So this post isn’t actually here, but over here, at Mandy’s blog. Mandy asked me (admittedly a LONGGGGG TIME AGO, whilst in the middle of the 1st trimester funk) to write a guest blog for her about some reasonable, small, not expensive changes she could make to become more eco-friendly. I finally got it all over to her yesterday, so go check it out. I list 5 things you can do to start small and make big changes that are not only better for the environment, but also better for you and your family’s health and they won’t kill your budget.
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11 comments
Great tips!
I particularly like the idea about not buying napkins/papertowels anymore. We use A LOT of paper towels to clean up Lily’s meal messes, and just the other day I was pondering how completely wasteful it is…thanks for the kick in the butt!
I love this post and I definitely think that I can do all of these things. The meat thing might be hard but I’m all about saving money. You should start posting some of your less meat recipes, I’d love some ideas! And my question to you is what kind of washer do you have? I’m wondering if that laundry detergent will work well in my HE washer. Thanks so much for the tips!
I feel like such a food bloggie poser when I post recipes. I’m so domestically challenged in the kitchen, but I’ll try to remember to share more 🙂 And, yes, Charlie’s Soap works with HE washers. We don’t have one, but I know others who do that use it. Here’s some more info:
http://www.charliesoap.com/faq.asp?cartID=F4B77D4417BC4D4A80BE7A2F4BFCAA1D
Thanks Jill! I’ve loved the recipes that you’ve posted, especially the toddler ones (green chicken nuggets!). I like the no frills, just good food for cheaper and that’s more healthy for your family. I say go for it!
I loved the post- we do so many of the same things! My husband was horrified when I started using vinegar to clean with because “The whole house smells like salt and vinegar chips!!” And now, he is a man obsessed. He has discovered how cool vinegar is and randomly spouts out a “Did you know vinegar can…” fact at least twice a day. The same spray you clean with can also deter fleas in your pets, just an FYI. I’ll have to look into the foam soap dispenser- sounds like a good addition to the house!
Thanks for this post! I found it very helpful (and easy to do). Was your “green” change a gradual one? I find it so daunting sometimes to do all this at once. I started when I was pregnant, and recently got a little lax with my green duties. Now with a toddler running around, I see how much more important it is as he is getting into EVERYTHING (and still nursing, as well).
A big issue I have is finding where to buy all the green products at a reasonable price. It’s nice to have trusted online links.
I look forward to more green improvement posts!
Yeah, I think it was gradual. It can be overwhelming, but you just have to remember that every small thing you do makes a difference. There are days we forget to turn out some lights or leave our re-usable bags at home. There are times we run out of Charlie’s Soap before re-ordering and have to use something else in between. We try not to be too hard on ourselves, but just do the best we can the next day. Start with just one or two things. The cleaning products and wash cloths are really easy to start right now for less than $30. You can get washcloths super cheap at Target, and while you’re there, grab a big bottle of vinegar. Our grocery stores carry Dr. Bronner’s in the organic aisle, and you can get a big bottle on sale for $11. The tea tree oil isn’t going to make or break it. You can add that later (but it’s really easy to find a bottle for around $7 at most health food stores, which will also most likely have Dr. Bronner’s.) Have fun with it!
I consider myself pretty “green” as well; I just feel its my responsibility to help keep this world as healthy as possible for my children. I loved all your tips – I am so excited about the Charlies soap!! I’ve been using 7th Generation and your advice is going to save me so much money!! Another easy change is to just say no to those plastic bags at the grocery store that end up in landfills. Keep some cloth bags in your trunk and you are ready to shop 🙂
You’re so right! I always forget about that one because it just seems so second nature for me now.
Hey Jill, love all the tips – I’ve never thought about the paper towel and napkin idea, but I really like it and am actually probably going to do it. I’ve always hated how wasteful they are.
Do you have any green tips for getting rid of bugs? I hate using all those poisons and bug sprays, and they’re so bad for the environment too – it even gives warnings for not letting it run off into streams and ponds. But we have a serious problem around here with bugs and, lately, centipedes (freakishly scary, btw). And I’m renting right now, so I can’t do anything about the window and door seals. Just wondering if you had any tips – thanks!
I’m so worried about the direction our children are heading in nowadays. Watching Jamie Olivers food revolution tv program scared the thingies out of me. I suggest we all start cooking some healthy recipe like these at home if we’re going to fix this horrible situation. The ones on that site seem pretty easy, I tried last night and it’s the first time my family has eaten healthy in ages, I just feel wonderful.