EcoMom

May 9th, 2008

I live in a rural area in which living “green” means you’ve stepped in a pile of manure out in the pasture. Recycling bins for specific items like glass, plastic, newspaper and cans are not a common site around here.

The wide-open space around us and the recycling centers so far away from us contribute to the fact that recycling isn’t a popular option. Just driving the recyclable items to the centers would burn enough fuel to counteract my good intentions - at least this is what I’ve been told by county officials. 

But I’ve learned I can still do my part to preserve Nature For Kids in little ways! Here’s a couple I’ve learned from the “EcoMom Alliance”:

  • Change normal light bulbs to energy efficient CFL’s (compact fluorescents)
  • Car pool, ride bikes (I’m sure your kids wouldn’t mind this one)
  • Shop locally
  • Reduce consumption
  • Reuse items (trash to treasure) it’s amazing what kids can make out of toilet paper rolls, cans and egg cartons!
  • Have a compost pile (great for a garden)
  • Turn off and unplug unused items (like the TV! on second thought just cut the dang cord!)
  • Line dry clothes and wait until you have a large load before you wash
  • Plant a tree (keep an eye out for a post on this at the end of May)
  • Recycle plastic grocery bags (Wal-Mart has a bin at the front of their store) or buy the reusable bags made out of recycled materials for $1 a piece.

Take a look at the EcoMom Challenge for more in-depth info …you too EcoDads ;-) Are there any other suggestions for living “green” that you might have? Enlighten us!