Be Kind To Mother Earth Reduce Reuse Recycle

By Lisa Vaughn, author of The Gifted Ones

Recently I heard an interesting factoid in a documentary I was watching about conserving the planet. They boldly stated that humans were the only species in the animal kingdom that took more than they needed. That disturbing statement really resonated with me. But I realized it was true. But why? Why do humans have this need to take, take, take? Wild animals only kill what they need to survive, why aren't we like that? A vision of out-of-control 'hoarders' comes to mind. What happened to make us believe the more, the better...at any cost?

Lets be honest, you see waste all around you every day, practically everywhere you go. From the waste of food to the waste of over-produced products. It seems in this go-go-go society, we simply do not have the time to make a conscious effort to think before we act, and unfortunately, in the end, Mother Earth (and ultimately us) pays the price.

The countless plastic bottles and plastic grocery bags littering our communities, the uneaten food you see tossed away after a few bites, cigarette remains tossed out at the stop light – the list goes on and on. We've all heard it, we all know it...the problem is reacting to it. Yes, I realize we are all creatures of habit, me included. That's where the conscious part comes in...the think before you act part. Habits are just mechanical, unconscious acts we perform every day in our lives. Once you re-train your brain to do it a new way, you'll be amazed how easy it is to convert your old, wasteful ways to new “earth-friendly” ways.

Now I'm not saying everyone should move into a cabin and live off the grid. I love my gadgets just as much as anyone (Kudos to Apple), but there are simple things we can all do to make a difference. Again, we've all heard the latest 'green' ideas coming from all angles – the compact fluorescents, turning up/down the thermostat, carrying reusable bags to the grocery store...those are no-brainers. You should already be doing that (shame on you if you aren't), but I'd like to share a few small tips that maybe you haven't thought of. They are guaranteed to reduce your carbon footprint and save you a few bucks in the end! Now who couldn't get on board with that?

In the kitchen:

☼ More and more these days I find tortillas or bread products that come in their own resealable “zip-loc” bags. Why toss them? Rinse and reuse – reduce the need to buy ziploc bags. (Sorry Proctor & Gamble) I even re-use plain bread wrappers instead of plastic wrap.

☼ If you must use those plastic grocery bags on occasion, always give them a second purpose. Instead of buying garbage bags for the bathroom or doggie poop bags, re-use the dreaded plastic. You can always find a purpose for a second/third life with them, from car litter bags, packing for shipments (skipping those awful foam peanuts), storage, the list goes on and on.

☼ Reduce or quit using paper towels. I know, thats a biggie...especially for a mom. But think of the money wasted every time you toss one in the trash. Sham-wows seem to do the trick for me – they are washable and absorbable. No waste. You can use them literally everywhere, over and over and over!

☼ Disposable dinnerware. This is a big thorn in my side. I know, I know...there are times when it is essential, like for travel. But most times you are at home. Isn't it silly to toss away a perfectly good “disposable” cup, when it could be rinsed and reused...and reused? Same with plastic forks/spoons/knives. If you're home,wash and reuse! Just because it says disposable doesn't mean you have to...there is no law stating such.

☼ Aluminum foil. How many times do you just cover a dish for a day or so, then the dish is empty and you just toss the foil that was on top? If its clean, why not re-use? Line the racks of your toaster oven...put on your grill...cover the next dish. We keep a stack of reusable foil in the drawer next to the roll, that lasts forever by the way!

☼ Plastic containers. Again, re-use that 32oz yogurt cup...it comes with a lid and everything! And if you lose or give away, no big deal.

☼ Bottled water. Again, a biggie, I know. Trust me, we're on well-water, so I, myself am a big consumer of 'outside' water sources. Instead of buying individual bottles or even the gallon jugs, I take my 5 gallon Culligan jug to Walmart and fill it up. For .27 cents per gallon! I refill my sports bottle and off I go. Green and cheap! And no wasteful water bottles left over.

☼ Toaster ovens. Instead of firing up the big oven (which to tell you the truth, I don't even know if mine works!) use the smaller toaster oven if you have one. Less energy to run and less heat in your kitchen. I bake everything from pizza to muffins in mine.Win-win.

☼ Dishwasher. It goes without saying, never, ever run a half empty dishwasher. In fact you'll save so much if you just quickly hand-wash your small stuff after using. Less water and energy...and what did it take, a few minutes? In larger families, have everyone responsible for their own dishware.

In the outside world:

☼ Your broom broke, or you need a new cocktail dress...whatever the “need”, our first thought is usually, “What superstore, mall, or online shop can I get that at”? For every product we need, there are two choices – new or used. You'd be surprised what you can find at a Goodwill, a local thrift store, or even a garage sale - gently used, or even new items with the tags still on! This little habit changer will reduce product waste and save you so much money in a year's time. Why fuel the 'take-take monster' by buying new products (which means more production, more energy, more waste) when a slightly used version will do just fine? Check Craigs List in your area or Ebay, you'll be amazed at what you can find, and more importantly, how much cheaper it is!

☼ Invest in a bicycle. Not only does it reduce your gas consumption, it can shape your body in ways the treadmill never dreamed of! Even if you're not the athletic type, short trips to the store, or to a friends house will save you from having to stare at those dreaded $4.00 a gallon pumps! Again, buy used! I found mine on Craigs List for $50. And believe me, she's saved me that, times one hundred, just in gas!

☼ Drive thru banking – for the bank you frequent often, save the envelope they provide when giving you cash. I re-use mine every visit...I simply write on the front “Save a tree” and the teller knows not to give me a new one.

At home:

☼ Arrange to pay your bills online, if possible, and cancel your paper bill. For the mail you do receive that comes with a mail-back envelope that you do not need, save and use for bank deposits or other uses where you need an envelope.

☼ Re-use your scrap paper used to print miscellaneous stuff out from your computer. Paper has two sides, be sure to use both before you toss...uh, recycle that is.

☼ Dryer timer. I know my fancy-smancy dryer automatically seems to want to dry everything for 40 minutes. If I know the load can be dry in less time, I manually change it. Less heat, less energy. And some loads I find I can hang-dry most, or all, of my clothing. Again, more $$ in my pocket.

☼ Veggie garden. Not only is it fun, but rewarding. A medium pot with cherry-tomatoes planted in it can keep you in 'maters till your salsa needs are more than met. If you want to get fancy, the earth-boxes are fantastic and produce unbelievable yields. Peppers, herbs, and green onions are easy to grow and fun to include in your dinner plans.

As you can see, a little thinking and preparation goes a long way. It all goes back to re-training our brains on how we do things. In the beginning, start with questioning everything you attempt to throw into the trash. Can this be used for another purpose? Always keep in mind, although it conveniently does leave your habitat, it goes to another habitat – your local landfill. Where it will sit, and sit, and sit - affecting the wildlife, the land, Mother Earth...and ultimately, back to you. It always comes back to you.

So please, be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Why would you want to speed up the deterioration of nature? Mother Earth will prevail (as she always does) long after humans have phased themselves out. When that will happen exactly, is up to you.

Lisa Vaughn is an author extroaordinare. Her memoir is receiving rave reviews.

To Your Health & Happiness,
Elle