessary appliances such as cell phone
chargers, alarm clocks in guest bedrooms, and lamps in
seldom-used rooms is a simple way to save energy. Filling
your dishwasher before turning it on or washing a full load of
laundry are also ways we can conserve. Imagine if every
household in the world used their dishwashers just 5 times a
week instead of 7. Training children to turn off lights when
they leave the room is a great practice.

3. Replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact
fluorescent light bulbs (cfl) can save up to $30 over the life of
the bulb because they use 70% to 80% less energy. They cost
more initially, but will more than pay for themselves over the
next few years.

4. Reducing packaging is a tremendous way to have an impact
on the amount of trash that is sent to the landfills. Juice boxes
are convenient, but they are single-serving, disposable
containers. Instead buy a large bottle of juice and pour
servings into washable, reusable cups or bottles. Remember
when we used to drink tap water? Water filters that can easily
be installed on the kitchen faucet are a great way to cut back
on the amount of water bottles consumed.

5. Hanging your clothes outside on a simple line to dry in dry
weather will not only make your clothes, sheets, and towels
smell fresh, but will also aid in saving money on your utility
bill. Hang a line in your attic or basement for use in cold or
inclement weather.

6. Storing some inexpensive, sturdy canvas bags in your
vehicle will remind you to use them when shopping or running
errands instead of accepting the plastic versions.

7. Paper plates are a very tempting way to serve lunch or
dinner, but all of those plates usually just go straight in the
trash. Buy some melamine plates or bowls for lightweight,
casual dining. For napkins, consider purchasing some
inexpensive cloth napkins to wash and reuse with each meal.
Instead of reaching for a paper towel created by the chopping
down of virgin forests, hang a dishtowel somewhere near the
sink. Train your children to use it to dry clean hands.

8. Seeking out products and methods of cleaning that contain
natural, non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients is another great
way for moms to do our part. So much can be done with
baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. Petroleum-based
cleaners support the disappearance of natural resources and
destruction of precious land and water environments.

It is tempting to imagine that one person cannot make a
difference, but if we demonstrate ways to lessen our impact
on nature to our families and friends, then we are training
future caretakers. We are creating conscientious adults who
will understand their duties to the earth and to each other.
Jennifer Tankersley is the creator of www.listplanit.com where
for as little as $2.50 a month, moms can find almost 250 lists,
checklists, and planning pages to get organized and put your
world in order. All lists found on ListPlanIt.com can be typed
into and stored on your computer to conserve ink and paper.

by
Jennifer Tankersley List Plan It, LLC www.listplanit.com Lists
to Put Your World in Order!