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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: HappierAtHome on August 09, 2016, 01:28:08 AM

Title: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on August 09, 2016, 01:28:08 AM
I'm looking for ideas, inspiration and positive reinforcement as I work to reduce my impact on the environment and use of finite resources.

Of course, BIG things you've done to reduce your environmental impact will be welcome too :-)

If you would prefer to debate the merits of reducing your impact and lowering your use of finite resources, please start your own thread on that. This one is about sharing ideas and successes!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on August 09, 2016, 01:31:55 AM
To get us started, today I:

Used public transport to get to and from work (lower impact than driving, cheaper than driving and paying for parking, and more exercise built in at either end of the bus trip - triple win!!).

Sliced up a heap of veges and popped them into Tupperware containers that will keep them fresh in the fridge for much longer than otherwise, reducing food waste.

Used reusable containers to bring my own lunch to work - no glad wrap or other single-use products.

Did NOT use the heater at home this morning even though I was cold - we've been using it a bit too much and the last electricity bill was a bit of a shock.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nnls on August 09, 2016, 01:47:07 AM
posting to follow.

I havent been that good today though as I am at work, though I did manage to convince my office to turn the aircon off and just use the fan as it wasn't hot today
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on August 09, 2016, 01:53:13 AM
I did manage to convince my office to turn the aircon off and just use the fan as it wasn't hot today

That's fantastic!! My work will not turn off or adjust the aircon - it's all managed centrally by building management - but my at-home use of heating and cooling definitely needs work.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on August 09, 2016, 04:18:41 AM
I'm thinking of acquiring one of those little devices that 'staples' together documents without actually using staples. Does anyone here use one of those? I know staples are only a tiny bit of waste, but it's still waste.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: NinetyFour on August 09, 2016, 04:59:37 AM
Walked to the grocery store instead of driving.  I actually wanted to buy more than what would fit in my backpack.  That just means I will need to make a second trip--on foot (or bike).

Thanks for starting this thread!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: deborah on August 09, 2016, 06:23:54 AM
Where I live, they have (or had) several energy information things available:

The electricity companies replace incandescent light bulbs with CFLs and halogens with LEDs  for free. I replaced all 31 halogens with LEDs back when LEDs were very expensive, and there was still (even then) a saving after a few years because of the lower electricity cost. They also replace shower heads with lower volume ones to save water, also for free. Both reduce your impact on the planet as well as reducing your electricity and water bills (note that hot water is both an electricity and a water consumer).

Libraries just about everywhere (at least in Australia and the US, probably elsewhere as well) have kill-a-watt meters or similar available for loan. You can use these to work out how much electricity your appliances use. Obviously, turning off appliances, so that they don't have even the pilot light (which uses quite a lot of electricity), when they are not being used, saves a lot of electricity.

My library system goes one step further than just having the kill-a-watt available. It has a kit, which includes a booklet that you keep, an instruction book, a compass, kill-a-watt, infrared detector, thermometer and I've forgotten what else. Use the thermometer, for example, to check your fridge and freezer temperature, and adjust them to appropriate boundaries (this saves electricity and keeps your food fresh for longer). The infrared detector is good at looking at where the gaps are. For instance, waving it across the ceiling (on a very hot or cold day) shows you where your insulation isn't as good as it could be. Waving it along the edges of windows, doors and where floors and walls meet, shows you where there are gaps that can be filled.

My local government (at two separate places I have lived) has a free (or nearly free) house inspection, with suggestions on what would give you the best bang for your buck. One suggestion was to put bubblewrap in the bottom of the skylight (it acts as a clear insulation).

Whenever you are about to purchase any appliance, look at the government appliance site to find out the energy efficiency of your new appliance. My new fridge (well, it's a few years old now) uses much less electricity than the old one.

When I replaced the globes, fixed some gaps in insulation, and put awnings on the windows (stops windows getting heated by the summer sun - I found we didn't need AC in summer apart from a couple of days) my electricity bill halved.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on August 09, 2016, 07:17:38 AM
I won't be eating any animal products today:

Breakfast - A cup and a half of dried oats with banana.
Snack - Two apples and a pear.
Lunch - Chana Masala with Naan.
Snack - Medium sized raw beet and some watermelon.
Dinner - Roasted sweet potatoes and peppers covered in a spicy Thai peanut sauce with sesame seeds sprinkled on top of a bed of brown rice.
Snack - A couple tablespoons of peanut butter with a handful of chocolate chips.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TravelJunkyQC on August 09, 2016, 09:18:03 AM
I biked to work. Will be biking to the rock-climbing gym afterwards, then back home again.

Yesterday, we went grocery shopping, and got the majority of things at two bulk stores (one for dry goods, the other for fruits and veggies). Advantage with bulk stores is that, especially for the dry goods one, there's far less packaging. I choose the size of the bag/container, fill it up, and just put a tie wrap around it for weighing. No more bags inside a box inside another box nonsense. They don't allow you to come in with your own containers yet (for cleanliness reasons), but I'm hoping for that day soon.
For fruits and veggies, I always prioritize buying products that come from Québec, then Canada, and if all else fails, the US. Wanted to buy some oranges, they came from Morocco, so I bought some Canadian prunes instead. Less transportation somewhere along the line, so I consider it a win even if it costs me a little bit more per kilo.

Brought my lunch in a reusable container as well.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: stripey on August 09, 2016, 09:27:18 AM
Today I made a breakfast with sauteed greens I found growing wild at the end of my run this morning (they were sow's thistle and wild lettuce). Probably organic, and food miles = 0.

Also, this winter I tried 'bubble glazing'* my windows to keep the place warmer for less energy input. Believe it or not, it was effective!

*Literally using bubble wrap on glass windows I don't mind seeing out of this part of the year.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Duchess of Stratosphear on August 09, 2016, 11:25:50 AM
I won't be eating any animal products today:

Breakfast - A cup and a half of dried oats with banana.
Snack - Two apples and a pear.
Lunch - Chana Masala with Naan.
Snack - Medium sized raw beet and some watermelon.
Dinner - Roasted sweet potatoes and peppers covered in a spicy Thai peanut sauce with sesame seeds sprinkled on top of a bed of brown rice.
Snack - A couple tablespoons of peanut butter with a handful of chocolate chips.

Good one! Me neither. This is one that gets overlooked a lot, I think.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on August 09, 2016, 06:09:20 PM
'Bubble glazing' is a great idea! Does it work to keep the heat out in Summer, too? We have a few very drafty old windows which I want to get double-glazed eventually, but in the meantime, bubble glazing it is!

Last night we didn't use the heat, instead warming up a wheat bag to put in the bottom of the bed for cold little feet at bedtime. This morning I again did not turn on the heat, reminding myself I can snuggle under the covers drinking a hot cuppa until it's time to get up, and that when I do get up I can dress warmly.

Heating is on my mind because we have been using it far too much for the last month or two.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: PMG on August 09, 2016, 06:26:28 PM
I need this thread!

On my walk this morning I picked up a plastic bag that was blowing in the street.  It is now lining my kitchen trash can.

I bulk cooked this evening, should be dinners for the rest of the week. I'll not have to use the stove or oven much at all. I also used all of the broccoli stem. Why throw out good food?

I used fans instead of AC.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: deborah on August 09, 2016, 06:52:17 PM
'Bubble glazing' is a great idea! Does it work to keep the heat out in Summer, too? We have a few very drafty old windows which I want to get double-glazed eventually, but in the meantime, bubble glazing it is!
Yes. And it can easily be free. Big pieces usually wrap things like sofas or fridges wen they come new, so you could just ask around for anyone who is getting a big item, or go to Harvey Norman or the like, ans ask if they are throwing any (used) out. That way you get pieces big enough to cover a whole window without joins.

But, if your windows are drafty you should investigate sealing the cracks first.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on August 09, 2016, 07:07:19 PM
I drive for a living. Today I made a really big effort to do 'green driving/ hypermiling' and at the end of my 2.5hr morning shift the km range (left in the tank) was higher than when I started. I'll see what happens tonight but I might get 50kms more on this tank.

Then, I put our veggie scraps into a raised bed that I am building in the lasagne method (green/brown waste til it's full then top with potting compost), so saved them from landfill and will reduce future food miles (hopefully!)

Lastly, I saved my teabag for another go! I do drink loose leaf tea often too which I guess is much better, no silly wrapping.

I was thinking last night about our individual impact and googled where most emissions/ carbon footprint comes from (in Australia). Couldn't find a great data source (Census website Australians? lol) but one site said the worst sector is manufacturing, so if we all reduce, reuse, recycle then I imagine that would have the biggest impact. Second worst was households, and within that heating and cooling. In a way, that's good because there are well known fixes, but in a way I'm worried because if it's so easy, why don't we (as a nation) tackle it better. At least new builds have increasingly stringent requirements. My neighbour is building a new place and all the ground floor windows have to be double glazed, so there's something. It was weird that transport didn't come up as one of the worst offenders.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Eucalyptus on August 09, 2016, 11:06:04 PM
This site has good resources on Environmental impact and how to reduce your impact. For fellow Australian's; note that we are the leaders of the pack in screwing up the planet (if everyone lived like us, 5.3 planets required).
http://www.overshootday.org/

Not today, but I'll post things to this thread from now on for those that are interested that I do. I'll also smatter some in that I've done in recent times. I'm an Environmental Scientist so while my work isn't focussed directly on the things that individuals can do, its interesting to me, and I usually apply a strong scientific rigour to what I choose to apply in my own life and share with others.

Tea bags vs loose tea
A few months ago I decided to look into the effect of using loose leaf in a tea pot vs individual tea bags.
Turns out, using a tea bag vs loose leaf is about 4g of carbon emissions extra per cup. Plus extra landfill, loss of biodiversity (eg cutting forests for paper, mining impacts), etc.
Pretty small, but, its not a hard choice to make. If everyone does these small improvements they add up to something big.
If you don't have a tea pot already, don't stress, its ok to buy one or two. I bought a cheap glass teapot that I probably use once every few weeks when I have visitors. Its glass, tiny amount of stainless steel. By weight, I worked out the C02 emissions...and I would pay that back within a few months by not using tea bags! If I'm careful this teapot will last me forever. A cheap second hand teapot of any material is probably a good eco investment.
I usually use these good quality filters though for individual cups of tea. Tiny amount of plastic, fine stainless steel mesh. It would take about a month of no tea bags for me to make up their C02 cost in manufacture. They'll NEVER break.

I reckon governments should ban tea bags and make using pots/small filters compulsory!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on August 09, 2016, 11:23:08 PM
Eucalyptus - where do you get your tea strainers / do you have a specific product recommendation?

I found out recently that tea bags have plastic in them! Plastic has its place, but that place shouldn't be EVERYWHERE.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Abe on August 09, 2016, 11:41:53 PM
Normal activities we do daily:
Used fans/open windows at night instead of AC.
Didn't eat meat for last week (about normal for our family)
Didn't buy anything other than food.
Bought produce from the 2nd hand grocery store instead of fruit wrapped in excess plastic (when did this start happening? The fruit will still taste the same even if it has a dent!!!)
Did drive instead of take mass transit, oops.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on August 10, 2016, 12:19:27 AM
Nice tea bag analysis Eucalyptus!

HaH, I recently spent about 3.95 or similar on a Benzer strainer and dish from some discount kitchen shop like Victoria's Basement. I'm very happy with it because it makes having a pot of tea feel a bit posh, a bit more ceremonial. There are lots of cheap teapots at similar shops with the inner metal compartments to hold the tea - I had one but it got broken and I decided the new teapot should set the leaves free! My dad is very happy with one of those in cup strainers for his disgusting tea that tastes like earthy feet and I've seen a lot of them about recently. I also have one of the ones that looks like a ball on the end of small tongs but when I clean it I always slip and fire bits everywhere.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Mrs. S on August 10, 2016, 04:28:09 AM
Today I made a breakfast with sauteed greens I found growing wild at the end of my run this morning (they were sow's thistle and wild lettuce). Probably organic, and food miles = 0.

Also, this winter I tried 'bubble glazing'* my windows to keep the place warmer for less energy input. Believe it or not, it was effective!

*Literally using bubble wrap on glass windows I don't mind seeing out of this part of the year.

That is an awesome idea. Double glazing or bubble glazing in this case is the best thing you can do to keep your energy requirements low apart from sealing the conditioned interiors.
On the note above- I have reduced my regular fresh food haul and now consciously work on avoiding and food wastage. I am also growing  sprouts and we should be growing few more fresh vegetables.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on August 10, 2016, 05:46:55 AM
I'd be more inclined to tape a piece of saran wrap to the window frame rather than put up bubble wrap.  I suspect that the trapped air pocket would yield similar benefits, but you could still look out of your windows in the winter!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Rollin on August 10, 2016, 06:31:25 AM
I'll ride my bike today to renew my plates for my vehicles (state plate offices). Somewhat of a contradiction, but it is a something. Will send two small trees to landscape yard recycling today (as opposed to the garbage). Will shower later today when the sun is out (solar hot water system).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: deborah on August 10, 2016, 03:41:13 PM
On the tea bag talk, my SO decided to use leaf tea many years ago, and bought an array of tea infusers - for examples see http://redleaftea.com.au/teaware/infusers.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjwoau9BRDMvsnv5MCh24UBEiQAKOqcfebOh_SOKoXO0IM6xAoYVhJwJbfndGn29rmaqXp7AmUaAlLt8P8HAQ - these replace the bag, and you just put some tea leaves into them and swish them around in your cup.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Roland of Gilead on August 10, 2016, 03:52:19 PM
Since moving into our RV, we have reduced our environmental impact probably by 95%?

We now use about 40 gallons of water A WEEK.  I can't see any couple living in sticks and bricks that could claim that level.

We power our RV almost entirely off of the rooftop 1100 watt solar panels.  Our stove uses propane, but one five gallon tank filled with four gallons lasts us almost 2 months.  We even run a small air conditioner off of solar.  All lighting is LED.

We do use a laundromat every three or four weeks but I always go for the front loader which I think are more environmentally friendly?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: NinetyFour on August 10, 2016, 05:51:27 PM
Today, I:

* unplugged my modem and router when I left my house
* walked to a coffee shop to meet with a real estate friend
* brought my own coffee travel mug to the coffee shop
* walked to my workplace
* will walk back home
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: deborah on August 11, 2016, 12:17:42 AM
Of course everyone hangs their clothes on the line rather than using a dryer.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on August 11, 2016, 02:26:31 AM
What an inspiring idea for a thread!

* Composting: Watermelon rinds, corn cobs and eggshells went to the chickens; houseplant prunings, corn husks, pineapple skin and assorted gunk from the drain trap were added to the main compost pile.
* Water savings: Waited until corn-boil water cooled and then took it out to water a newly planted tree. Leftover drinking water went to houseplants.
* Transport: Took public bus on a 15-mile (24 km) round trip to a doctor's appointment, saving fuel and carbon emissions.
* Litter: Picked up a plastic water bottle I found rolling around the parking lot. Brought it home and will return with the rest of our recycling for $0.05 deposit refund.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Eucalyptus on August 11, 2016, 02:46:41 AM
my Teapot is a cheap discount store special. Although I know I'll break it at some point, as per what I said above, I'm not too fussed about it as it will have paid its dues.

My strainers are these ones:
http://www.finum.com/filters/permanent-filters/brewing-basket-m.html
A bit expensive (at least to get in Aus) but I feel like they are well worth it. I'll pay them back in a few years $ wise with the cost difference between tea bags and loose leaf :-)

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: FLBiker on August 11, 2016, 05:10:14 AM
I'm thinking of acquiring one of those little devices that 'staples' together documents without actually using staples. Does anyone here use one of those? I know staples are only a tiny bit of waste, but it's still waste.

I got one of this as a gift.  Meh.  It's a pocket-sized ones (maybe the bigger ones are better) but I'd only use it for a couple of sheets.  I staple virtually nothing at home, though.

As for me: vegetarian, bike to work, cloth diaper, lunch in reusable containers - these are my main everyday things.  I also shop very little and, once DD is a bit older, like to grow vegetables.  With a baby, I'm just doing tomatoes and some perennials.

Great topic!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Roland of Gilead on August 11, 2016, 07:27:22 AM
- Will not give birth to any children :)

That last one is the biggest thing anyone can do to massively reduce their carbon footprint.   A third rail to talk about in politics though.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Catbert on August 11, 2016, 08:39:52 AM
Composting
Growing veggies and citrus fruit
Remodeling my kitchen but keeping the cabinets (painting rather than replacing)
Cloth grocery bags including product bags (simple sewing with muslim to make produce bags)
Re-using laundry water in the garden
solar energy
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Eucalyptus on August 11, 2016, 08:39:47 PM
Great article by George Monbiot
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/09/vegan-corrupt-food-system-meat-dairy

I've been trying to be vegetarian myself since 2006...but I've always struggled, usually as traveling/living with voracious meat eaters/rest of family can't comprehend even lowering meat consumption/lack of options usually when eating out/very few vegetarian friends (we are still in low numbers in Aus).

But now that I'm back living alone (have my daughter half time) I have a vegetarian house :-)

Don't get me wrong, I totally love eating meat, its delicious, but, I know I don't need to and its environmental effects are shocking (my PhD is on Rangeland Monitoring with Satellite imagery)-I 100% agree with what Monbiot says about "free range" being terrible for the environment).

I also agree with eating pest species where you can. Monbiot mainly talks about agricultural pests, but often those same pests are environmental pests with negative effects on ecosystems, also, many places have purely environmental pests too. Sometimes, some animals that are native, can become pests in high numbers...usually this is not their fault but rather because of human disruptions to ecosystems. Monbiot mentions Deer in the UK. In Australia, Kangaroos are massively overpopulated (with the Dingo fence and destruction of the Dingo-their only native predator on the ~bottom third of the continent, and, the provision of permanent water by farmers, their numbers boom). It makes huge sense to try and harvest their numbers and eat them.

The hardest bit for me is to try and become a full vegan. I like eggs, but I could work to avoid them (though they make a balanced protein diet easier and more convenient). The hardest bit for me is Dairy. I've avoided yoghurt the last few months successfully. Cheese is harder, I love cheese. I need to save it for special occasions. Milk is the TOUGHEST. I've always been a huge milk drinker. I need to find a suitable alternative that works not only in my breakfast oats (really its only about 30-40ml) which isn't too hard, but the harder challenge is an alternative for tea and coffee. I'm yet to find something that doesn't destroy the taste of tea and coffee for me. Also, the expense of alternatives is nuts.

Last year I managed 7 days of successful veganism, then relented due to the milk in tea/coffee.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: deborah on August 12, 2016, 02:54:26 AM
I'm thinking of acquiring one of those little devices that 'staples' together documents without actually using staples. Does anyone here use one of those? I know staples are only a tiny bit of waste, but it's still waste.
They are great! I used them when I went to college, and really liked them. No taking the staple out and inserting another sheet. The $2 shop had the things in an interesting set of colours, wheich allowed me to use different colours for different purposes. I also still have them all, because when I had finished with one set of papers, they came off easily.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: stripey on August 12, 2016, 09:43:19 AM
Nut milk (and oat milk)** are rediculously simple to make if you have twelve hours and a blender. Google will be able to help you out with this one. Plus, less packaging!!!

If you find these acceptable alternatives to milk. Personally I have my tea and coffee black but that's how I grew up.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Eucalyptus on August 13, 2016, 08:15:25 AM
Yeah I've tried almond, coconut, oat, soy. Oat wasn't too bad from memory but expensive.

Maybe I'll have to force myself to move to black tea and coffee... I do like them, I just like the milked versions more!

As for today:
daughter and I visited sister in law and kids. I drove pretty slow to maximise the mileage. Prob saved a litre of fuel.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: stripey on August 13, 2016, 10:56:19 AM
Yeah I've tried almond, coconut, oat, soy. Oat wasn't too bad from memory but expensive.

Maybe I'll have to force myself to move to black tea and coffee... I do like them, I just like the milked versions more!

Seriously try making a milk replacer from scratch, as it's really quite a straight-forward process. If you purchase the base ingredients from a bulk food store, then there is minimal/no packaging. Here are the first two links I found: https://www.thehealthychef.com/2015/05/make-the-perfect-dairy-free-milk/ (https://www.thehealthychef.com/2015/05/make-the-perfect-dairy-free-milk/) http://treadingmyownpath.com/tag/nut-milk/ (http://treadingmyownpath.com/tag/nut-milk/)

Thanks for the Earth Overshoot day.

Today, I:
- Made lunch using self-sown sweet potatoes and locally produced olive oil;
- Got to the bottom of my mending pile
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mathjak107 on August 13, 2016, 11:47:51 AM
i bought one of those little smart cars . i threw it in the back of my hummer and drive around with it .
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: marty998 on August 13, 2016, 03:50:26 PM
i bought one of those little smart cars . i threw it in the back of my hummer and drive around with it .

God bless Americans :D
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: pbnj on August 13, 2016, 05:20:56 PM
Did laundry did not use the dryer. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: ohsnap on August 13, 2016, 05:28:15 PM
.... Milk is the TOUGHEST. I've always been a huge milk drinker. I need to find a suitable alternative that works not only in my breakfast oats (really its only about 30-40ml) which isn't too hard, but the harder challenge is an alternative for tea and coffee. I'm yet to find something that doesn't destroy the taste of tea and coffee for me. Also, the expense of alternatives is nuts.

Last year I managed 7 days of successful veganism, then relented due to the milk in tea/coffee.

Have you tried canned coconut cream in your coffee?  I've found it gives a similar level of creaminess as dairy half-and-half, and has very little flavor if you don't add too much.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on August 13, 2016, 06:55:00 PM
At first I thought NOTHING but I did walk to lunch and thrifting vice driving anywhere and I changed out one of the lightbulbs in my 3-light lamp to a cool LED because this lamp puts out a ton of heat and my apartment is hot enough as is. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: human on August 13, 2016, 08:14:24 PM
I don't fly to ecuador every year that probably outweighs everything else on this thread.

Never understood how mmm can preach about the environmental benefits of being frugal yet fly to south america.

Don't get me wrong I was being facetious above when I said I don't fly anywhere. I've been to SA twice and new zealand.

If we were really concerned for the environment we wouldn't fly or eat meat. Stop kidding yourselves. I do try me best to use less electricity to save money but I don't kid myself about the environment when I eat meat or fly.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: clarkai on August 13, 2016, 10:08:17 PM
Today, I  biked around 5 miles one way to pick up almost fifty free books from goodwill for my classroom. I did ride the bus up the very steep hill on the way back.

I didn't eat any animal products, or processed foods. All food waste goes into the compost, to be used in the garden later. Some old papers were also composted.

No ac here, just windows and wise cooking choices.

Picked up some wanted items from a free pile, thus reducing waste.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on August 14, 2016, 01:31:31 AM
I don't fly to ecuador every year that probably outweighs everything else on this thread.

Never understood how mmm can preach about the environmental benefits of being frugal yet fly to south america.

Don't get me wrong I was being facetious above when I said I don't fly anywhere. I've been to SA twice and new zealand.

If we were really concerned for the environment we wouldn't fly or eat meat. Stop kidding yourselves. I do try me best to use less electricity to save money but I don't kid myself about the environment when I eat meat or fly.

I did an online calculator once and adding a flight did blow all other energy use out of the water. But then again, general consumption of manufactured goods wasn't included in that one.

It's definitely worth sharing daily baby steps and good practices that we can try, every little bit is better than doing nothing.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on August 14, 2016, 02:36:07 AM
I don't fly to ecuador every year that probably outweighs everything else on this thread.

Never understood how mmm can preach about the environmental benefits of being frugal yet fly to south america.

Don't get me wrong I was being facetious above when I said I don't fly anywhere. I've been to SA twice and new zealand.

If we were really concerned for the environment we wouldn't fly or eat meat. Stop kidding yourselves. I do try me best to use less electricity to save money but I don't kid myself about the environment when I eat meat or fly.

I did an online calculator once and adding a flight did blow all other energy use out of the water. But then again, general consumption of manufactured goods wasn't included in that one.

It's definitely worth sharing daily baby steps and good practices that we can try, every little bit is better than doing nothing.

Absolutely. What's the alternative - do nothing because you can't do everything?

It's that old nugget: don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: RetiredAt63 on August 14, 2016, 06:11:22 AM
I don't know how it could be calculated, but every time we don't buy something or buy it used, we are cutting out the energy use and CO2 emissions that a new item would have used/produced during the manufacturing process.  So our MMM lifestyle is relatively low impact to start with. 
Today I will use a tiny amount of gas to buy farm eggs (chickens share a barn and yard with sheep so definitely free range).  Happy hens, healthy yummy eggs, happy me.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: ck25 on August 14, 2016, 08:23:05 AM
- veganism
- bought into a home with solar panels, really great insulation, high efficiency appliances, and sustainable materials (e.g., concrete floors over carpet)
- slowly replacing CFLs with LEDs as they burn out
- convinced DH to raise the thermostat by 1 degree (from a super ridiculous 77 to slightly less ridiculous 78 - it's 105 outside regularly)
- finally looked into the sprinkler scheduling set by builders and figured out it is set for 70 minutes per week - reduced to 40 minutes per week

I need to start being proactive about all of the paper mail we are getting and calling to unsubscribe. I go through this routine at every move, but finally we are settled in a place where we will be for more than a year.

Does anyone have any experience using grey water residentially? I have a very small yard; we estimate our watering at around 3500 gallons per month.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: katstache on August 14, 2016, 09:59:15 AM
I used a drying rack instead of drying 2 loads of wet clothes
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: human on August 14, 2016, 11:36:05 AM
I don't fly to ecuador every year that probably outweighs everything else on this thread.

Never understood how mmm can preach about the environmental benefits of being frugal yet fly to south america.

Don't get me wrong I was being facetious above when I said I don't fly anywhere. I've been to SA twice and new zealand.

If we were really concerned for the environment we wouldn't fly or eat meat. Stop kidding yourselves. I do try me best to use less electricity to save money but I don't kid myself about the environment when I eat meat or fly.

I did an online calculator once and adding a flight did blow all other energy use out of the water. But then again, general consumption of manufactured goods wasn't included in that one.

It's definitely worth sharing daily baby steps and good practices that we can try, every little bit is better than doing nothing.

Absolutely. What's the alternative - do nothing because you can't do everything?

It's that old nugget: don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

My point is it's not what you do (or don't do) in a day, it's what you do in a lifetime. No meat for a day isn't helping anyone, if you get on a plane and fly to south america every year and eat meat 270 days a year you can't offset it. So if you do those things, then yes "doing nothing" as you say probably is just as good as the symbolism of not eating meat once a week and riding your bike to work.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: ulrichw on August 14, 2016, 02:13:31 PM
I don't fly to ecuador every year that probably outweighs everything else on this thread.

Never understood how mmm can preach about the environmental benefits of being frugal yet fly to south america.

Don't get me wrong I was being facetious above when I said I don't fly anywhere. I've been to SA twice and new zealand.

If we were really concerned for the environment we wouldn't fly or eat meat. Stop kidding yourselves. I do try me best to use less electricity to save money but I don't kid myself about the environment when I eat meat or fly.

I did an online calculator once and adding a flight did blow all other energy use out of the water. But then again, general consumption of manufactured goods wasn't included in that one.

It's definitely worth sharing daily baby steps and good practices that we can try, every little bit is better than doing nothing.

Absolutely. What's the alternative - do nothing because you can't do everything?

It's that old nugget: don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

My point is it's not what you do (or don't do) in a day, it's what you do in a lifetime. No meat for a day isn't helping anyone, if you get on a plane and fly to south america every year and eat meat 270 days a year you can't offset it. So if you do those things, then yes "doing nothing" as you say probably is just as good as the symbolism of not eating meat once a week and riding your bike to work.

I fall into the "every little bit counts" camp. Sure, cutting out meat once a week is a relatively small percentage reduction, but it's still a reduction.

The argument you can make is that it's counterproductive to make a small reduction, and then use that as an excuse to do other things that have a larger offsetting impact (e.g., "it's ok to take this plane trip, because I biked to work three times last year")

FWIW - my belief is that the biggest positive impact anybody can have on the environment is to have fewer kids: If you're really focused on saving the environment, you may be able to reduce your footprint by 70-80% - but if you don't have kids, your next generation's footprint will be reduced by 100%.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: human on August 14, 2016, 02:47:39 PM
It's just hard for me to imagine anyone thinks the small things matter if the sacred cows can't be slaughtered. It's like a mustachian saying I make my lunch every day so I can buy a new 100k mercedes every year, burn it dec 31st before buying the next one.

Overpopulation is definitely a problem, we may not necessarily be overpopulated in Canada but it seems the average family here can't have one kid without a new hydro dam peoject being created. The irony is India and China may be responsible for a lot of unregulated industrial pollution and untreated sewage. Per capita they use so much less energy.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on August 14, 2016, 06:35:08 PM
Back on topic.

Today's small wins:

Vegan breakfast and lunch, dinner likely to be vegetarian (I eat fish once or twice a week and meat maximum of twice a week. Other meals are mostly vegan with some vegetarian thrown in).

Using cloth pads instead of disposable paper-and-plastic menstrual products.

As usual, using non-disposable packaging for food.

As usual, using public transport and the power of Walking!! instead of driving to work.

Hang-drying my clothes, washing them only on cold wash.

Carefully using up fruit and veg that was close to going bad.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on August 14, 2016, 06:38:09 PM
Does anyone have any experience using grey water residentially? I have a very small yard; we estimate our watering at around 3500 gallons per month.

Not yet, but I've started looking into the local regulations for grey water in my city.

Do you collect rainwater from your roof already? That's something I want to look into soon.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on August 14, 2016, 06:41:08 PM
'Bubble glazing' is a great idea! Does it work to keep the heat out in Summer, too? We have a few very drafty old windows which I want to get double-glazed eventually, but in the meantime, bubble glazing it is!
Yes. And it can easily be free. Big pieces usually wrap things like sofas or fridges wen they come new, so you could just ask around for anyone who is getting a big item, or go to Harvey Norman or the like, ans ask if they are throwing any (used) out. That way you get pieces big enough to cover a whole window without joins.

But, if your windows are drafty you should investigate sealing the cracks first.

The 'cracks' are caused by the windows in question being 68 years old, so the inside bit of the window (glass in a wood frame, that swings in to close the window and out to open it) isn't completely flush with the window frame. If that description makes sense. I've had someone look at it already who said my options were to replace the window entirely or double-glaze it, but I'll seek out another opinion just in case.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Indio on August 14, 2016, 08:18:27 PM
Today, I installed swarm guards on the entranceway of 3 of bee hives that I noticed were making a lot of drone comb and were likely to swarm in a few days. By installing the guards, I prevented the colony from producing 1, 2 or more queens and then a cluster of bees flying off with her. I removed brood frames and made 2 smaller winter colonies with the queen cells so I wont need to buy bees from GA or CA to repopulate my bee hives in spring. That lowered my beekeeping carbon footprint.
From the backyard I harvested, 5 green banana peppers, 1 large acorn squash, 3 marketmore cucumbers, 2 bottle gourds (intended to be birdhouses next year), 25 tomatoes, 1/2lb of green beans and kale. Using seeds saved from spring planting, started more frisee and mesculun for Fall garden.
Fed 6 meat turkeys herbs and weeds from garden to fatten them rather than using commercial feed.
Read manual again for saltwater filtration system on pool and reduced the programming time. Pool water comes from rain barrels/cisterns.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: clarkai on August 14, 2016, 08:42:34 PM

Does anyone have any experience using grey water residentially? I have a very small yard; we estimate our watering at around 3500 gallons per month.

I use dish washing water and cooking water (from cooking legumes,  potatoes, and so forth) for watering my vegetables.  But that's a much smaller scale than what you're talking about.


On the small actions vs "sacred cows" thing, I believe that we become our habits. So if some one is in a place of skipping factory farmed for meat one meal per week, I'm going to encourage them, because that's them acting in a way out of their norm, which is obviously a result of questioning and thinking, and that can help people shift their habits over time, and start questioning bigger ticket items, such as air transportation.

I personally live a life as environmentally friendly as I can. I'm not reproducing  (I do want to foster in the future), I don't eat any animal products, I cook most everything from scratch, we avoid buying new, I ride my bike and the bus every where  (we don't own a car), we don't have a/c, I line dry our clothes when possible,  and the only time I can see us flying in the future is for a funeral. This list goes on, but the point is I've gotten here through a series of little steps (and a couple big ones). I have way more that I want to do, and hopefully will do in the future.


On another note, I really love how the environmentalist choice is usually the healthy and frugal choice as well.

Today's small steps were using pee to fertilize starts and convincing a friend to spend two hours biking to go swimming instead of twenty minutes of driving :p
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: deborah on August 14, 2016, 08:51:21 PM
'Bubble glazing' is a great idea! Does it work to keep the heat out in Summer, too? We have a few very drafty old windows which I want to get double-glazed eventually, but in the meantime, bubble glazing it is!
Yes. And it can easily be free. Big pieces usually wrap things like sofas or fridges wen they come new, so you could just ask around for anyone who is getting a big item, or go to Harvey Norman or the like, ans ask if they are throwing any (used) out. That way you get pieces big enough to cover a whole window without joins.

But, if your windows are drafty you should investigate sealing the cracks first.

The 'cracks' are caused by the windows in question being 68 years old, so the inside bit of the window (glass in a wood frame, that swings in to close the window and out to open it) isn't completely flush with the window frame. If that description makes sense. I've had someone look at it already who said my options were to replace the window entirely or double-glaze it, but I'll seek out another opinion just in case.
You can get rubber strips to attach to the window frame to get rid of the gaps (from Bunnings or elsewhere - see https://www.bunnings.com.au/our-range/building-hardware/door-window-gate-hardware/door-window-seals/window). I used them on my similarly aged house. They were not as satisfactory as they could have been because in places there was still a gap, and in other places they were a little too thick, but they did make a difference until I got the windows fixed (they all had been painted a million times, had some weathering where they hadn't been painted often enough (and of course the paint on top of the weathered paint made bumps). A bit of sanding and some wood filler improved the level no end, and only took a little work, except where the window frames were rotten.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: stripey on August 14, 2016, 09:02:43 PM
+1

(As an aside, my father went the DIY double-glazing route as he had the time, means and inclination. His only complaint is that there's the smallest amount of condensation in between the panes but it only shows when the temperature is less than -5*C)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on August 14, 2016, 09:24:40 PM
'Bubble glazing' is a great idea! Does it work to keep the heat out in Summer, too? We have a few very drafty old windows which I want to get double-glazed eventually, but in the meantime, bubble glazing it is!
Yes. And it can easily be free. Big pieces usually wrap things like sofas or fridges wen they come new, so you could just ask around for anyone who is getting a big item, or go to Harvey Norman or the like, ans ask if they are throwing any (used) out. That way you get pieces big enough to cover a whole window without joins.

But, if your windows are drafty you should investigate sealing the cracks first.

The 'cracks' are caused by the windows in question being 68 years old, so the inside bit of the window (glass in a wood frame, that swings in to close the window and out to open it) isn't completely flush with the window frame. If that description makes sense. I've had someone look at it already who said my options were to replace the window entirely or double-glaze it, but I'll seek out another opinion just in case.

You can get rubber strips to attach to the window frame to get rid of the gaps (from Bunnings or elsewhere - see https://www.bunnings.com.au/our-range/building-hardware/door-window-gate-hardware/door-window-seals/window). I used them on my similarly aged house. They were not as satisfactory as they could have been because in places there was still a gap, and in other places they were a little too thick, but they did make a difference until I got the windows fixed (they all had been painted a million times, had some weathering where they hadn't been painted often enough (and of course the paint on top of the weathered paint made bumps). A bit of sanding and some wood filler improved the level no end, and only took a little work, except where the window frames were rotten.

Ooooh. Those look good. Can windows still be closed / open with those rubber strips on? I like being able to open the windows in summer when it's cool in the evenings.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on August 14, 2016, 10:42:14 PM
If you're interested in greywater and other slightly more intense than normal water-saving household water tech, I highly recommend Laura Allen's The Waterwise Home book. We have been to a couple of her seminars and she is terrific. We can't do greywater until we rip out our ugly concrete porch but she taught me a lot about other ways to save, how to daisy-chain rain barrels, et al.

* Line-dryed all the kids' swim stuff.

* Picked up 9 recyclable bottles and cans and will redeem for $0.45.

* Harvest a patch of purslane (http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/power-packed-purslane-zmaz05amzsel.aspx) growing on the sidewalk, will use for smoothies, salads, etc.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on August 14, 2016, 11:26:55 PM
HaH - we had great success using decent weight curtains in front of our old windows. All the casement ones are draughty, the sash windows aren't but have incredibly thin glass in from the 50s. We also used white electrical tape to seal up cracks in doors and windows that don't get opened in winter!

I have been told by a professional that simply replacing old paper thin glass with modern thicker glass will improve sound and heat insulation. There's also a special 'hush' glass, I imagine it's just nice and thick - we went in a room in a showroom encased by it and it seems legit! That means we could keep the original wooden frames where they aren't warped or draughty, saving time and resources. In Sydney all the installers think we are mad to consider double glazing and they are probably right.


I can't think of a single extra environmental thing I did today unfortunately! But I did line dry clothes, get organic veggies & charge my electricals with the solar panels :)

At the weekend I realised if I charge my hand held vac with the sun, it's bagless so a better alternative to the regular vac (we are slaves to pet hair). Also yesterday, I decided to try no-poo for my hair which I think will mean less chemicals but also less water use long term.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on August 14, 2016, 11:40:05 PM
HaH - we had great success using decent weight curtains in front of our old windows. All the casement ones are draughty, the sash windows aren't but have incredibly thin glass in from the 50s. We also used white electrical tape to seal up cracks in doors and windows that don't get opened in winter!

I have been told by a professional that simply replacing old paper thin glass with modern thicker glass will improve sound and heat insulation. There's also a special 'hush' glass, I imagine it's just nice and thick - we went in a room in a showroom encased by it and it seems legit! That means we could keep the original wooden frames where they aren't warped or draughty, saving time and resources. In Sydney all the installers think we are mad to consider double glazing and they are probably right.

We have heavy block-out curtains for the windows in question :-) so we've already done that step.

Electrical tape is a great idea! Thanks!

Why would you be mad to double glaze - does it not make that much more of a difference compared to replacing old windows with new single-pane windows?

I have to admit, I love the look of my 1948 leadlight windows, so double glazing appealed to me for the simple fact that you can apparently layer the beautiful original glass with the new stuff, i.e. keep the 'look' of the old ones while gaining the efficiency of new windows. Yes, I'm a sucker for my beautiful old house.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on August 14, 2016, 11:50:14 PM
The installers say in Sydney it just doesn't get cold enough :) They are right, it never drops to zero. Plus there are plenty of vents and so on in our double brick house so we can't really 'seal' it. To be honest, we've gone all out on the roof insulation and some floors are done and then in winter we block off most of the vents and it's comfortable and not icy getting up in the morning any more.

Are you thinking of going the secondary glazing panel across the back of the window or getting actual double glazed units put in the old frames? I don't think our old sash windows can accommodate double glazing unfortunately otherwise I would do it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on August 15, 2016, 12:02:13 AM
The installers say in Sydney it just doesn't get cold enough :) They are right, it never drops to zero. Plus there are plenty of vents and so on in our double brick house so we can't really 'seal' it. To be honest, we've gone all out on the roof insulation and some floors are done and then in winter we block off most of the vents and it's comfortable and not icy getting up in the morning any more.

Are you thinking of going the secondary glazing panel across the back of the window or getting actual double glazed units put in the old frames? I don't think our old sash windows can accommodate double glazing unfortunately otherwise I would do it.

Doesn't double glazing also keep the house cooler in summer? We get hot winds hitting our house in summer which I would expect 'better' windows to lessen the impact of... I would love the rooms with problematic windows to stay warmer in winter but also cooler in summer.

Honestly I need to investigate the options before I really know, but my Dad (former owner-builder) was talking about possibly having new frames put in with the beautiful old panes inserted into the frames at the front and new, thicker glass at the back. Which sounded like what I want, but I have no idea how expensive that would be. I have no idea how much replacing a window costs even aside from the double glazing, use of original glass etc add-ons!

Thanks for being so generous in sharing your knowledge. It's great to be able to pick someone's brain.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on August 15, 2016, 12:47:35 AM
The Internet tells me that double glazing does as much for heat reduction as for cold. So that's good. While my house is surprisingly cold, summer is definitely the bigger issue in Perth.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: deborah on August 15, 2016, 01:14:08 AM
'Bubble glazing' is a great idea! Does it work to keep the heat out in Summer, too? We have a few very drafty old windows which I want to get double-glazed eventually, but in the meantime, bubble glazing it is!
Yes. And it can easily be free. Big pieces usually wrap things like sofas or fridges wen they come new, so you could just ask around for anyone who is getting a big item, or go to Harvey Norman or the like, ans ask if they are throwing any (used) out. That way you get pieces big enough to cover a whole window without joins.

But, if your windows are drafty you should investigate sealing the cracks first.

The 'cracks' are caused by the windows in question being 68 years old, so the inside bit of the window (glass in a wood frame, that swings in to close the window and out to open it) isn't completely flush with the window frame. If that description makes sense. I've had someone look at it already who said my options were to replace the window entirely or double-glaze it, but I'll seek out another opinion just in case.

You can get rubber strips to attach to the window frame to get rid of the gaps (from Bunnings or elsewhere - see https://www.bunnings.com.au/our-range/building-hardware/door-window-gate-hardware/door-window-seals/window). I used them on my similarly aged house. They were not as satisfactory as they could have been because in places there was still a gap, and in other places they were a little too thick, but they did make a difference until I got the windows fixed (they all had been painted a million times, had some weathering where they hadn't been painted often enough (and of course the paint on top of the weathered paint made bumps). A bit of sanding and some wood filler improved the level no end, and only took a little work, except where the window frames were rotten.

Ooooh. Those look good. Can windows still be closed / open with those rubber strips on? I like being able to open the windows in summer when it's cool in the evenings.
They CAN but it depends on how much thickness they add and how much of a gap there is.

Double glazing reduces heat loss in winter to 49% of the original, whereas it only reduces heat gain in summer to 90% of the original - so there is a little to be gained in summer but a lot in winter. This is why most energy efficient housing inspections don't recommend double glazing in their top 10 recommendations. It is much more efficient to have exterior awnings to shade windows and reduce heat gain (they reduce heat gain to 15 - 25% of original).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on August 15, 2016, 06:31:39 PM
Double glazing reduces heat loss in winter to 49% of the original, whereas it only reduces heat gain in summer to 90% of the original - so there is a little to be gained in summer but a lot in winter. This is why most energy efficient housing inspections don't recommend double glazing in their top 10 recommendations. It is much more efficient to have exterior awnings to shade windows and reduce heat gain (they reduce heat gain to 15 - 25% of original).

Thanks Deborah! You know so much about this stuff.

When I was looking into double glazing some companies are claiming a much greater reduction of heat gain than your figures (for example: http://www.duoglass.com.au/why-double-glaze/thermal-comfort (http://www.duoglass.com.au/why-double-glaze/thermal-comfort)) - so I wonder if there is some variance between companies / technologies or whether the double glazing technology has improved in recent years? Certainly the example given on that page, of it being 30 degrees outside and 24 inside, would make a huge difference to my life.

I inspected my problematic windows with your advice re: awnings in mind. They both sit close under the roofline (20cm between top of window and bottom of roof) with decent eaves that do shade them much of the time. So they effectively already have awnings! However the windows themselves are definitely letting heat in - in summer you can stand near those windows and feel hot air coming through (even when they're shut). These windows face north-west and hot wind hits the house from that direction in the late afternoon and evenings. So I think a system that seals those windows effectively (whether double glazing or new single-pane windows - and definitely bubble glazing in the meantime!) will make a big difference in summer as well as winter.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Eucalyptus on August 15, 2016, 07:15:07 PM
Double glazing reduces heat loss in winter to 49% of the original, whereas it only reduces heat gain in summer to 90% of the original - so there is a little to be gained in summer but a lot in winter. This is why most energy efficient housing inspections don't recommend double glazing in their top 10 recommendations. It is much more efficient to have exterior awnings to shade windows and reduce heat gain (they reduce heat gain to 15 - 25% of original).

Thanks Deborah! You know so much about this stuff.

When I was looking into double glazing some companies are claiming a much greater reduction of heat gain than your figures (for example: http://www.duoglass.com.au/why-double-glaze/thermal-comfort (http://www.duoglass.com.au/why-double-glaze/thermal-comfort)) - so I wonder if there is some variance between companies / technologies or whether the double glazing technology has improved in recent years? Certainly the example given on that page, of it being 30 degrees outside and 24 inside, would make a huge difference to my life.

I inspected my problematic windows with your advice re: awnings in mind. They both sit close under the roofline (20cm between top of window and bottom of roof) with decent eaves that do shade them much of the time. So they effectively already have awnings! However the windows themselves are definitely letting heat in - in summer you can stand near those windows and feel hot air coming through (even when they're shut). These windows face north-west and hot wind hits the house from that direction in the late afternoon and evenings. So I think a system that seals those windows effectively (whether double glazing or new single-pane windows - and definitely bubble glazing in the meantime!) will make a big difference in summer as well as winter.

The effectiveness, usefulness, and cost breakdown of double glazed windows will depend greatly on your climate. In places with cold winters (regular temps below freezing) they make a lot more sense. In more temperate climates, less sense.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: deborah on August 15, 2016, 08:40:26 PM
Double glazing reduces heat loss in winter to 49% of the original, whereas it only reduces heat gain in summer to 90% of the original - so there is a little to be gained in summer but a lot in winter. This is why most energy efficient housing inspections don't recommend double glazing in their top 10 recommendations. It is much more efficient to have exterior awnings to shade windows and reduce heat gain (they reduce heat gain to 15 - 25% of original).

Thanks Deborah! You know so much about this stuff.

When I was looking into double glazing some companies are claiming a much greater reduction of heat gain than your figures (for example: http://www.duoglass.com.au/why-double-glaze/thermal-comfort (http://www.duoglass.com.au/why-double-glaze/thermal-comfort)) - so I wonder if there is some variance between companies / technologies or whether the double glazing technology has improved in recent years? Certainly the example given on that page, of it being 30 degrees outside and 24 inside, would make a huge difference to my life.

I inspected my problematic windows with your advice re: awnings in mind. They both sit close under the roofline (20cm between top of window and bottom of roof) with decent eaves that do shade them much of the time. So they effectively already have awnings! However the windows themselves are definitely letting heat in - in summer you can stand near those windows and feel hot air coming through (even when they're shut). These windows face north-west and hot wind hits the house from that direction in the late afternoon and evenings. So I think a system that seals those windows effectively (whether double glazing or new single-pane windows - and definitely bubble glazing in the meantime!) will make a big difference in summer as well as winter.
OK, they have a number of glazing options. From http://www.duoglass.com.au/showcase/faq "by using our most technologically advanced glass - help keep the inside of your double glazed window and therefore your home at 25 degrees". I was quoting double glazing. This changes if you have tinting or reflective glass or various coatings. These by themselves give you quite a reduction in summer heat, but the benefits come from the coating rather than the double glazing. There are now a number of places that add film to windows, and they are much cheaper than double glazing.

If your windows are more than 20 degrees west of north (may be slightly different for Perth - this is for Melbourne), they are probably west as far as sun is concerned, and you probably get the really hot late afternoon sun directly on at least some of the glass, turning the window into a big heater. Awnings, shutters or a shade sticking out of the west side (like an eave, only on the wall and vertical rather than horizontal) prevent the sun shining directly onto the glass. You can experiment by putting a sheet over the window on the outside one afternoon. Awnings would have the added advantage that they would reduce the amount of wind hitting the window.

I have the same problem with my house, as the walls are all about 45 degrees from the main points of the compass. This makes even awnings a bit tricky as the early sun and the late afternoon sun still shine onto them. But I was amazed at the difference awnings made when I installed them, so I am an acknowledged awning bigot!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on August 15, 2016, 11:49:42 PM
From http://www.duoglass.com.au/showcase/faq "by using our most technologically advanced glass - help keep the inside of your double glazed window and therefore your home at 25 degrees". I was quoting double glazing. This changes if you have tinting or reflective glass or various coatings. These by themselves give you quite a reduction in summer heat, but the benefits come from the coating rather than the double glazing. There are now a number of places that add film to windows, and they are much cheaper than double glazing.

If your windows are more than 20 degrees west of north (may be slightly different for Perth - this is for Melbourne), they are probably west as far as sun is concerned, and you probably get the really hot late afternoon sun directly on at least some of the glass, turning the window into a big heater. Awnings, shutters or a shade sticking out of the west side (like an eave, only on the wall and vertical rather than horizontal) prevent the sun shining directly onto the glass. You can experiment by putting a sheet over the window on the outside one afternoon. Awnings would have the added advantage that they would reduce the amount of wind hitting the window.

I have the same problem with my house, as the walls are all about 45 degrees from the main points of the compass. This makes even awnings a bit tricky as the early sun and the late afternoon sun still shine onto them. But I was amazed at the difference awnings made when I installed them, so I am an acknowledged awning bigot!

I think I understand it better now. Thanks. I was comparing double-glazing+coating to just double glazing. You're saying that in this scenario the double glazing would reduce heat loss in winter, and the coating would be what reduced heat gain in summer. Both seem like very good things to me!

I've looked into window tinting / coating before for a different window, one which is well-sealed but gets a lot of sun. I'll investigate that again.

The problem windows at the front of the house are indeed more than 20 degrees west of north.

Do you have any vertical awnings on your windows? If yes, would you be happy to share photos? I've been looking online but haven't found what you're describing. Even retractable outdoor blinds over the windows in question would make a huge difference, I think.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on August 21, 2016, 02:17:06 AM
Anyone do anything special to reduce their impact this weekend?

I didn't do anything out of the ordinary, but did maintain my good habits (line drying, saving water to use on the garden, minimising driving). I put some effort in to my garden today: if I can grow food that will be a win on so many fronts! And in the meantime it's a very low impact hobby.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nnls on August 21, 2016, 02:26:57 AM
I have been mainly eating vegetarian meals at work, its hard to go vegan as they don't really have those options, and most of the vegans/ vegetarians at work just supply their own food, I have also been using reusable containers instead of the plastic disposable ones work supplies for packing my lunch. Small things, but every little bit helps
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MoonLiteNite on August 21, 2016, 02:35:51 AM
Does anyone have any experience using grey water residentially? I have a very small yard; we estimate our watering at around 3500 gallons per month.

Not yet, but I've started looking into the local regulations for grey water in my city.

Do you collect rainwater from your roof already? That's something I want to look into soon.

When i was a kid my family used the washer's dirty water to water the lawn. The amount of soap that was used was very little, and didn't cause any problems with local plants/grass
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: stripey on August 21, 2016, 04:16:37 AM
Making odd meals out of the fridge contents so that when I go interstate for a couple of days there shouldn't be any additional food wastage!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Melody on August 21, 2016, 04:33:29 AM
Researched buying a soda stream (because i feel bad about all the soda water bottles our household goes through).

Sent from my SM-G900K using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on August 21, 2016, 07:02:20 PM
Researched buying a soda stream (because i feel bad about all the soda water bottles our household goes through).

You've seen the FrugalWoods hack for sodastreams, right? They did some weird welding thing to use a giant bottle of CO2, or something (I know nothing about how sodastreams work).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Melody on August 25, 2016, 04:47:23 PM
Researched buying a soda stream (because i feel bad about all the soda water bottles our household goes through).

You've seen the FrugalWoods hack for sodastreams, right? They did some weird welding thing to use a giant bottle of CO2, or something (I know nothing about how sodastreams work).
The soda stream costs $84 to set up (machine plus 3 bottles) and $19 to refill the canister thereafter. (Each canister makes 60L of soda water.) So we would have to drink about 120L for the payback period (so for our household about 1 year). We still decided to do it because of environmental reasons  (lots of plastic bottles not having to be transported or recycled) and convenience  (bottles are heavy and we both like to shop by walking or bike). After the initial year $19 per 60L ispretty good.

Likewise after reading this thread we bought some who gives a crap. If anyone reading this (new customer) wants $10 off use code doinggoodlookinggood

Sent from my SM-G900K using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on August 25, 2016, 05:03:49 PM
Our toilet rolls arrived two days ago, v pleased with the quality. I ordered 48 for the best value and now we have a toilet roll storage problem! I have made an art installation in the spare room, at least the wrappers are pretty.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 05, 2016, 07:04:49 PM
Our toilet rolls arrived two days ago, v pleased with the quality. I ordered 48 for the best value and now we have a toilet roll storage problem! I have made an art installation in the spare room, at least the wrappers are pretty.

Are you still finding them, uh, enjoyable? I really like WGAC. Almost time for another order. As a side-benefit, I love not having to buy TP for months at a time.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 05, 2016, 07:30:06 PM
Housing thermal efficiency update: shade blinds for the deck have been ordered and will hopefully be installed in about a month. My passive solar house enthusiast father* looked at the way the sun hits the deck and the French doors to the deck in the afternoon on the weekend and confirmed that the blinds should make a significant difference to how warm the adjacent rooms get through Summer.

My local window tinting place sent me samples of their laminates which I have blu-tacked to a window to consider. I don't much like reflective tinting anyway, but seeing it in situ has confirmed that it is not the option for me. I think I will get the enerlogic instead. I'm wondering whether it's worth getting an East-facing window tinted; I will be getting the North and West windows tinted for sure.

The other part of my big housing efficiency push is to replace ancient single-pane windows with new double-glazed windows. I've had quotes from two companies, but their quotes annoyingly don't include U value, SGHC, or other technical details that I need to pin down to be sure I'm comparing like-for-like. Following up on that is a job for later in the week.

Smaller things: I'm right in the middle of replacing ornamental deciduous trees with evergreen fruit trees, both to get better bang for buck for the water and other inputs (may as well get fruit out of the garden, right?) and to improve the micro-climate with year-round lush greenery. Also, my hideously energy inefficient washing machine that has been on its last legs for a few years now will soon be replaced with a much more efficient new-to-me model free, courtesy of a sibling's laundry renovation. It won't be the MOST energy or water efficient model ever, but it will be a LOT better than what I'm currently using.

*Pro tip: if your dad is the kind of person who talks about wanting to build a straw bale house, and you as a young adult decide you want to improve the thermal efficiency of your home, your dad will be very happy AND you will get great advice from him.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Eucalyptus on September 05, 2016, 07:42:41 PM
Our toilet rolls arrived two days ago, v pleased with the quality. I ordered 48 for the best value and now we have a toilet roll storage problem! I have made an art installation in the spare room, at least the wrappers are pretty.

Are you still finding them, uh, enjoyable? I really like WGAC. Almost time for another order. As a side-benefit, I love not having to buy TP for months at a time.

I saw Who Gives A Crap for the first time the other day. I'm a strong believer in water and sanitation charities for bang for buck. I've seen both issues first hand throughout sub saharan africa, and the difference just a good waterpump makes to a village and especially to the women and children in it. The flow on effects are huge, it really is Step 1 in solving the problems of the worlds' poorest (after getting them away from immediate life threatening danger like war zones).

I thought it was a pretty interesting charity model! Last year I donated a few hundred to WaterAid. I wonder which is more efficient though; buying cheap 100% recycled environmentally friendly toilet paper locally in bulk, and then donating the difference to WGAC to a charity like WaterAid (who also do sanitation and toilets, eg in Burkina Faso). I want  to do some calculations as to which results in more $ going to charity. For those who have the motivation and gumption to donate anyway (and a Moustachian budgeter), it might be more efficient to use the first suggestion, though I can totally see how the WGAC model could work for SpendyPants.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 05, 2016, 07:46:24 PM
I saw Who Gives A Crap for the first time the other day. I'm a strong believer in water and sanitation charities for bang for buck. I've seen both issues first hand throughout sub saharan africa, and the difference just a good waterpump makes to a village and especially to the women and children in it. The flow on effects are huge, it really is Step 1 in solving the problems of the worlds' poorest (after getting them away from immediate life threatening danger like war zones).

I thought it was a pretty interesting charity model! Last year I donated a few hundred to WaterAid. I wonder which is more efficient though; buying cheap 100% recycled environmentally friendly toilet paper locally in bulk, and then donating the difference to WGAC to a charity like WaterAid (who also do sanitation and toilets, eg in Burkina Faso). I want  to do some calculations as to which results in more $ going to charity. For those who have the motivation and gumption to donate anyway (and a Moustachian budgeter), it might be more efficient to use the first suggestion, though I can totally see how the WGAC model could work for SpendyPants.

I couldn't find cheap recycled TP locally, so it's a no-brainer for me. Spend the same as I would anyway, but know that it's better for the environment than my other options = win-win.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on September 06, 2016, 01:07:26 AM
Our toilet rolls arrived two days ago, v pleased with the quality. I ordered 48 for the best value and now we have a toilet roll storage problem! I have made an art installation in the spare room, at least the wrappers are pretty.

Are you still finding them, uh, enjoyable? I really like WGAC. Almost time for another order. As a side-benefit, I love not having to buy TP for months at a time.

Yes. I give them a double thumbs up.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: stripey on September 13, 2016, 04:15:35 AM
I've been using WGAC for about eighteen months now (and I still have their Chistmas-edition rolls on the shelf). The box of double rolls works out to be $1/double roll. I have no complaints (although I would prefer a locally made option).

Can't comment on their tissues or paper towelling because I don't use either of these items (although I do keep a single box of tissues in case visitors ask for one).

As I tend to do most of my grocery shopping by bicycle or bus, the door delivery option is fantabulous for my situation too.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 18, 2016, 08:09:28 PM
Convinced Mr Happier that individual serves of raw meat don't need to be put in ziplock bags to be frozen - instead they can be put into Tupperware style containers, thus reducing our consumption of single use plastic. Yay!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fishindude on September 19, 2016, 06:27:49 AM
I burn a lot of fuel, drive a big truck, travel a lot, have a large home and buildings, eat out a lot, drink bottled water, and am guilty of being a pretty normal consumer, however my hobby, passion and lifes work of the last 26 years has been a really cool, large scale environmental project.   We purchased a 100 acre row crop grain farm (where we live) which had been farmed hard for many years, corn & beans to bare dirt after harvest and have been converting it into riparian wildlife habitat.   Have eliminated farming, planted over 40,000 trees, 60-70 acres of native prairie grasses, built two large ponds, planted food plots for wildlife, done selective logging and timber stand improvements in forested areas, cleaned up old farm junk, improved springs and water sources, etc., etc.    Have also purchased two smaller adjoining properties to enlarge the footprint and do more of the same.   

We do maintain an energy efficient home and buildings, raise a garden, eat wild game, burn wood for supplemental heat, recycle, try to minimize landfill input, do not litter or pollute, etc.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TravelJunkyQC on September 19, 2016, 08:02:12 AM
Woke up feeling like shit, no fever, but still sick. Put on my big girl pants and biked to work anyway instead of taking the car. Was wheezing the whole way with my mouth open because I couldn't breathe through my nose, but at least I had the wind at my back.

Brought lunch in a glass container too, because of course.

It's 10 am and I'm already looking forward to bedtime tonight.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on September 19, 2016, 10:35:41 AM
I burn a lot of fuel, drive a big truck, travel a lot, have a large home and buildings, eat out a lot, drink bottled water, and am guilty of being a pretty normal consumer, however my hobby, passion and lifes work of the last 26 years has been a really cool, large scale environmental project.   We purchased a 100 acre row crop grain farm (where we live) which had been farmed hard for many years, corn & beans to bare dirt after harvest and have been converting it into riparian wildlife habitat.   Have eliminated farming, planted over 40,000 trees, 60-70 acres of native prairie grasses, built two large ponds, planted food plots for wildlife, done selective logging and timber stand improvements in forested areas, cleaned up old farm junk, improved springs and water sources, etc., etc.    Have also purchased two smaller adjoining properties to enlarge the footprint and do more of the same.   

We do maintain an energy efficient home and buildings, raise a garden, eat wild game, burn wood for supplemental heat, recycle, try to minimize landfill input, do not litter or pollute, etc.

AWESOME. Can you share more about your projecct? Do you have a website or a blog? Who are your influences--I've been reading a lot of John Seymour books and permaculture texts lately and it all sounds like it's in the same wheelhouse, but curious what inspires you?

Our environmental stuff:
* Participated in the coastal cleanup day this weekend with the Cub Scouts, collecting several buckets of trash from the banks of the local creek, keeping it from becoming part of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch come winter rains.
* Send my kids to school with totally reusable lunch kits, no disposables packaging.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fishindude on September 19, 2016, 10:52:24 AM
AWESOME. Can you share more about your projecct? Do you have a website or a blog? Who are your influences--I've been reading a lot of John Seymour books and permaculture texts lately and it all sounds like it's in the same wheelhouse, but curious what inspires you?

No website or blog, but did have an article about my project in The Izaak Walton league monthly magazine several years ago.
I'm just an avid hunter, fisherman, outdoorsman who is lucky enough to have some discretionary income to spend on this passion.   In addition to what I've self funded, there are numerous federal programs you can enroll land in for habitat improvement.   Some pays and annual fee to the landowner, some reduces your tax base, and some share the cost of plantings.  I've gotten to know folks at my local soil office and utilized these programs when they made sense.
I guess the real motivation was seeing the wood lots, swamps and habitat that we enjoyed loafing around in as kids being gradually stripped, leveled and planted with crops.  Felt like if my family and friends were going to have local recreation land, then I better take care of and improve what we have.   These days I enjoy the habitat work nearly as much as the recreation.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: clarkai on September 19, 2016, 06:15:24 PM
Today I:

+ Rode my bike to school.
+ Prepared a legume-based lunch.
+ Used up the last of some greens that were about to go, and composted the rest.

Tonight I'll:

+ Start chickpeas in the slow cooker for lunch tomorrow.
+ Prep breakfast tonight so that it's super quick tomorrow.
+ Go to bed early, thus saving light- I'm super exhausted today.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Jack on September 21, 2016, 01:46:22 PM
On another note, I really love how the environmentalist choice is usually the healthy and frugal choice as well.

That's not a coincidence. Once you account for all externalities, "most sustainable" and "cheapest" become synonymous.

Why would you be mad to double glaze - does it not make that much more of a difference compared to replacing old windows with new single-pane windows?

I have to admit, I love the look of my 1948 leadlight windows, so double glazing appealed to me for the simple fact that you can apparently layer the beautiful original glass with the new stuff, i.e. keep the 'look' of the old ones while gaining the efficiency of new windows. Yes, I'm a sucker for my beautiful old house.

Considering total lifecycle costs, double-pane windows can be less sustainable than keeping the existing windows. (Double-pane vs. single-pane when you're insisting on replacement windows regardless is a different question.) An important component of this issue is the fact that old windows were made with old-growth wood that lasts forever (with proper maintenance) whereas new double-pane windows have rubber seals and things that will tend to fail sooner rather than later (years or decades, not centuries).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Brokenreign on September 21, 2016, 02:24:59 PM
Fun topic!

Today I:
- Will not consume animal products
- Will tend my garden and harvest basil to make pesto, chard and bok choy for stir fry, and see if any squash are ready
- Will eat leftovers out of recycled take-out containers
- Will not give birth to any children :)

I was going to quip that I used a condom today but you beat me to the punch. Also it would be disingenuous to claim sex on a Wednesday. Kudo to you sir/ma'am/gender neutral descriptor.

Most of the food I ate today was stuff that was going to be thrown away at the office.

Continued my multi-week streak of no driving and no meat.

Stared at my tiny phone screen instead of my power-hungry work desktop screen, for the environment of course.

I don't really concern myself with the environment but being frugal, hating driving and not procreating seems to have positive results in the end.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 27, 2016, 08:16:31 PM
Today I'm planting some of the fruit trees and plants I bought yesterday; in the short term buying fruit trees is 'consumption' but in the long term they will provide food for us and shelter for animals. If I'm going to 'spend' water on my garden anyway, I'd like it to be productive.

I'll also be sowing seeds for flowers to attract and feed bees and other beneficial insects.

Breakfast and lunch are both vegan today.

Why would you be mad to double glaze - does it not make that much more of a difference compared to replacing old windows with new single-pane windows?

I have to admit, I love the look of my 1948 leadlight windows, so double glazing appealed to me for the simple fact that you can apparently layer the beautiful original glass with the new stuff, i.e. keep the 'look' of the old ones while gaining the efficiency of new windows. Yes, I'm a sucker for my beautiful old house.

Considering total lifecycle costs, double-pane windows can be less sustainable than keeping the existing windows. (Double-pane vs. single-pane when you're insisting on replacement windows regardless is a different question.) An important component of this issue is the fact that old windows were made with old-growth wood that lasts forever (with proper maintenance) whereas new double-pane windows have rubber seals and things that will tend to fail sooner rather than later (years or decades, not centuries).

Didn't realise I hadn't commented further on double glazing since this comment. We do need to replace the original windows (boo) if we're going to get anything approaching decent thermal efficiency. Given we're replacing anyway, I've done heaps of research and we're going ahead with double glazed windows.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Sandia on September 27, 2016, 10:41:43 PM
Does anyone have any experience using grey water residentially? I have a very small yard; we estimate our watering at around 3500 gallons per month.

Not yet, but I've started looking into the local regulations for grey water in my city.

Do you collect rainwater from your roof already? That's something I want to look into soon.

When i was a kid my family used the washer's dirty water to water the lawn. The amount of soap that was used was very little, and didn't cause any problems with local plants/grass

We toss the washing machine outlet hose out the window into a garden. So far, so good. To be on the safe side, we buy washing powder that claims to be environmentally friendly, and use half or less the recommended amount (clothes are just as clean).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 27, 2016, 10:52:24 PM
Does anyone have any experience using grey water residentially? I have a very small yard; we estimate our watering at around 3500 gallons per month.

Not yet, but I've started looking into the local regulations for grey water in my city.

Do you collect rainwater from your roof already? That's something I want to look into soon.

When i was a kid my family used the washer's dirty water to water the lawn. The amount of soap that was used was very little, and didn't cause any problems with local plants/grass

We toss the washing machine outlet hose out the window into a garden. So far, so good. To be on the safe side, we buy washing powder that claims to be environmentally friendly, and use half or less the recommended amount (clothes are just as clean).

I don't use laundry detergent at all after someone whose husband worked in a lab creating detergents told me that they don't actually do anything (it's the agitation and water that does the actual cleaning). I'm not sure it's strictly true, but my clothes are just as clean now as when we used detergent.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Sandia on September 27, 2016, 11:08:30 PM
Does anyone have any experience using grey water residentially? I have a very small yard; we estimate our watering at around 3500 gallons per month.

Not yet, but I've started looking into the local regulations for grey water in my city.

Do you collect rainwater from your roof already? That's something I want to look into soon.

When i was a kid my family used the washer's dirty water to water the lawn. The amount of soap that was used was very little, and didn't cause any problems with local plants/grass

We toss the washing machine outlet hose out the window into a garden. So far, so good. To be on the safe side, we buy washing powder that claims to be environmentally friendly, and use half or less the recommended amount (clothes are just as clean).

I don't use laundry detergent at all after someone whose husband worked in a lab creating detergents told me that they don't actually do anything (it's the agitation and water that does the actual cleaning). I'm not sure it's strictly true, but my clothes are just as clean now as when we used detergent.

GASP I don't know why I never thought to ditch the laundry soap completely. Thanks Happier! Do you know if this works for hankerchiefs? They are by far the dirtiest thing we wash (they even get their own separate load).
I'll have to keep the soap around for the housemates, but cutting out my own consumption would be grand.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 27, 2016, 11:21:07 PM
Does anyone have any experience using grey water residentially? I have a very small yard; we estimate our watering at around 3500 gallons per month.

Not yet, but I've started looking into the local regulations for grey water in my city.

Do you collect rainwater from your roof already? That's something I want to look into soon.

When i was a kid my family used the washer's dirty water to water the lawn. The amount of soap that was used was very little, and didn't cause any problems with local plants/grass

We toss the washing machine outlet hose out the window into a garden. So far, so good. To be on the safe side, we buy washing powder that claims to be environmentally friendly, and use half or less the recommended amount (clothes are just as clean).

I don't use laundry detergent at all after someone whose husband worked in a lab creating detergents told me that they don't actually do anything (it's the agitation and water that does the actual cleaning). I'm not sure it's strictly true, but my clothes are just as clean now as when we used detergent.

GASP I don't know why I never thought to ditch the laundry soap completely. Thanks Happier! Do you know if this works for hankerchiefs? They are by far the dirtiest thing we wash (they even get their own separate load).
I'll have to keep the soap around for the housemates, but cutting out my own consumption would be grand.

I don't know for a fact that it would work for hankies, but why not give it a go and see? Worst that could happen is that you'd have to run a load again.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fishindude on September 28, 2016, 05:04:53 AM
How does being vegetarian reduce environmental impact?
Vegetables require oxygen and nutrients to grow, same as animals fish & fowl.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on September 28, 2016, 06:15:09 AM
This weekend I participated in planting ~30 trees and shrubs to create a riparian buffer near a stream in my community. I've gone several times to remove invasive knotweed as well. We're working on reducing erosion and mowed area.

Also, I barely ever use gasoline since our one car is a PHEV. We didn't drive a huge amount to begin with, but we've probably saved 70 gallons of gasoline since June.

Haven't used any climate control in the past two weeks, either, except the occasional fan on.

ETA: I've also been drinking leftover coffee from the event for the past several days rather than making my own, since I knew Starbucks would have to throw it away. (They donated it.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on September 28, 2016, 05:21:16 PM
How does being vegetarian reduce environmental impact?
Vegetables require oxygen and nutrients to grow, same as animals fish & fowl.

While it's certainly possible to sabotage vegetarian/vegan food so that it's less environmentally friendly (eating 2000 calories of cucumber or lettuce that was flown across the country is a pretty big impact), it's generally a smaller environmental footprint to eat fewer animal products.  Most farmed meat requires that plant material be grown and shipped to location, then yields less per calorie from the meat than what was put into the animal via feed for example.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 28, 2016, 06:46:22 PM
How does being vegetarian reduce environmental impact?
Vegetables require oxygen and nutrients to grow, same as animals fish & fowl.

If you're interested in this, definitely start googling as I'm sure you'll find heaps of interesting information and viewpoints.

But in short: meat 'costs' more (in environmental terms) to produce per calorie than plant based foods do.

I'm not vegetarian / vegan, but there's good logic behind reducing meat and dairy consumption to reduce your footprint.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fishindude on September 29, 2016, 07:24:20 AM
One of the most serious environmental problems we have in the US currently is the draining of Lake Mead due to vegetable production water needs in southern Cal.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on September 29, 2016, 05:34:35 PM
One of the most serious environmental problems we have in the US currently is the draining of Lake Mead due to vegetable production water needs in southern Cal.

If you're concerned about water usage, it takes nearly two thousand gallons of water to make a pound of beef, and more than five hundred gallons to produce a pound of pork, wildly more than is used in producing corn or soy beans.  (http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/embedded-water/ (http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/embedded-water/)).  There are a few plant food items that have higher water requirements than animals grown for meat, but on the whole eating vegetables is less wasteful from a water perspective.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on September 29, 2016, 07:35:04 PM
I guerilla-gardened (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guerrilla_gardening) a little this week: planted a pomegranate seedling in an oddball strip near our house that gets some accidental water but that no one really maintains. If it survives (hard to say), in about five years it should be producing fruit that anyone in the neighborhood can harvest and enjoy.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 29, 2016, 08:10:43 PM
Will walk (rather than drive) to a sibling's house this weekend to drop off some plant seeds.

Another sibling is giving me a second-hand washing machine, which means I won't be buying a new one*.

*Yep, lots of people buy second-hand appliances, but I've been looking and looking and had no luck, and at some point you just really need to be able to wash your clothes properly right?

I guerilla-gardened (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guerrilla_gardening) a little this week: planted a pomegranate seedling in an oddball strip near our house that gets some accidental water but that no one really maintains. If it survives (hard to say), in about five years it should be producing fruit that anyone in the neighborhood can harvest and enjoy.

This is very cool. One of my siblings used to scatter flower seeds in vacant lots as a teenager :-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fishindude on September 30, 2016, 05:25:17 AM
If you're concerned about water usage, it takes nearly two thousand gallons of water to make a pound of beef, and more than five hundred gallons to produce a pound of pork, wildly more than is used in producing corn or soy beans.

Water consumption varies as they grow, but on average hogs consume about 2 gal of water per day.   It takes 24 weeks to get them to 250# butcher weight, or (168) days, meaning they have consumed 336 gallons of water birth to butcher.   A 250# hog will yield approx. 145# of meat, so that works out to 2.3 gallon of water per pound of meat.   Even if I'm wrong by 50 or 100%, Your math is still way off.

You also have to look at food in terms of fuel for your body.   It takes a heck of a lot more pounds of vegetable to generate the same calories and fuel that meat gives your body.   Another comment.  Not all meat eaters eat store bought, factory farmed meat.   The majority of our red meat comes from venison, and we also eat quite a bit of fish that I catch.   This is a very low cost, renewable resource that doesn't damage the planet in any way that I'm aware of.

I'm not convinced that a vegan diet has any true positive environmental impact other than between your ears.   
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on September 30, 2016, 06:05:19 AM
If you're concerned about water usage, it takes nearly two thousand gallons of water to make a pound of beef, and more than five hundred gallons to produce a pound of pork, wildly more than is used in producing corn or soy beans.

Water consumption varies as they grow, but on average hogs consume about 2 gal of water per day.   It takes 24 weeks to get them to 250# butcher weight, or (168) days, meaning they have consumed 336 gallons of water birth to butcher.   A 250# hog will yield approx. 145# of meat, so that works out to 2.3 gallon of water per pound of meat.   Even if I'm wrong by 50 or 100%, Your math is still way off.

What about the water that is used to grow the pigs' food? Add that in. Even if they eat scraps and forage it's still relevant.

They way I look at the point people above are trying to make about meat consumption and the environment is that if everyone consumed at levels in the western world it wouldn't be sustainable. If everyone wanted to eat venison and catch fish it wouldn't be sustainable either. Hence the need for the western world to just slow down a bit on consumption or more and more forests will be cleared for grazing for example. I've heard some people eat meat at every meal.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on September 30, 2016, 06:05:55 AM
If you're concerned about water usage, it takes nearly two thousand gallons of water to make a pound of beef, and more than five hundred gallons to produce a pound of pork, wildly more than is used in producing corn or soy beans.

Water consumption varies as they grow, but on average hogs consume about 2 gal of water per day.   It takes 24 weeks to get them to 250# butcher weight, or (168) days, meaning they have consumed 336 gallons of water birth to butcher.   A 250# hog will yield approx. 145# of meat, so that works out to 2.3 gallon of water per pound of meat.   Even if I'm wrong by 50 or 100%, Your math is still way off.

You've forgotten to account for the water used by the feed given to the animals.  Pig eat a lot of food, and the food that they eat requires water to be produced.  You've also forgotten the large amounts of water used during processing of the animals, water used for cooling, and washing.  Try adding in that amount to your calculations to fix them.  (It's not my math.  It's from the National Geographic link that I posted, and they use numbers provided from the Water Foundation Network.  If you want an alternate view point, you can look at this study commissioned by the pork farmers of the US: http://www.pork.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/11-133-matlock-uofark.pdf (http://www.pork.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/11-133-matlock-uofark.pdf) which breaks down the specifics of water usage in farming.  There appears to be a lot of room for improvement in the future based on that report.)


You also have to look at food in terms of fuel for your body.   It takes a heck of a lot more pounds of vegetable to generate the same calories and fuel that meat gives your body.   Another comment.  Not all meat eaters eat store bought, factory farmed meat.   The majority of our red meat comes from venison, and we also eat quite a bit of fish that I catch.   This is a very low cost, renewable resource that doesn't damage the planet in any way that I'm aware of.

Absolutely, if you're eating low calorie vegetables and completely avoiding higher calorie grains and fruit you'll require many more pounds of vegetable product to fuel your body.  That's not a very common scenario but something to be aware of.  If you're eating a large amount of soybeans, barley, potato, wheat, and similar you'll be getting a very large amount of calories in an environmentally efficient manner.

There doesn't exist enough wild game to feed all the people in the US.  Very few people can live only off of meat that they hunt/fish.  When referring to meat consumption, usually it's assumed that we're talking about average meat consumption - which is factory farmed.


I'm not convinced that a vegan diet has any true positive environmental impact other than between your ears.

It's certainly possible to choose an environmentally damaging vegan diet.  As a general rule of thumb they're usually less environmentally damaging than a high in animal product diet, but it's always important to look at total costs of the food you eat and make informed choices.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fishindude on September 30, 2016, 06:45:25 AM
Good discussion.   In truth, you can be low impact or high impact regardless of your diet choice.

Same as livestock's food requires water, soil does not just magically produce food every year.  Growing plants requires fertilizer input, lime, tillage, fuel, equipment, weed control, etc., etc. to maintain production, all of which require resources and cost $$.

No fact here, just a personal observation ..... The all veggie diet will require a lot more toilet paper too, meaning you are killing more trees :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on September 30, 2016, 08:05:02 AM
Good discussion.   In truth, you can be low impact or high impact regardless of your diet choice.

Sure.

On the whole though, a diet heavy in animal products tends to be worse for the environment (and a significant amount of evidence shows that it's less healthy for you).  The lowest impact plant based diet will be less impact to the Earth than the lowest impact omnivorous diet.  If you ignore this in your argument you're not being balanced or fair in your argument.

Proper soil management and crop rotation can radically reduce the need to add manufactured chemicals to the soil.

Quote
No fact here, just a personal observation ..... The all veggie diet will require a lot more toilet paper too, meaning you are killing more trees :)

There's nothing forcing you to wipe paper on your ass to clean it.  Many better alternatives exist, from reusable cloth wipes to getting a bidet.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: rupanama on September 30, 2016, 08:37:08 AM
1. Biked to work
2. Eat vegetarian
3. Use a toilet with quart jars of water in it to reduce flush volume
4. Use only LED or CFL lights at home.
5. Keep the thermostat lower (62-65 deg. F. in the winter).
6. Use a smaller refrigerator -- going from a 22 cu.ft. fridge to a 15 cu.ft. fridge cuts the electricity usage by quite a bit, although I forget the numbers exactly.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fishindude on September 30, 2016, 08:40:39 AM
On the whole though, a diet heavy in animal products tends to be worse for the environment (and a significant amount of evidence shows that it's less healthy for you).  The lowest impact plant based diet will be less impact to the Earth than the lowest impact omnivorous diet. 

That's your story and you're sticking with it, I get it.

Unfortunately, your average "proclaimed vegan" is hopping into their SUV and making trips to Whole Foods, Fresh Tyme and other such overpriced, trendy stores to buy stuff professed to be "organic", "non GMO", "natural", "earth friendly", etc.,    In reality they have no idea how it was grown or where it comes from, and in many cases they would be as well off saving money and buying at their home town Kroeger store.

I won't take the TP discussion any further, that was just for fun.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on September 30, 2016, 09:44:45 AM
Unfortunately, your average "proclaimed vegan" is hopping into their SUV and making trips to Whole Foods, Fresh Tyme and other such overpriced, trendy stores to buy stuff professed to be "organic", "non GMO", "natural", "earth friendly", etc.,    In reality they have no idea how it was grown or where it comes from, and in many cases they would be as well off saving money and buying at their home town Kroeger store.

That may well be true.  Your average consumer of animal products is going to be doing even worse than that.

Look, I'm not really militant about this sort of thing.  I do believe that you follow a healthy diet with a reduced environmental impact while eating animal products - it's how I try to live.  You appear to be arguing that animal products are no more environmentally damaging than plant products, which contradicts nearly everything I've ever read.  If you have any studies or evidence that supports your belief that the average vegan diet has the same environmental impact as the average omnivorous diet, I'd be interested to see them.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Jack on September 30, 2016, 03:00:34 PM
Unfortunately, your average "proclaimed vegan" is hopping into their SUV and making trips to Whole Foods, Fresh Tyme and other such overpriced, trendy stores to buy stuff professed to be "organic", "non GMO", "natural", "earth friendly", etc.,    In reality they have no idea how it was grown or where it comes from, and in many cases they would be as well off saving money and buying at their home town Kroeger store.

That may well be true.  Your average consumer of animal products is going to be doing even worse than that.

Look, I'm not really militant about this sort of thing.  I do believe that you follow a healthy diet with a reduced environmental impact while eating animal products - it's how I try to live.  You appear to be arguing that animal products are no more environmentally damaging than plant products, which contradicts nearly everything I've ever read.  If you have any studies or evidence that supports your belief that the average vegan diet has the same environmental impact as the average omnivorous diet, I'd be interested to see them.

Are there hypocritical vegetarians? Of course. Does that excuse false equivalences by non-vegetarians? Absolutely not. On average, meat tends to be less eco-friendly than vegetables.

But it's not that simple. For example, north Georgia is the chicken capital of the world. That means, for me, chicken is likely to be a lot more eco-friendly than, say, lamb (most of which is shipped from Australia or New Zealand) -- and by that I mean the margin is even wider for me than it is for people elsewhere. Similarly, peanuts from south Georgia are a lot more eco-friendly, for me, than almonds from California. Are almonds from California more eco-friendly (on a per-calorie basis) for me than relatively-local chicken? Probably, but it's uncertain enough that I'd have to do research to answer it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on October 06, 2016, 06:56:33 PM
Visiting someone for dinner tonight and we'll be walking there and back. No need to burn fossil fuels when someone's only walking distance from our house!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on October 07, 2016, 05:56:29 AM
I got 170 MPGe on a 10-mile trip yesterday. I'm pretty sure that's a personal best, and way better than the EPA rating for my car.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mm1970 on October 07, 2016, 01:18:50 PM
Unfortunately, your average "proclaimed vegan" is hopping into their SUV and making trips to Whole Foods, Fresh Tyme and other such overpriced, trendy stores to buy stuff professed to be "organic", "non GMO", "natural", "earth friendly", etc.,    In reality they have no idea how it was grown or where it comes from, and in many cases they would be as well off saving money and buying at their home town Kroeger store.

That may well be true.  Your average consumer of animal products is going to be doing even worse than that.

Look, I'm not really militant about this sort of thing.  I do believe that you follow a healthy diet with a reduced environmental impact while eating animal products - it's how I try to live.  You appear to be arguing that animal products are no more environmentally damaging than plant products, which contradicts nearly everything I've ever read.  If you have any studies or evidence that supports your belief that the average vegan diet has the same environmental impact as the average omnivorous diet, I'd be interested to see them.

Are there hypocritical vegetarians? Of course. Does that excuse false equivalences by non-vegetarians? Absolutely not. On average, meat tends to be less eco-friendly than vegetables.

But it's not that simple. For example, north Georgia is the chicken capital of the world. That means, for me, chicken is likely to be a lot more eco-friendly than, say, lamb (most of which is shipped from Australia or New Zealand) -- and by that I mean the margin is even wider for me than it is for people elsewhere. Similarly, peanuts from south Georgia are a lot more eco-friendly, for me, than almonds from California. Are almonds from California more eco-friendly (on a per-calorie basis) for me than relatively-local chicken? Probably, but it's uncertain enough that I'd have to do research to answer it.
This is a very interesting discussion.  I think about this a lot.

I've got friends who are environmentalists... posting things about not letting helium balloons go, worrying about the Pacific Garbage patch, always using reusable bottles.  They buy local and free-range meat.  But they eat a lot of it (mostly paleo).  They drive large vehicles, and take a lot of vacations in their large vehicles.  They also like to shop and go through a lot of clothing...they donate it, but my own opinion is that most of that stuff just gets thrown in the trash.  "Refuse" before "recycle".

Anyway, this week I rode my bike 2x.  I brought my lunch from home.  I didn't cook much on the weekend, so lots of my food was vegetarian this week.  For my son's baseball game, I took a bottle of water and lunch from home, so no snack bag trash.

Every time I empty a bag of *something* (beans, rice, bread, whatever), I think about "is there a better way" (like Zero Waste Home).  But: I don't have a ton of free time.  At one point, our local city told us that they wanted us to put plastic bags in our recycle bins.  That was great, because it was easier than taking them to grocery stores.  Now the grocery stores don't even collect plastic bags, because we've outlawed them.   But within the last year, the city doesn't WANT the bags because they clog up the recycling process/ machines.

So...what to do?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: deborah on October 07, 2016, 10:29:46 PM
Use cloth bags. Our area has banned stores using plastic bags. You have to bring your own reusable bags to the supermarket.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on October 07, 2016, 10:47:41 PM
Use cloth bags. Our area has banned stores using plastic bags. You have to bring your own reusable bags to the supermarket.

But what about the food wrapping plastic bags? We return these to the supermarket and the company that collects makes play equipment or something. Maybe the poster above could contact the company that was doing the collections and find another pick up  point?

Other options are making your own bread and buying from bulk stores where you can use paper or your own containers. Bring your own small bags for produce maybe. We've been collecting all our plastic as a sort of audit and all the bags and wrappers seem avoidable  if we were to make everything from scratch. Milk bottles are a problem for us, I wish we could get it delivered in glass bottles.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: stripey on October 08, 2016, 10:02:55 AM
Looks like I'm spoiled for choice without knowing it as there are two brands of milk in glass at my local IGA (I'm in Perth). As well as cream in glass jars too. However nobody I know locally will re-use the bottles. Olive oil is another story though- there are a couple of local vendors where I can take the cleaned bottle back for a re-fill.

I can also get bread from some local supermarkets in paper, or can ask to use my own bag at a bakery. I did have a go at sourdough bread for a while but decided I didn't eat enough bread to be bothered to Feed the Damn Starter. I used to make bread in my undergraduate years quite a lot, because it was cheap and money was super-tight the first couple of years.

The local butcher looked at me very strangely when I asked him to fill up my own re-useable glass container with mince instead of using a plastic bag, but they've been quite good about that and other things. It took a little bit of courage to ask though.

As for bags for produce (e.g. loose potatoes or spinach), I use small net bags with a drawstring- a mixture of commercially available ones (Onya Bags have a range in Australia) and some DIY ones from leftover scraps of netting from a camping project (they came up really well).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: obstinate on October 08, 2016, 03:44:32 PM
I have started to flip off all the power trees except the Wifi. At this point my monthly usage should be at or below 200 kWh. I will also be moving closer to family soon to reduce the length of flights I need to make. Currently in Silicon Valley, will move to NYC -- this will also allow getting rid of cars.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: obstinate on October 08, 2016, 03:47:54 PM
I also intend to begin buying high quality offsets this year. The company I work for offsets its carbon emissions and allows employees to participate in their offsetting scheme. This is not shitty tree-growing offsets. This is real stuff, like animal manure methane capture, landfill methane capture, and abandoned mine gas capture. I am in the market for a good carbon calculator to calculate my total footprint. If anyone knows of a good one, please post it here.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on October 14, 2016, 06:53:38 PM
My gardener didn't come this week (which is weird and not like him and if he doesn't reappear when he is next due back I will definitely call and make sure he's OK), so I went to the garage, got out the push-reel lawn mower I bought at an estate sale earlier this year and mowed my own damn lawn! No gas, no electricity, extra exertion for me, grasscycling in place builds soil and above all, it was kind of fun!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MoonLiteNite on October 15, 2016, 01:47:56 AM
I held in a fart, less methane in the air!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on October 16, 2016, 03:28:42 PM
My gardener didn't come this week (which is weird and not like him and if he doesn't reappear when he is next due back I will definitely call and make sure he's OK), so I went to the garage, got out the push-reel lawn mower I bought at an estate sale earlier this year and mowed my own damn lawn! No gas, no electricity, extra exertion for me, grasscycling in place builds soil and above all, it was kind of fun!

You have a gardener?  :P
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: kpd905 on October 16, 2016, 03:51:22 PM
I just switched our electricity to the renewable energy option (WE Energies in WI), which will add about 2 cents per kw.  I turned the water heater down a bit and adjusted our thermostat to try to cut gas costs and maybe break even.

This means about 70% of my electricity will come from wind instead of 53% coal in the normal plan. 

I decided to make the switch when I was reading a pretty cool article about Elon Musk and Tesla: http://waitbutwhy.com/2015/06/how-tesla-will-change-your-life.html
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on October 16, 2016, 04:50:05 PM
Our latest gas bill says our usage is 20% less than this time last year (aussie winter). We only use gas for hot water and a single space heater, and our loft insulation was already in by this time last year so I think the big decrease is a result of underfloor insulation and blocking gaps & drafts. I don't think we used the gas heater any less (probably more) but it must not have been working as hard.  Or maybe we skipped a whole lot of showers :P
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on October 16, 2016, 10:17:55 PM
My gardener didn't come this week (which is weird and not like him and if he doesn't reappear when he is next due back I will definitely call and make sure he's OK), so I went to the garage, got out the push-reel lawn mower I bought at an estate sale earlier this year and mowed my own damn lawn! No gas, no electricity, extra exertion for me, grasscycling in place builds soil and above all, it was kind of fun!

You have a gardener?  :P

Yup. $60 a month and for the time being, worth every penny.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: syednaeemul on October 16, 2016, 11:02:12 PM
I remember seeing a campaign called Meatless Mondays, was it on Oprah?

Though this week I've failed at MM, I'm starting something else if anyone wants to join (maybe a gauntlet perhaps?) - Water-only Wednesdays! Intermittent fasting is supposed to bring great health benefits, and add to that having water only to flush away toxins, and this may just become a winner.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on October 16, 2016, 11:31:31 PM
I've heard of Meatfree Mondays being a Paul McCartney thing, but it could be Oprah as well!

Count me out on fasting, but I'm sure if you started a gauntlet there'd be plenty of people interested :-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: cincystache on October 17, 2016, 09:50:09 AM
Recently moved closer to my job and started biking to work every day. I also drop off my recycling on my way to the office on my bike. (we don't have curbside pickup in my town). Next step is to get rid of one of our two cars.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on October 28, 2016, 03:36:31 AM
This week I've done a bit of work in the garden to keep switching over from ornamental plants to edibles.putting the water and fertiliser to good use!

Sister has shared some great research on in-ground worm farms and bokashi bins, so I think I know what my next obsession will be ;-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Half-Borg on November 02, 2016, 01:56:43 PM
I'm on a business trip. Found two guys from the same company who are going on a business trip to my home town tomorrow.
So we carpool. One car instead of two going 300 km.

It's not saving any of us money because we're all getting reimbursed from corporate anyway.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: aoptic on November 02, 2016, 02:38:51 PM
One of the most serious environmental problems we have in the US currently is the draining of Lake Mead due to vegetable production water needs in southern Cal.
Honestly, Farming of any kind in a desert is a problem... The issue in S.Cali and S. Nevada (*cough* Vegas) is they made desert into a  Psuedo-arable land by shipping water from all over the place to 2 places that are by all definitions deserts talk about causing environmental issues. The irony is all those tree huggers that live in S.Cali are the reason we have so many  issues in the West... Laws don't seem to be helping them...
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: aoptic on November 02, 2016, 02:57:49 PM
1. Biked to work
2. Eat vegetarian
3. Use a toilet with quart jars of water in it to reduce flush volume
4. Use only LED or CFL lights at home.
5. Keep the thermostat lower (62-65 deg. F. in the winter).
6. Use a smaller refrigerator -- going from a 22 cu.ft. fridge to a 15 cu.ft. fridge cuts the electricity usage by quite a bit, although I forget the numbers exactly.

Add a few as well
4 + Do it smart use sensors to turn off and/or turn on lights in the house
5 + Use smart vents and thermostats to automatically find points of the house to heat or call (look at ecobee)
6 + Smart fridge or unplugg frig at night (if you dont want to pay for it) or get a green extension cord that puts your refrigerator on a timer by turning off in the middle of the night or when you set it look at this article from the UK (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1283447/Smart-fridges-turn-save-power.html)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: aoptic on November 02, 2016, 03:17:55 PM
I just switched our electricity to the renewable energy option (WE Energies in WI), which will add about 2 cents per kw.  I turned the water heater down a bit and adjusted our thermostat to try to cut gas costs and maybe break even.

This means about 70% of my electricity will come from wind instead of 53% coal in the normal plan. 

I decided to make the switch when I was reading a pretty cool article about Elon Musk and Tesla: http://waitbutwhy.com/2015/06/how-tesla-will-change-your-life.html

Thanks for the link this was awesome!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on November 02, 2016, 07:25:16 PM
Yesterday, not today: double-glazed windows were finally installed to replace the beautiful but useless original windows at the front of the house. And ooooh my are they making a difference already! The noise reduction was also lovely overnight, if less environmentally crucial. Months of research and quotes have paid off.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: socalteacher on November 02, 2016, 09:18:09 PM
1. Dual pane windows
2. Solar panels
3. Catch shower water in a bucket for watering plants or flushing toilets
4. I am vegan and wife is 80% vegan
5. Live 2 miles from work (still drive as kids come with me to work)
6. LED bulbs
7. Low water yard
8.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on November 04, 2016, 06:28:10 AM
The thermal efficiency measures we've made to the house are working! Can confirm that we now do not need air con on when the temp gets into the early 30s (celsius). Waiting to see how it goes tomorrow at 37 degrees. Note: I have an autoimmune disease that affects my temperature regulation, so just toughing it out when the weather gets hot isn't one of my options. Luckily, modifying my house to minimise my need for heating and cooling IS an option :-)

It's now hot and dry enough that I have to actually water my plants. I'm collecting water from a dripping tap and from the shower to use on the garden. It's a small thing for sure, but every bit counts!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Half-Borg on November 04, 2016, 01:31:10 PM
I don't know about Australia, but here in Germany it's not really worth it to save water. And this is said by a eco-vegan magazine.
Delivering water to your house takes almost no energy.

What you have to watch is what you do with the water. Running clean water from the tap to the drain is no problem. Putting lots of detergents in IS a problem. Heating water is also a huge energy drain, which you should watch.

Not that I'm saying you should waste water for no reason.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: deborah on November 04, 2016, 01:59:18 PM
Australia is the driest inhabited continent (I think Antarctica is drier). Most of it is desert (which stretches to most of the coast in West Australia). We have multi-year  droughts - the east had an eight year drought that ended a few years ago, and most of Queensland was in drought for several years until this winter. Most places have permanent water restrictions. Water is a valuable, limited resource. Especially potable water.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on November 04, 2016, 09:14:04 PM
Australia is the driest inhabited continent (I think Antarctica is drier). Most of it is desert (which stretches to most of the coast in West Australia). We have multi-year  droughts - the east had an eight year drought that ended a few years ago, and most of Queensland was in drought for several years until this winter. Most places have permanent water restrictions. Water is a valuable, limited resource. Especially potable water.

Ditto Southern California. We are a very dry "Mediterranean climate" and water is imported from far away at great environmental and economic expense.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: deborah on November 04, 2016, 09:38:57 PM
Australia is the driest inhabited continent (I think Antarctica is drier). Most of it is desert (which stretches to most of the coast in West Australia). We have multi-year  droughts - the east had an eight year drought that ended a few years ago, and most of Queensland was in drought for several years until this winter. Most places have permanent water restrictions. Water is a valuable, limited resource. Especially potable water.

Ditto Southern California. We are a very dry "Mediterranean climate" and water is imported from far away at great environmental and economic expense.
When I visited LA I was appalled at the profligacy of water usage there. It really stunned me, as we keep on being told we have similar climates. Sprinklers in gardens! Huge patches of public lawn being sprinklered! Toilets that use obscene amounts of water each flush (every toilet in Australia for the last 20 years or so has had to be dual flush, and now use 3 litres for a normal flush and 4.5 litres for a heavy flush, as against the US standard of 13 litres)! Of course, these are just things that we get drummed into us. You guys probably come over here and are amazed about different forms of profligate water usage.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on November 04, 2016, 10:34:04 PM
I ditched a bunch of old paper, this reducing our potential need to upgrade size of house in the future.

I also kept the house closer and pulled blinds shit this morning to keep the heat out, fingers crossed we won't need to much air con this arvo.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on November 04, 2016, 10:57:36 PM
I also kept the house closer and pulled blinds shit this morning to keep the heat out, fingers crossed we won't need to much air con this arvo.

It's 34 outside now and we haven't put on the air con yet. Keeping an eye on how far we can push it :-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on November 04, 2016, 11:45:05 PM
- Clothes hung out to dry on the washing line.
- Clothes washed in cold water (we do use detergent though - we find that collars of shirts and tops get revolting after a few months if we don't use detergent)
- Walked to the shops
- Today's breakfast, lunch and dinner will be vegetarian (we're not vegetarian but often eat vegetarian or vegan food)
- Bought a never-been-used spice rack from a fundraiser fete. I've been looking for ages for a solution to our somewhat chaotic spice and herbs situation in the pantry and was super happy to have found this spice rack :D
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on November 05, 2016, 04:59:50 AM
I also kept the house closer and pulled blinds shit this morning to keep the heat out, fingers crossed we won't need to much air con this arvo.

It's 34 outside now and we haven't put on the air con yet. Keeping an eye on how far we can push it :-)

Ended up needing the air con for an hour (5-6pm). Not bad!

Back down to 25 degrees tomorrow, so won't need any heating or cooling again until the next hot day.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on November 05, 2016, 05:12:45 AM
I also kept the house closer and pulled blinds shit this morning to keep the heat out, fingers crossed we won't need to much air con this arvo.

It's 34 outside now and we haven't put on the air con yet. Keeping an eye on how far we can push it :-)

Ended up needing the air con for an hour (5-6pm). Not bad!

Back down to 25 degrees tomorrow, so won't need any heating or cooling again until the next hot day.
We used it for 3 hours. Pretty good, and mostly because I insisted on a walk at 4pm. Looking forward to the milder weather tomorrow!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on November 05, 2016, 12:23:34 PM
Australia is the driest inhabited continent (I think Antarctica is drier). Most of it is desert (which stretches to most of the coast in West Australia). We have multi-year  droughts - the east had an eight year drought that ended a few years ago, and most of Queensland was in drought for several years until this winter. Most places have permanent water restrictions. Water is a valuable, limited resource. Especially potable water.

Ditto Southern California. We are a very dry "Mediterranean climate" and water is imported from far away at great environmental and economic expense.
When I visited LA I was appalled at the profligacy of water usage there. It really stunned me, as we keep on being told we have similar climates. Sprinklers in gardens! Huge patches of public lawn being sprinklered! Toilets that use obscene amounts of water each flush (every toilet in Australia for the last 20 years or so has had to be dual flush, and now use 3 litres for a normal flush and 4.5 litres for a heavy flush, as against the US standard of 13 litres)! Of course, these are just things that we get drummed into us. You guys probably come over here and are amazed about different forms of profligate water usage.

Yes, we have a long way to go. I think it's because the country overall has sufficient water, the desert areas have been settled largely by people who assumed they could transplant their East Coast planting and watering practices. But it's completely unsustainable. People are trying to change things but it's slow going.

Our major local, the Los Angeles Times actually has a designated reporter for the "drought" beat. Local environmentalists are working on expanding the use of "rain gardens," rain barrels and other water sequestration practices. We are only allowed to water outside on two designated days of the week, etc. It's not enforced in any meaningful way and people are ambivalent about the changes, so...we'll get there.

FWIW, I love your Australian garden/food/ecology writer Jackie French and steal lots of ideas from similar Australian ecological thinkers, especially the permaculturalists.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on November 05, 2016, 04:37:02 PM
Australia is the driest inhabited continent (I think Antarctica is drier). Most of it is desert (which stretches to most of the coast in West Australia). We have multi-year  droughts - the east had an eight year drought that ended a few years ago, and most of Queensland was in drought for several years until this winter. Most places have permanent water restrictions. Water is a valuable, limited resource. Especially potable water.

Ditto Southern California. We are a very dry "Mediterranean climate" and water is imported from far away at great environmental and economic expense.
When I visited LA I was appalled at the profligacy of water usage there. It really stunned me, as we keep on being told we have similar climates. Sprinklers in gardens! Huge patches of public lawn being sprinklered! Toilets that use obscene amounts of water each flush (every toilet in Australia for the last 20 years or so has had to be dual flush, and now use 3 litres for a normal flush and 4.5 litres for a heavy flush, as against the US standard of 13 litres)! Of course, these are just things that we get drummed into us. You guys probably come over here and are amazed about different forms of profligate water usage.

Yes, we have a long way to go. I think it's because the country overall has sufficient water, the desert areas have been settled largely by people who assumed they could transplant their East Coast planting and watering practices. But it's completely unsustainable. People are trying to change things but it's slow going.

Our major local, the Los Angeles Times actually has a designated reporter for the "drought" beat. Local environmentalists are working on expanding the use of "rain gardens," rain barrels and other water sequestration practices. We are only allowed to water outside on two designated days of the week, etc. It's not enforced in any meaningful way and people are ambivalent about the changes, so...we'll get there.

FWIW, I love your Australian garden/food/ecology writer Jackie French and steal lots of ideas from similar Australian ecological thinkers, especially the permaculturalists.
How interesting! I guess in Australia the whole country doesn't have enough water, so we don't have to worry about re-education. I know Jackie French, but not as an ecology writer! She's written some fantastic children's and young adult books.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: deborah on November 05, 2016, 10:57:54 PM
Jackie French lives near here ... and has a garden... which is in the open garden scheme... and writes a lot of gardening articles.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Rollin on November 14, 2016, 03:29:41 PM
No meat = #1 reduction.
No driving = #2.

You may want to watch Conspiracy. Also, read How Not to Die.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: The Guru on November 14, 2016, 05:12:24 PM
Biked to work today, as did my wife. Granted we could/ should do it more, but...we're old lol.

After I got home, I took a look at our nearly Closed for the Season garden and harvested enough broccoli for dinner.

This past weekend we walked to the DQ for dessert*- 3 mile round trip- and I salvaged a complete and decent condition bike from someone's trash.**

* As a Mustachian I guess we should have made do at home but Mrs. Guru really needed to get out of the house. We had a coupon for the sundae (3 bucks and change) which we split; the exercise, time together and sugar did wonders.

** I need ANOTHER bike like I need a third row of teeth, but it looked usable and I couldn't bear to see it shitcanned. Will probably put air in the tires, ride it once and then donate it to the local bike co-op.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on November 14, 2016, 08:12:24 PM
We've been cloth-diapering third kid and it's much easier than I thought it would be. (I'm a SAHM and have a washer and clothesline.) The water use is higher, but we're saving the manufacturing impact and landfill impact of disposables.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on November 15, 2016, 06:53:50 PM
My garden has started producing FOOD! Very little to start with, but hey, a handle of blueberries from my yard is a handful of nutrients and deliciousness that didn't have to travel in a truck or get wrapped in plastic.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Julard on December 05, 2016, 01:07:13 AM
I switched my electricity account to 100% renewables.   

And planted a street tree (in quiet defiance of local laws!)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nnls on January 07, 2017, 01:56:09 AM
I havent eaten meat since Sunday night, my goal is to reduce my consumption of meat and animal products. At the end of last year I read two books which inspired me to cut down for two different reasons. One was about the environmental impact of societies increased meat consumption and the other was about the health issues of eating meat, and too much in general.

I am not going to go full vegan or vegetarian, just be more mindful of what I am eating and trying to make healthier choices that are a bit more sustainable.

The two books were

Full Planet, empty plates: the new geopolitics of food scarcity - Lester Brown http://www.bookdepository.com/Full-Planet-Empty-Plates-Lester-R-Brown/9780393344158?ref=grid-view (http://www.bookdepository.com/Full-Planet-Empty-Plates-Lester-R-Brown/9780393344158?ref=grid-view) and Eat Less live long - Jason S Bennett
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 18, 2017, 08:12:45 PM
I am not going to go full vegan or vegetarian, just be more mindful of what I am eating and trying to make healthier choices that are a bit more sustainable.

This is what I've been trying to do. Following a discussion on someone's journal, I've also been thinking more about which foods are and aren't sustainable to produce in Australia, whether I should be modifying my diet accordingly, and how I can produce more of my food in my own backyard.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 18, 2017, 08:24:04 PM
Today:

Vegan breakfast (frozen raspberries with homemade nutty, seedy granola), vegan lunch (homemade vege curry), probably a vegetarian dinner (leftover homemade pizza).

Using public transport and shank's pony for my transport.

Using captured grey water to water my potted fruits and veges.

Discussing with my brother which householdy / DIY type things we only need one of between our two households, to reduce consumption. We live in the same suburb and get along well, so I foresee this working out well for both of us. First item on the list: a tall ladder.

Recently:

Picking up items from my local Buy Nothing group, including a few which would've ended up in landfill.

Listing items on Buy Nothing that others will want. Reduced consumption is always a good thing.

Gratefully accepting hand me down clothes from friends for our soon-to-be-baby. Much less wasteful than buying new: I can't believe the sheer volumes of clothes we buy and discard as a society.

Harvesting strawberries and basil from my garden; planning the next stage of my very slow garden makeover to increase my fruit and vege production.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on January 18, 2017, 08:44:02 PM
Over the past few weeks, I've tried to put up the courtyard umbrella to reduce the heat that gets into the house. We've still needed to turn on the air conditioner, but not for as long as we would've needed otherwise.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 18, 2017, 10:16:17 PM
Over the past few weeks, I've tried to put up the courtyard umbrella to reduce the heat that gets into the house. We've still needed to turn on the air conditioner, but not for as long as we would've needed otherwise.

That's a good point! We've been using our outdoor blinds to minimise the heat in our 'big room'; they really do make a huge difference. We've run the air con far less this summer than last, and that's with me being pregnant and home more.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 01, 2017, 06:47:45 PM
My local council now mulches garden waste thrown out by households as part of our regular rubbish collection, and then provides it as FREE mulch for residents :D this is awesome!

Not a small thing I'm doing, but definitely a move in the right direction for sustainability in my local area.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on February 01, 2017, 07:52:34 PM
My local council now mulches garden waste thrown out by households as part of our regular rubbish collection, and then provides it as FREE mulch for residents :D this is awesome!

Not a small thing I'm doing, but definitely a move in the right direction for sustainability in my local area.

Ours takes it, mulches it and then sells it back to us...hmmm. Luckily we have our own mulcher. It's really handy when you have palms and only one green bin - one leaf unshredded fills the thing!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on February 01, 2017, 09:26:06 PM
My local council now mulches garden waste thrown out by households as part of our regular rubbish collection, and then provides it as FREE mulch for residents :D this is awesome!

Not a small thing I'm doing, but definitely a move in the right direction for sustainability in my local area.

Ours takes it, mulches it and then sells it back to us...hmmm. Luckily we have our own mulcher. It's really handy when you have palms and only one green bin - one leaf unshredded fills the thing!
I recently read the instructions for my bin on the council website/ annual pamphlet. It reads as though we are supposed to put food scraps and green stuff in the green topped bin, recyclables in the yellow topped bin, and.... Then there's nowhere for generic "waste"? I need to investigate this further and look at easy sorting requirements for us.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 01, 2017, 10:07:48 PM
My local council now mulches garden waste thrown out by households as part of our regular rubbish collection, and then provides it as FREE mulch for residents :D this is awesome!

Not a small thing I'm doing, but definitely a move in the right direction for sustainability in my local area.

Ours takes it, mulches it and then sells it back to us...hmmm. Luckily we have our own mulcher. It's really handy when you have palms and only one green bin - one leaf unshredded fills the thing!
I recently read the instructions for my bin on the council website/ annual pamphlet. It reads as though we are supposed to put food scraps and green stuff in the green topped bin, recyclables in the yellow topped bin, and.... Then there's nowhere for generic "waste"? I need to investigate this further and look at easy sorting requirements for us.

Well now I want my own mulcher...

I really want my local council to start composting via a separate bin. We're about to elect a new mayor, maybe I should contact the candidate who seems more on board with green initiatives and suggest it to her...
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on February 04, 2017, 04:55:41 PM
I'm cooking by covering the dry pasta with cold water, then boiling (rather than bring the water to a boil first.) This works fine with everything except for quick cooking pastas such as angel hair and acini di pepe.  Saves time, too.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 04, 2017, 05:04:01 PM
So far this Summer we've used 40% as much electricity as we did last Summer. WTF, but in a good way! I didn't realise that our thermal efficiency measures were making THAT much difference.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fishindude on February 05, 2017, 12:56:34 PM
Just finished putting up next years supply of firewood.  Will provide a lot of cheap heat in the house and barn next winter.  All grown right here on the property and would just rot away if we didn't use it.  Pretty much an unlimited supply available.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 06, 2017, 07:20:29 PM
Skipped my regular watering day yesterday because it's forecast to rain over the next few days. All my potted plants are positioned to catch the rain... well, except for the ones that can easily drown from too much rain.

Just finished putting up next years supply of firewood.  Will provide a lot of cheap heat in the house and barn next winter.  All grown right here on the property and would just rot away if we didn't use it.  Pretty much an unlimited supply available.

Woodfires are so lovely, too! Nothing like the smell of a woodfire.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: stashgrower on February 06, 2017, 08:17:01 PM
Haven't read the whole thread, but jumping in.

Yesterday:

Cycled to an appointment.

Used the rain water buckets on the pot plants and lawn to a) water them, b) empty the buckets in preparation for catching more water (rain forecast).

Plant-based lunch and dinner were from unsprayed food grown <100 km away, and I will return all packaging for reuse.

Flushed after every second or third pee.

Climate control via windows. No a/c or fan all summer.

Composted.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 06, 2017, 08:39:13 PM
Plant-based lunch and dinner were from unsprayed food grown <100 km away, and I will return all packaging for reuse.

This is cool! Is it bought food, or a gifting/bartering system with a friend or relative?

I'm hoping to get a gifting/bartering system going with my brother when he moves house... he's talking about getting chickens if he has enough space. I would *so* love to sponsor his chickens and get eggs in return. And we've talked before about organising complementary fruit trees and vege patches to maximise what we can share.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on February 06, 2017, 09:48:23 PM
Stopped using paper cups for 'to go' coffee.  Just bring my aluminum travel mug with me and use it all the time instead.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: stashgrower on February 07, 2017, 01:32:51 AM
Happier - It's both and from the farmers market.

PM me if you are interested in chickens, I have a lead.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Monocle Money Mouth on February 07, 2017, 03:35:21 AM
I just swapped out all the old CFL and incandescent bulbs in my house for LED bulbs where possible. It's crazy thinking that one incandescent bulb in a room was using more power than all the LED bulbs in one room combined.

To help keep the CFL's out of the trash, I replaced all the incandescent bulbs I had outside my house and in the garage with the CFL's I had in the house. Those lights  are barely used compared to our interior lights. We'll still save a lot of electricity. As those burn out, I will switch them out for LED bulbs.

Annoyingly, I still have one place I have to use an incandescent bulb. Our garage door opener has a deep light socket that will only take incandescent bulbs. All the LED and CFL bulbs I have are too fat once you get past the threads. They can't be screwed in deep enough. I'm looking for a bulb extender that will work in the opener's light enclosure.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Mezzie on February 07, 2017, 06:13:24 AM
I put Milkweed seeds in the fridge to prepare them for planting in a couple weeks. Soon I'll have a nice little habitat for endangered Monarchs making their annual trek to Mexico.

I'm just about ready to drop some money on a fancy vermicompost/garden system for vegetable & herbgrowing/food waste recycling. I'm doing the last bit of research today to ensure I'm getting the best deal.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BTH7117 on February 07, 2017, 07:28:46 AM
Sunday, I walked to the grocery store (~.5 miles) even though I like the further away grocery store better.
Yesterday, I left work a little early and walked home (2.5 miles) instead of taking the subway and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine.
Today, I brought workout clothes to work so I can run home.

Mustachian preaches the best thing you can do for the environment is consume less.  I remind myself of that often when I am tempted to get rid of our 11 year old CR-V to replace with a hybrid.  We only drive ~10,000 miles per year so the environmental impact of producing a vehicle would probably be greater than the fuel efficiency savings.

Great tips on turning off things like modems/routers when leaving the house.  I will try that in the future.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on February 08, 2017, 04:42:45 AM
I've browsed this thread a few times, but reducing my environmental impact is a big motivator for living a frugal/low waste lifestyle so I'm joining in! Even my husband (who was always pretty darn frugal but had never really been exposed to environmental ideas, gah!) admitted to me recently that he was thinking about it and he was much happier with the decisions we are making now.

We are really lucky to have some great options for sustainably raised meat nearby - one farm is a touch more expensive and ~30 miles away, and one is ~200 miles away so I will have to wait until their local buying club starts up again in the spring. I bought a chicken from the local producer at the farmer's market this weekend, roasted it, and used the carcass with saved veggie scraps to make the most divine broth.

Yesterday I took my son on a walk to the post office to mail a package instead of driving.

Stopped using paper cups for 'to go' coffee.  Just bring my aluminum travel mug with me and use it all the time instead.

This is a habit I am working on changing as well!

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on February 08, 2017, 10:25:55 PM
One other coffee related thing I am doing.  I used to buy coffee beans at the grocery store and put them in the little brown paper bag that the store provides, then toss the bag in the recycle when I finished the coffee beans off. 

Now I save the bags & reuse them at the store.  Not only does it cut down on my waste, but the store gives me a 'bring your own bag' credit of $.02!!  Haha that's so awesome.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: deborah on February 10, 2017, 02:10:26 AM
So far this Summer we've used 40% as much electricity as we did last Summer. WTF, but in a good way! I didn't realise that our thermal efficiency measures were making THAT much difference.
Yes, it really is amazing that you can spend very little to get that kind of efficiency (however, I think I remember you putting in double glazing, which would have cost a bit).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Mezzie on February 10, 2017, 07:45:17 AM
I made some stock from the bones of a chicken I cooked a few days ago. Turns out that was perfectly timed to coincide with my current illness. Now I'm drinking mugs of homemade stock instead of buying plastic containers of neon cold & flu medicine to get through this bout. A win for the environment and my health, I'm sure.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: SaveSpendGiveALittle on February 11, 2017, 10:30:15 AM
I am all for if its yellow let it mellow . That's my rule of thumb at home. It drives me crazy when at work, folks walk up and flush before using the urinal, then also afterwards.

I only shower on days that I have gone to the gym.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on February 11, 2017, 11:19:54 AM
Set up a carpool for another kid activity.  Everybody seems really glad when I ask, but why am I always first to initiate? Is everyone so shy? Or just so careless with their time that they will happily lose hours driving around and around?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on February 11, 2017, 11:33:54 AM
I am all for if its yellow let it mellow . That's my rule of thumb at home.

Our beagle would not appreciate your addition to her water dish.  Or maybe she would.  Beagles are weird.  Either way, this is a non-starter in our house.  :P
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 19, 2017, 10:21:13 PM
So far this Summer we've used 40% as much electricity as we did last Summer. WTF, but in a good way! I didn't realise that our thermal efficiency measures were making THAT much difference.
Yes, it really is amazing that you can spend very little to get that kind of efficiency (however, I think I remember you putting in double glazing, which would have cost a bit).

You're correct - double glazing was $4.2k for two windows, and we spent $5k on outdoor blinds which have made a huge difference to how much light and heat hits the large room at the back of the house with glass walls / doors. It was so, so worth it :-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 19, 2017, 10:34:03 PM
Mostly normal / boring things today:

Taking public transport and walking instead of driving.

Reducing food waste by planning meals around what's in the house already, and what needs to be eaten soonest.

Eating vegetarian today, like most days.

Watering my garden with 'warming up water' from the shower.

Pulling weeds rather than spraying them with poison.

Slightly more exciting things:

Getting organised to start my first worm farm! I'm starting with an in-ground farm, because that's meant to be easiest and I'd rather not bite off more than I can chew.

Researching bokashi bins.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on February 20, 2017, 02:57:44 AM
I have an inground bokashi bin - basically the same as a inground worm farm (it IS actually an inground worm farm from bunnings) but the waste gets a sprinkle of bokashi and then a layer of dirt each time you add it to make it anerobic I guess. It needs a sprinkle of water I think too but we've had so much rain recently I'm sure that's enough. I haven't really been caring for it very well but the contents seem to have shrunk down so must be working.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on February 20, 2017, 10:23:08 AM
Haven't driven since Friday.  Have curtains and windows open to let in the nice unseasonable temps.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on March 04, 2017, 10:03:56 PM
I have an inground bokashi bin - basically the same as a inground worm farm (it IS actually an inground worm farm from bunnings) but the waste gets a sprinkle of bokashi and then a layer of dirt each time you add it to make it anerobic I guess. It needs a sprinkle of water I think too but we've had so much rain recently I'm sure that's enough. I haven't really been caring for it very well but the contents seem to have shrunk down so must be working.

I've heard really great things about the in-ground bokashi bins! My sister uses one for dog poo and swears by it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on March 04, 2017, 10:05:48 PM
Ordered seeds, nuts and spices in bulk to minimise packaging.

Used reusable shopping bags and fabric produce bags.

Froze smaller portions of basil pesto to preserve basil from the garden.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on March 04, 2017, 10:18:46 PM
Walked around the local lake to the park with my daughter rather than drive somewhere for a play day.  I love how frugality and environmentalism overlap so much with MMM.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on March 05, 2017, 04:45:31 AM
Bought a number of staple foods in bulk from the store that lets you bring your own containers. Unfortunately it does cost a bit more as it's all organic for items I typically buy conventionally, but not enough to make a big impact to the bottom line.

Bought veggies without packaging them in plastic bags since I haven't made the time to sew cloth produce bags yet. My new goal is to stop buying bags of washed spinach and buy the bunches instead (which does have a cost savings, yay!) Used cloth bags to cart everything home.

DH wanted to go out for coffee yesterday morning. We took our travel mugs and saved $.10 each in the process.

We took a long walk with our toddler and saw the nesting pair of bald eagles that live in the neighborhood. He is too young to appreciate them, but it was magnificent.

Dinner used just one pound of ground beef and a load of veggies to make about 6 servings (and we are hearty eaters, so the recipe may be more like 8 servings for more typical appetites.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on March 05, 2017, 10:29:40 PM
Today I was walking locally and saw vast piles of stuff on the side of the road for Council's twice annual clean up day. They were not big, not large, they were VAST. Amongst it all I spotted, one perfect IKEA poang chair, 2 ride on kids toys, 8 white plastic garden chairs (and old guy from over the road snaffled 4 of the nicest, good for him!), a front door, garden pavers etc etc etc. Some of the stuff was genuinely broken rubbish, old sofas and the like, stained mattresses that no-one would want, but I felt physically unwell at all this waste.

One of the things I've thought about doing in retirement is setting up some sort of not for profit organisation to collect useable things from these clean up days (I think they are specific to Australia??) and make efforts to rehome them via a website and FB groups, freecycle etc. I could start in our garage and then possibly rent a warehouse space if necessary.

So... today I sent an enquiry to Council asking them whether it is legal to recover stuff from the side of the road on clean up days. I have heard anecdotally that it is not allowed (because it belongs to Council or some such blah). THIS STUFF (except metal which is recycled) GOES TO LANDFILL!! So anyway, I'm checking the situation. If it's not permitted, that will be my first task, to change that.

Wish me luck!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: deborah on March 05, 2017, 10:44:32 PM
We don't have clean up day. And our tip has a recycle place attached to it, so the first thing you do is identify what you are getting rid of, and it probably goes to the recycle first.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on March 05, 2017, 10:48:42 PM
We don't have clean up day. And our tip has a recycle place attached to it, so the first thing you do is identify what you are getting rid of, and it probably goes to the recycle first.

We have to pay to take anything to the tip now, excl. recyclables of the paper/plastic bottle variety so it's all getting dumped on the street, sometimes randomly!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on March 05, 2017, 11:00:57 PM
Our clean up days rarely result in anything except ACTUAL rubbish left on the side of the verge. The pickers go around the week or two before to grab anything they want or can re-sell (we picked up a nice bench for outside that way), and then the broken scraps that are left is what the council ends up picking up. I've yet to hear that we weren't allowed to do that! Maybe your pickers are less efficient or your council has different rules.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on March 06, 2017, 12:54:54 AM
Joining this thread, because it will give me inspiration to find a small thing to contribute with every day.

Every day:
- Warming up last degrees of the house with firewood from our own garden. We central heating in the living room is on 18 degrees C. Any additional warmth is created by wood in a modern, closed wood stove.
- Our relatively new washing machine has large capacity. I tend to wait until I have enough clothes to wash before I wash.
- I run the dishwasher every other day, if possible. I don't run it half full.
- When washing my hair in the shower, I wet it first. Then I turn off the shower and soap in my hair in the time that I need. Then I turn the shower back on an remove the shampoo. In the past I let the shower run all the time.
- After a sports activity, we hang the sports clothes to dry in the bathroom. When used on Saturday, many of the clothes can be used again on Sunday for the next activity. If we didn't do a very sweaty activity, I tend to smell the clothes after they dried, to check whether they all need to be washed or whether they can be reused during the next sporty activity.

Last weekend:
- Went cross country skiing on foot, not by car. Got some extra training that way, as I had about 10km transport in total.
- I didn't wash my hair after training. It still looked acceptable, so I can postpone a day or 2.
- Didn't shower this morning. I washed myself with a cloth.


Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: deborah on March 06, 2017, 04:01:12 PM
I just received an e-mail from a blog that I like about this subject. He is closing it down because he didn't get much interest, so you only have a short time to look at it. It is British, but the stuff in it is universal.

http://shrinkthatfootprint.com/
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on March 06, 2017, 04:32:25 PM
I just received an e-mail from a blog that I like about this subject. He is closing it down because he didn't get much interest, so you only have a short time to look at it. It is British, but the stuff in it is universal.

http://shrinkthatfootprint.com/

Thank you for sharing this, it looks very informative! How disappointing that more people aren't interested in these things.

Today I made an effort to reduce our food waste by adding some random extra veggies and some corn tortillas that had broken apart to my enchilada soup for dinner. I also made a batch of yogurt using milk that came in a glass bottle that I will return to the store.

This weekend we were given a number of large Mason jars for canning and shopping from bulk bins.

Does anyone else often find themselves conflicted between saving money and making purchasing decisions that align with their values (be it environmental or otherwise)? They often line up (buying secondhand, and just buying less overall), but I increasingly find myself opting to spend more for a values-aligned purchase like purchasing pastured meat and grass-fed dairy and just eating less of it, buying the clothes I do buy new from companies that make a point of manufacturing high quality goods in an ethical and/or environmentally friendly manner, and so on.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GreenQueen on March 06, 2017, 04:47:22 PM
Started elimination communication with our 4-month-old. Using lots less cloth diapers so less laundry.

Also waiting 2 days to do laundry in case it goes above freezing and we can hang wash outside on the clothesline.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on March 06, 2017, 06:11:14 PM
Does anyone else often find themselves conflicted between saving money and making purchasing decisions that align with their values (be it environmental or otherwise)? They often line up (buying secondhand, and just buying less overall), but I increasingly find myself opting to spend more for a values-aligned purchase like purchasing pastured meat and grass-fed dairy and just eating less of it, buying the clothes I do buy new from companies that make a point of manufacturing high quality goods in an ethical and/or environmentally friendly manner, and so on.

Yes. All the freakin' time, if I'm being honest.

As you say, much of the time these values line up. But much of the time they don't. For a long time I focused more on the saving money side of the equation, so now I'm trying to swing more towards spending that bit extra and having it be the 'right' choice.

Realistically, my lifestyle is always going to be a compromise between mainstream consumer culture and the 'green' values I hold dear, so part of this journey is learning the balance.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on March 07, 2017, 01:34:49 AM
When I visit my family around Christmas, we often fly instead of driving and taking a ferry. Flying is a lot cheaper and only costs a few hours, while driving and ferry takes about 24 hours. In matters of environment, the car is a better alternative than the plane. If I remember correctly, you can drive a car for a whole year for the CO2 production that one flight with a plane causes. So saving money and time is not always best for the environment. It often is when it comes to other things.

Last visit, we drove. I think I didn't make any private trip by plane in 2016. I probably made some short flights for work, though.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on March 07, 2017, 04:01:43 AM
When I visit my family around Christmas, we often fly instead of driving and taking a ferry. Flying is a lot cheaper and only costs a few hours, while driving and ferry takes about 24 hours. In matters of environment, the car is a better alternative than the plane. If I remember correctly, you can drive a car for a whole year for the CO2 production that one flight with a plane causes. So saving money and time is not always best for the environment. It often is when it comes to other things.

Last visit, we drove. I think I didn't make any private trip by plane in 2016. I probably made some short flights for work, though.

I think I've heard that same statistic before. We typically fly across the country twice a year to visit family. Unfortunately it's so far it would be impractical to drive unless we made the cross-country road trip part of the vacation.

Does anyone else often find themselves conflicted between saving money and making purchasing decisions that align with their values (be it environmental or otherwise)? They often line up (buying secondhand, and just buying less overall), but I increasingly find myself opting to spend more for a values-aligned purchase like purchasing pastured meat and grass-fed dairy and just eating less of it, buying the clothes I do buy new from companies that make a point of manufacturing high quality goods in an ethical and/or environmentally friendly manner, and so on.

Yes. All the freakin' time, if I'm being honest.

As you say, much of the time these values line up. But much of the time they don't. For a long time I focused more on the saving money side of the equation, so now I'm trying to swing more towards spending that bit extra and having it be the 'right' choice.

Realistically, my lifestyle is always going to be a compromise between mainstream consumer culture and the 'green' values I hold dear, so part of this journey is learning the balance.

I'm glad it's not just me. I find that I'm unwilling to be so extreme in my adherence to values that our life is noticeably different from those around us to a casual observer. I don't want to stick out too much, and I don't want my son to be "that weird kid with the hippy mom". But I think it's important to be willing to talk about them if it comes up in conversation so others are exposed to the ideas in small doses and maybe start making changes themselves. My husband has come a long way since we met. He was never a huge consumer and was conscious about small things like recycling and electricity use, but had never thought to question that there was more to it than that.

HaH, I'm going to start reading through your journal and will post when I'm caught up!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on March 13, 2017, 01:35:05 AM
I think I've made my mind up to trial using bicarb soda and apple cider vinegar in place of shampoo and conditioner when my current bottles run out (probably less than a month away...). Scary!!

Also, a forum member told me all about how great soapnuts are and sent me a link to the best place to buy them, so it might be time to experiment with those for my laundry.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on March 13, 2017, 02:17:29 AM
I think I've made my mind up to trial using bicarb soda and apple cider vinegar in place of shampoo and conditioner when my current bottles run out (probably less than a month away...). Scary!!
<...>

I tried this when my favorite shampoo was no longer for sale in my country. I found it a bit cumbersome, making a paste of dry baking soda in my hand with just enough water, while not flowing it all away. It was not so easy to spread over my hair. I didn't repeat the experiment. Bought a bottle of the cheapest shampoo instead, which worked better than the soda and later I bought my 8 bottles of my favorite abroad when I was there anyway.

There is a point in not washing your hair too often, but leave it at 1,5 - 2 times a week. Then it will not turn fat so fast.

What I learned from one of the no-poo blogs is what to do when you go swimming in a pool with chlorine water. Soak your hair wet with normal water before swimming and wear a rubber swimming cap. Afterwards your hair will not stink of chlorine and you don't need to wash it with shampoo. This works very well for me. Earlier I had trouble with that the chlorine smell didn't disappear even after washing with shampoo.

But try out the soda for yourself. It's not scary.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on March 13, 2017, 02:34:40 AM
I think I've made my mind up to trial using bicarb soda and apple cider vinegar in place of shampoo and conditioner when my current bottles run out (probably less than a month away...). Scary!!
<...>

I tried this when my favorite shampoo was no longer for sale in my country. I found it a bit cumbersome, making a paste of dry baking soda in my hand with just enough water, while not flowing it all away. It was not so easy to spread over my hair. I didn't repeat the experiment. Bought a bottle of the cheapest shampoo instead, which worked better than the soda and later I bought my 8 bottles of my favorite abroad when I was there anyway.

There is a point in not washing your hair too often, but leave it at 1,5 - 2 times a week. Then it will not turn fat so fast.

What I learned from one of the no-poo blogs is what to do when you go swimming in a pool with chlorine water. Soak your hair wet with normal water before swimming and wear a rubber swimming cap. Afterwards your hair will not stink of chlorine and you don't need to wash it with shampoo. This works very well for me. Earlier I had trouble with that the chlorine smell didn't disappear even after washing with shampoo.

But try out the soda for yourself. It's not scary.

One of my local mustachian friends dilutes the bicarb soda in water and keeps it in an old shampoo bottle, so that each time she wants to use it she can just shake the bottle and then squirt some out onto her hair like a very runny version of normal shampoo. So I think that's what I'm going to try first :-)

That pool tip is interesting, thanks!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on March 13, 2017, 02:39:18 AM
The no poo method gave me awful dandruff and my hair never got past the ultra-greasy stage. But I went from that to using the tiniest amount of Organic Care shampoo ($2.50 on special at Coles!) just to take the grease away but not enough to make a lather. So now a bottle could last a year so at least it's an improvement. I went back to using conditioner as my hair is super knotty and whenever I got caught in the rain I smelt of vinegar! I put the vinegar into a spray bottle for easy application. It really does work as a conditioner tho, it's bizarre!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on March 13, 2017, 05:04:43 AM
I have never washed my hair more than twice a week, even way back before it was mainstream. I use fancy pants Deva Curl hair products, including their no-poo cleansing cream. I should give the baking soda and vinegar technique a shot. I only go through about a bottle per year of the no-poo, but that may be one more plastic bottle I can avoid using. I'm planning to test out flax seed gel soon too!

I sewed my toddler some clothes this weekend, cutting down one of my too-small tshirts to fit him and picking apart the seams of a pair of DH's sweatpants to use as material for a tiny pair. I was able to cut the material of the sweats so that I can make a larger pair for next year out of the remainder. Since reading the article (No One Wants Your Old Clothes (http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/no-one-wants-your-old-clothes/ar-AAim8tF?li=BBnb7Kz) I am trying to make better use of our unwanted things.

I took the large Mason jars we were given grocery shopping last week and stocked up on dry goods from the bulk bins. I wish the store that lets you bring your own containers had more available in bulk; I'd love to be able to get crackers, dried fruit, etc. without packaging as well.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: I'm a red panda on March 13, 2017, 07:25:46 AM
Not MY environmental impact, but others.... despite being 38 weeks pregnant, I volunteered at a girl scout event teaching 4th and 5th graders about energy conservation, including how to do home energy audits and some low hanging fruit habits to change.   That was one exhausting day!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MMMaybe on March 13, 2017, 10:48:15 AM
I think I've made my mind up to trial using bicarb soda and apple cider vinegar in place of shampoo and conditioner when my current bottles run out (probably less than a month away...). Scary!!

I'm using one of those Lush shampoo bars (no packaging!) and apple cider vinegar for conditioner. It works pretty well. I put a couple of drops of Argan oil on my wet hair and it helps keep it smooth.

The shampoo bars last ages.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: I'm a red panda on March 13, 2017, 11:06:48 AM
I think I've made my mind up to trial using bicarb soda and apple cider vinegar in place of shampoo and conditioner when my current bottles run out (probably less than a month away...). Scary!!

I'm using one of those Lush shampoo bars (no packaging!) and apple cider vinegar for conditioner. It works pretty well. I put a couple of drops of Argan oil on my wet hair and it helps keep it smooth.

The shampoo bars last ages.

You should check out some providers that make more natural shampoo products- Lush still uses a lot of the chemicals (SLS) that are in typical shampoos.  I LOVE Chagrin Valley and Praireland Herbs shampoo bars.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on March 13, 2017, 07:14:54 PM
The no poo method gave me awful dandruff and my hair never got past the ultra-greasy stage.

This is what I'm afraid of! Too many horror stories.

You should check out some providers that make more natural shampoo products- Lush still uses a lot of the chemicals (SLS) that are in typical shampoos.  I LOVE Chagrin Valley and Praireland Herbs shampoo bars.

It's also (supposedly - I haven't done it) very easy to make your own shampoo bars.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on March 13, 2017, 07:19:42 PM
Today I'm cooking beans bought dried in bulk, rather than using tinned beans.

And arranging my meals around what needs to be eaten first from the fridge, to avoid food waste.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: akzidenz on March 13, 2017, 10:16:20 PM
This is a great thread. Posting so I can stay apprised of updates. I didn't do anything particularly special today, but my general practices are: use public transport or walk as much as possible; reduce my meat consumption; take efficient and brief showers; line dry my laundry. (Machine drying is also quietly destructive on clothing, so this keeps my things nicer for longer.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on March 14, 2017, 01:32:58 AM
The laundry was almost dry when the washing machine was finished. It was mostly sports clothes. So I hung it over a rack in the bathroom which is heated all day with floor heating. I left the door on a small gap for ventilation, rather than switching on the electric ventilator and left it there overnight. Apart from 3 things made of cotton, every was dry the next morning. I will certainly do this more often.

This week we will get very high temperatures. I am thinking of also washing the bed sheets and even drying them outside, as they are too big for the bathroom. Keep in mind that this is Norway and we still have lots of snow outside. This will be an all time early outside drying. Usually I wait until May for haging outside.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on March 14, 2017, 01:35:55 AM
I think I've made my mind up to trial using bicarb soda and apple cider vinegar in place of shampoo and conditioner when my current bottles run out (probably less than a month away...). Scary!!

I'm using one of those Lush shampoo bars (no packaging!) and apple cider vinegar for conditioner. It works pretty well. I put a couple of drops of Argan oil on my wet hair and it helps keep it smooth.

The shampoo bars last ages.

You should check out some providers that make more natural shampoo products- Lush still uses a lot of the chemicals (SLS) that are in typical shampoos.  I LOVE Chagrin Valley and Praireland Herbs shampoo bars.
I have recently trialled shampoo and conditioner bars from Ethique (New Zealand company) and liked them a lot. They also do solid deodorant, which I've found works for me. I'm considering it little steps towards what HappierAtHome's said: theoretically, might be able to make my own at some point!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on March 14, 2017, 01:47:07 AM
I have also eaten vegetarian 2 days in a row. And I am normally an omnivorous.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on March 14, 2017, 07:52:02 AM
Signed up for a 100% renewable energy electricity plan today. Not much more expensive and now when my car runs in EV mode, which is almost always, it won't be fossil fuel removed by one step. (That's still better than running an ICE though in nearly all locations.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: I'm a red panda on March 14, 2017, 08:07:33 AM

It's also (supposedly - I haven't done it) very easy to make your own shampoo bars.

I made soap once and it was "easy" but I found it very expensive to source any decent oils in small quantities (and I still had like years of soap...).  I expect shampoo would be similar.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MMMaybe on March 14, 2017, 10:50:39 AM

You should check out some providers that make more natural shampoo products- Lush still uses a lot of the chemicals (SLS) that are in typical shampoos.  I LOVE Chagrin Valley and Praireland Herbs shampoo bars.

I know Lush aren't great and I hate walking into their stores because of the excessive fragrance. But I did try another more natural shampoo bar and it was terrible! I have terrible problems with "normal" shampoos because they cause my scalp to itch so I am always open to new options.

But once I am finished my current Lush bar, I will try another company in the UK that is more natural.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on March 14, 2017, 11:09:15 AM
I really like African Black Soap.  I have super sensitive skin and it's one of the few commonly available options that doesn't make me itch all over.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on March 16, 2017, 11:42:54 PM
I wrote down on my shopping list that I need oily stain remover, and Vanish to whiten my yellowing sheets.

Then I thought about it for a minute, googled natural alternatives, and now I have a plan for what to try first BEFORE buying products.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nnls on March 30, 2017, 01:09:51 AM
not something I have done, but I read about this on facebook and thought I would share

https://makewealthhistory.org/2017/03/22/the-worlds-first-mall-for-recycled-goods/ (https://makewealthhistory.org/2017/03/22/the-worlds-first-mall-for-recycled-goods/)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on March 30, 2017, 01:24:08 AM
Walk to work today. Yesterday I drove to work and walked home. Saving a whole day of petrol. On Monday I walked back and forth.

Bringing leftover portion of dinner for lunch at work.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on March 30, 2017, 01:28:17 AM
not something I have done, but I read about this on facebook and thought I would share

https://makewealthhistory.org/2017/03/22/the-worlds-first-mall-for-recycled-goods/ (https://makewealthhistory.org/2017/03/22/the-worlds-first-mall-for-recycled-goods/)

This is a fantastic concept. Because especially when used goods are repaired and cleaned they are way more attractive to buy then when you would pick them up at the communal recycle center.
Pity that Eskilstuna is a too far away from me to visit. I hope more communities will follow.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: FLBiker on March 30, 2017, 08:15:57 AM
I'm interested in any good natural shampoo recommendations.  My hair is oily - it's short, but still very noticeable if I don't wash it every day.  I've had pretty lousy luck with natural shampoos (like WF's everyday 365), too.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on March 30, 2017, 05:40:02 PM
After my daughter took her bath, I scooped up the bathwater in a bucket (not really that dirty as she bathes almost daily) and used it to mop the floor.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on March 30, 2017, 07:00:01 PM
Article about a very cool sustainable house (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-28/ecohouse-built-out-of-cereal-crop-by-wa-farming-family/8380846)

I'm interested in any good natural shampoo recommendations.  My hair is oily - it's short, but still very noticeable if I don't wash it every day.  I've had pretty lousy luck with natural shampoos (like WF's everyday 365), too.

I haven't tried any alternatives to commercial shampoo yet, but I'm interested to see what people recommend!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on March 30, 2017, 07:13:06 PM
Article about a very cool sustainable house (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-28/ecohouse-built-out-of-cereal-crop-by-wa-farming-family/8380846)

I'm interested in any good natural shampoo recommendations.  My hair is oily - it's short, but still very noticeable if I don't wash it every day.  I've had pretty lousy luck with natural shampoos (like WF's everyday 365), too.

I haven't tried any alternatives to commercial shampoo yet, but I'm interested to see what people recommend!
This is the website for the one I mentioned upthread:
https://ethiquebeauty.com

Someone with more cred than me can probably tell if it's as environmentally good as they claim, but it has certainly kept my hair nice. I bought the dry/normal sampler pack in mid-january, and I'm only just running out now (2+ months later).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nnls on March 30, 2017, 07:30:53 PM
I'm interested in any good natural shampoo recommendations.  My hair is oily - it's short, but still very noticeable if I don't wash it every day.  I've had pretty lousy luck with natural shampoos (like WF's everyday 365), too.

www.good.is/articles/lather-up-a-natural-diy-shampoo-for-oily-hair (http://www.good.is/articles/lather-up-a-natural-diy-shampoo-for-oily-hair)
my cousin had some success with this recipe, but it did nothing for my hair, infact I think it made it worse.

I buy one, but I cant remember what its called, I really like it though, I will try to google it and find it for you
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nnls on March 30, 2017, 07:35:13 PM
Article about a very cool sustainable house (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-28/ecohouse-built-out-of-cereal-crop-by-wa-farming-family/8380846)

I'm interested in any good natural shampoo recommendations.  My hair is oily - it's short, but still very noticeable if I don't wash it every day.  I've had pretty lousy luck with natural shampoos (like WF's everyday 365), too.

I haven't tried any alternatives to commercial shampoo yet, but I'm interested to see what people recommend!

this is the one I use https://www.desertessence.com/hair-care (https://www.desertessence.com/hair-care)

HappierAtHome I get it from the health food shop opposite coles at the Galleria, but you might be able to find it closer to home
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: NinjaSalad on March 30, 2017, 08:05:52 PM
I went to work! I'm an Environmental Scientist - does that count?

My dogs finished a bag of food today so I reused the bag as a trash bag. We are vegetarians and vermicompost or compost our food scraps, paper and cardboard so it will take about 2 weeks before it's full enough to go to the curb.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on March 31, 2017, 01:11:46 AM
I noticed an article in the paper today where 75 US majors are saying they will not implement Trumps anti-reusable/pro-coal energy policy, because every 1 of 50 jobs today are in solar energy and pass the oil/gas/coal industry. Renewable energy is making a bigger and bigger impact. Jay!

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: powskier on March 31, 2017, 11:52:16 PM
Did not procreate.

( did have sex though, amazing isn't it?)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on April 01, 2017, 11:18:15 AM
I bought bulk spices at Sprouts and re-filled my spice jar instead of recycling it and buying a new one.  Oh, and it was waaaayyyy cheaper, too.  Like 3x cheaper.  Win-win!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on April 02, 2017, 07:04:13 AM
Today I purchased some beeswax wraps to try out, hopefully we'll reduce plastic wrap use. They seem pretty sticky, though, so I hope the copious cat hair in my house doesn't get on them.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on April 05, 2017, 05:53:47 PM
Worm farm workshop this evening! Can't wait to get started turning food scraps into awesome nutrition for my fruit trees. I've been saving the free newspapers from my mail to shred for my new little wormy friends (unfortunately I can't opt out of receiving the newspapers - already tried that!).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on April 05, 2017, 05:56:26 PM
Yay for worms!! One of the things I'm most looking forward to when we eventually buy a house is being able to have compost! I save as many scraps as I can for broth but I still have plenty I can't use. :-(
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on April 05, 2017, 05:57:52 PM
Today I purchased some beeswax wraps to try out, hopefully we'll reduce plastic wrap use. They seem pretty sticky, though, so I hope the copious cat hair in my house doesn't get on them.

Really interested to hear how this goes. I've thought about making my own beeswax wraps with the copious amounts of beeswax left over from a skincare project.

The main way I minimise use of plastic wrap is through using containers with lids. Chunk of cheese? Stick it in a tiny container, no need for wrap. Slicing up homemade bread? Great, I have the perfect container to store it in, no disposable plastic needed. Need to cover pizza dough while it rises? My mixing bowls have lids!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on April 05, 2017, 06:00:45 PM
Yay for worms!! One of the things I'm most looking forward to when we eventually buy a house is being able to have compost! I save as many scraps as I can for broth but I still have plenty I can't use. :-(

My compost bin refuses to create compost... The answer we keep getting is ''it just needs more time''. I think we probably just create too much food and garden waste for one small compost bin anyway! So hopefully a combo of the compost bin and several worm farms will work better for us. Oh, and a bokashi bin! One of those is definitely getting acquired down the line.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on April 05, 2017, 07:06:26 PM
Yay for worms!! One of the things I'm most looking forward to when we eventually buy a house is being able to have compost! I save as many scraps as I can for broth but I still have plenty I can't use. :-(

My compost bin refuses to create compost...

If you are in a dry climate, you may need to water it. Compost needs food, air and water, just like any other living thing. It will eventually decompose, yes, but if it's not getting rainwater, hit it with the hose just a little every so often.

We've recently composted human hair, dryer lint, the contents of the kitchen-sink trap, food waste (to chickens), baby poop (dedicated separate humanure bin sequestered until 2020), garden weeds, gopher-damaged plants (dang gopher!). I have used worm castings from the bottom of the pile for potting up seedlings and cuttings.

We've been using a "CSA" for "imperfect produce." It's kind of just a food delivery service with an occasional wonky-looking orange, but we've been very happy with the selection and quality and if it's a channel for selling produce that would otherwise go unhomed, that's a good thing.

Plus I save the fruit boxes they use for delivery to pack up an overstuffed storage room.

My edible guerrilla-gardening continues: This week I planted a young citrus tree in our local park. Someone had planted a lemon tree there a couple of years ago and it's really flourishing. I added a navel orange tree. Cross your fingers that the little guy survives.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: VeggieTable on April 06, 2017, 06:17:03 AM
Today I purchased some beeswax wraps to try out, hopefully we'll reduce plastic wrap use. They seem pretty sticky, though, so I hope the copious cat hair in my house doesn't get on them.

I would also be interested to hear how these work. I've seen them advertised before, but only ever as part of those monthly "boxes" you can have mailed to you each month. Where did you buy yours?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on April 06, 2017, 06:26:19 AM
Today I purchased some beeswax wraps to try out, hopefully we'll reduce plastic wrap use. They seem pretty sticky, though, so I hope the copious cat hair in my house doesn't get on them.

I would also be interested to hear how these work. I've seen them advertised before, but only ever as part of those monthly "boxes" you can have mailed to you each month. Where did you buy yours?
I purchased mine at a local market, from a group who make them somewhat locally. I have 3 different sizes, and they recommended using them for wrapping sandwiches, or (hard) cheeses in the fridge. It will be interesting seeing what I actually end up using them for.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: VeggieTable on April 06, 2017, 06:40:46 AM
My biggest success recently is convincing my neighbors, who used to compost in their old city, to start saving their food scraps again and give them to me. It all started with me saying I would love their coffee grounds, and now it's turned into everything! A full food-scrap bin is definitely the weirdest delivery I receive, but probably makes me the most excited. It feels oddly intimate to see what they're eating each week.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: alewpanda on April 06, 2017, 11:13:33 AM
Today I purchased some beeswax wraps to try out, hopefully we'll reduce plastic wrap use. They seem pretty sticky, though, so I hope the copious cat hair in my house doesn't get on them.

I would also be interested to hear how these work. I've seen them advertised before, but only ever as part of those monthly "boxes" you can have mailed to you each month. Where did you buy yours?
I purchased mine at a local market, from a group who make them somewhat locally. I have 3 different sizes, and they recommended using them for wrapping sandwiches, or (hard) cheeses in the fridge. It will be interesting seeing what I actually end up using them for.


I made my own with shredded beeswax, cotton fabric, a brush and my oven. 

You can order pre-made ones on etsy.

I wrap sandwiches, the end of summer sausage rolls, the ends of cucumbers or bananas when we don't use the whole thing, etc.  Mostly I use jars/containers or even just a dinner plate on top of a bowl to keep food fresh, but its hard for me to store enough of the those sizes for things like sandwiches and large items like the summer sausage.  Mine are not entirely "air-tight" per se...
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on April 11, 2017, 01:14:15 AM
Today:

Made vege curry in the slow cooker to use up carrots and potatoes that were about to go bad.

Fed the vege scraps and peelings to my new pets (the worms).

Used the worm wee on an apple tree that needed some extra nutrition.

Took public transport to and from a meetup.

Yay for worms!! One of the things I'm most looking forward to when we eventually buy a house is being able to have compost! I save as many scraps as I can for broth but I still have plenty I can't use. :-(

My compost bin refuses to create compost...

If you are in a dry climate, you may need to water it. Compost needs food, air and water, just like any other living thing. It will eventually decompose, yes, but if it's not getting rainwater, hit it with the hose just a little every so often.

I already do this :-) it's just slow to decompose. And I'm impatient.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on April 11, 2017, 11:24:12 AM
Bought a metal filter for my aeropress that's reusable, so no more paper filters being used every day.  Better tasting coffee too.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on April 12, 2017, 08:53:22 AM

Yay for worms!! One of the things I'm most looking forward to when we eventually buy a house is being able to have compost! I save as many scraps as I can for broth but I still have plenty I can't use. :-(

My compost bin refuses to create compost...

If you are in a dry climate, you may need to water it. Compost needs food, air and water, just like any other living thing. It will eventually decompose, yes, but if it's not getting rainwater, hit it with the hose just a little every so often.

I already do this :-) it's just slow to decompose. And I'm impatient.

Maybe you should add some already rotting food to add the right bacteria?
Our composting bin works very well. We do need to hussle it from time to time. And it did not do anything in the coldest part if winter. But with only a little warmth the composting accellerated.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on April 12, 2017, 08:54:56 AM
Went for a walk in the forest and walked from home. Didn't use any petrol at all today. Hung up the laundry indoor, because I don't trust the weather. For good reason as it is raining now.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: starjay on April 12, 2017, 09:22:24 AM
Today:

Fed the vege scraps and peelings to my new pets (the worms).

Used the worm wee on an apple tree that needed some extra nutrition.



"Worm wee" startled a laugh out of me. Thank you for that!

Today I ate food that I have stashed in my desk in stead of walking to the cafe next door and getting breakfast to go in a Styrofoam container.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on April 12, 2017, 09:59:46 AM
I picked up this month's order of meat from a local-ish farm that follows environmentally and animal-friendly farming practices. Grass fed ground beef, whole chickens (laying hens rather than broilers), pastured ground pork for sausage, pork chops, and a ham roast for Easter dinner.

Making a batch of granola using bulk bin ingredients.

Bought produce without using plastic bags, except for the pre-packaged items like berries and grapes. I need to sew some muslin bags to use when I buy larger quantities of apples, potatoes, etc. to keep them from rolling off the scale at self checkout.

I've stopped buying prewashed and bagged greens and buying bunches of spinach and lettuce instead. It's not that much more effort to wash it myself.

I'm making an effort to be more mindful of food waste. In addition to the bag of veggie scraps in the freezer that I save for broth, I have a bag for asparagus ends to be boiled and blended for soup, bags of onion skins and avocado pits/skins for natural dyeing experiments, and a container in the refrigerator for odds and ends like strawberry tops, pineapple cores, and spinach stems to add to smoothies. I also save the whey from straining homemade yogurt and mix it 50/50 with whole milk as a substitute for buttermilk in baking.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: aetherie on April 12, 2017, 10:12:22 AM
Posting to follow - some great inspiration in here!

Today I rode my bike to work, like (almost) every day.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Monocle Money Mouth on April 12, 2017, 03:08:42 PM
My wife has been out of town this week, so I have turned off the heat. We're at that weird time of year where it can be really cold in the morning, but then get up in to the 70's later in the day. I've just been sucking it up in the morning when it's cold and allowed the sun to warm up the house during the day.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on April 12, 2017, 06:06:27 PM
Got my quarterly gas bill - usage is a whopping 25% lower than the same time last year. Total bill is under $100 (fixed charges are ~$50). Yay us, except we didn't actually do anything different intentionally... We never use the gas heater at this time of year so we've somehow had 25% fewer or shorter hot showers. DH has put it down to him possibly exercising less often.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on April 13, 2017, 10:08:10 AM
I like how most of the things done to reduce environmental impact also reduce costs in most cases.  Love the double benefit.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: deborah on April 19, 2017, 07:23:32 AM
I have been looking at a WW2 cookbook I got from my mother. It has pineapple squash that you make from the core and the skin of a pineapple. This has lead me down a rabbit hole. I am now making drinks and jam out of passionfruit skins (they do make good jam - I had a recipe for it in the past), and pineapple skins and cores.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: stashgrower on April 19, 2017, 08:08:01 AM
Little normal things. Garden herbs. Library. Public transport. Homemade lunch.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on April 22, 2017, 05:14:50 AM
Mainstream news article about living a more sustainable lifestyle, and how much money it can save you (http://www.news.com.au/finance/the-rise-of-the-lowbills-lifestyle/news-story/f4e3c517ca51c05c73f2e7a589ab6312)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on April 22, 2017, 05:17:28 AM
Had a full day course to attend today. We took public transport there and carpooled home.

Getting my supplies of hand-me-down cloth nappies organised for when they're needed in a month or so!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GetItRight on April 22, 2017, 04:05:14 PM
Ah, Earth Day, one of my favorite holidays. I'm normally big into minimizing my impact, but not on a day socialists celebrate Gaia or whatever they worship these days. I fired up the whole fleet down to the mower and whacker and basked in the glory of 56 cylinders firing simultaneously for no other reason than my auditory and olfactory pleasure. After that got old I ran some errands in my normally reasonably efficient diesel pickup and rolled a bunch of coal. Tonight I'll be throwing the a few tires I need to dispose of in the fire pit. Tomorrow once the hypocritical tree hugging is over I'll return to minimizing my footprint.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: JLR on April 23, 2017, 04:48:30 AM
This has lead me down a rabbit hole. I am now making drinks and jam out of passionfruit skins (they do make good jam - I had a recipe for it in the past), and pineapple skins and cores.

Sounds amazing, Deborah!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on April 23, 2017, 05:00:44 AM
This has lead me down a rabbit hole. I am now making drinks and jam out of passionfruit skins (they do make good jam - I had a recipe for it in the past), and pineapple skins and cores.

Sounds amazing, Deborah!

+1

And it never would've occurred to me to make anything from those scraps!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on April 23, 2017, 11:04:13 AM
Today I ignored the car's satnav that wanted to send me the long way around towards home. It did so yesterday when I was driving towards a stayover place. For some reason it didn't want to send me through the city which was by far the shortest route. Now I turned on every choice of toll roads and rush hours traffic and eventually it worked.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on April 23, 2017, 08:36:31 PM
But if you have to deal with stop/start traffic through the city that could heavily increase your fuel use over a longer route. I will normally take a slightly longer route to avoid traffic lights, speed bumps etc. to avoid dropping gears.  Do you have a display that tells you your consumption?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nnls on April 27, 2017, 12:46:58 AM
Not something I did, but saw this on facebook today which is a place reducing food waste

http://www.sbs.com.au/food/article/2017/04/27/australias-first-rescued-food-supermarket-opens-today (http://www.sbs.com.au/food/article/2017/04/27/australias-first-rescued-food-supermarket-opens-today)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on April 28, 2017, 12:26:12 AM
Another 'green' house story - a couple in their twenties who've built a straw bale house. (http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-28/straw-house-technique-helps-couple-beat-energy-housing-crisis/8476702)

Seriously cool.

Not something I did, but saw this on facebook today which is a place reducing food waste

http://www.sbs.com.au/food/article/2017/04/27/australias-first-rescued-food-supermarket-opens-today (http://www.sbs.com.au/food/article/2017/04/27/australias-first-rescued-food-supermarket-opens-today)

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing it :D
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nnls on April 28, 2017, 01:56:36 AM
Another 'green' house story - a couple in their twenties who've built a straw bale house. (http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-28/straw-house-technique-helps-couple-beat-energy-housing-crisis/8476702)

Seriously cool.




That straw bale house is pretty awesome
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on April 28, 2017, 09:21:58 AM
Another 'green' house story - a couple in their twenties who've built a straw bale house. (http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-28/straw-house-technique-helps-couple-beat-energy-housing-crisis/8476702)
Seriously cool.
That straw bale house is pretty awesome

I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll...
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: aetherie on April 29, 2017, 04:50:33 AM
Going to the People's Climate March today. I made my sign out of materials from our recycling bin, and I'll take the metro into DC.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on April 30, 2017, 08:44:51 AM
Another 'green' house story - a couple in their twenties who've built a straw bale house. (http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-28/straw-house-technique-helps-couple-beat-energy-housing-crisis/8476702)
Seriously cool.
That straw bale house is pretty awesome

I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll...

... Give up realizing that those straw bales add up to multiple tons of construction material.  :P
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on April 30, 2017, 12:33:58 PM
Not something I did, but something I didn't do - we had tickets to a performance in the city today, and were planning to take the train.  Walked to the station, only to hear on the announcer that service is suspended due to a problem.  First thought was we would have to drive into the city instead, but then I remembered the show is running for another week, and called to see if it was possible to shift my tickets to a different performance next week.  The customer service desk was very helpful and got us tickets next weekend instead.  So we didn't drive an hour and a half round trip, plus paying for parking.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on April 30, 2017, 09:03:59 PM
You know those paper bags you put your coffee in at the grocery store for bulk beans?  I saved my bags and re-used them today.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on April 30, 2017, 09:20:09 PM
Avoiding food waste by turning some just about to go bad avocados into guacamole. I can then freeze the guacamole, and use it when I want it.

Soaking beans to cook from dried. Uses fewer resources than the tinned beans.

Washing clothes and linens in cold water and line drying.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on May 01, 2017, 07:42:30 PM
You know those paper bags you put your coffee in at the grocery store for bulk beans?  I saved my bags and re-used them today.

Awesome idea, I'm going to do this tomorrow.

We just returned from a trip. The milk turned while we were away so I made pancakes for dinner. Unfortunately I'm not aware of a way to salvage spoiled chicken so that will need to be tossed (and DH reminded to freeze perishable leftovers before leaving town).

Staying with the inlaws for a few days made my crunchy heart sad. Bottled water, k-cups, paper towels, takeout.... gah!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Chaplin on May 01, 2017, 10:17:17 PM
Great thread! I missed it until now - I guess I don't check the AAM section often enough.

I've been trying to chip away at this for years. As others have pointed out, reduced impact usually goes hand-in-hand with reduced expenses and stress.

Our greatest hits so far:

1. Ground down the electricity bill by improving a few things every year over ten years (sealed cracks in a stairwell when carpet was being replaced, LEDs, hang curtain across basement stair well during the winter, made windows seal better, upgraded a few appliances and hot water heater, programmable thermostats, etc.). Our electricity bill is still 20% lower despite 25% higher rates.

2. Cut my commute from 42km to 10km roundtrip a year ago, and am now trying a car-free month to prove that we can drop to one car, which I'm planning to do at the beginning of September.

3. Have my son convinced that walking, transit or biking are superior to driving.

4. Pushed my old company to keep investigating upgrading lighting, and it finally got done. It worked out to over $100,000/year in savings with less than a two-year payback. Convincing other people or organizations to make a change has huge leverage compared to personal changes.

5. Cut most beef and lamb from my diet for health and footprint reasons.

6. Trying to do all errands and social stuff by bike or public transit.

7. Drastically cut landfill contribution (sort and recycle beyond our city's requirements, compost, consume less in general).

Some tips I've picked up from this thread:

1. Get metal filter for Aeropress. It's among our smaller wastes, but if I can get rid of the paper filters and get better coffee, what's not to love about that?

2. Go beyond just using the kill-a-what from the library, but try an IR thermostat and other techniques.

Plans for the future:

1. Follow through on the plan to drop to one car.

2. When the one car needs replacement, it's EV or bust. I don't plan to ever buy another ICE vehicle.

3. Set up the fan on our gas fireplace to run automatically when the fireplace is on and shut off when the fireplace is off.

4. Try a winter without using the fireplace at all to see what happens to our electricity bill. Unless we change something else, I know it will be huge: this winter was unusually cold and the effect is very non-linear - once it gets below about -2C our electricity goes up quickly even with the gas fireplace.

5. We don't plan to live in this place forever, so when we do move, target a place that is or can be super-insulated and optimized in other ways.

6. Push our local city to continue and accelerate some of the good improvements they've been making. Maybe even try to become a City Councillor as a fun FIRE activity.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on May 02, 2017, 01:17:53 AM
Today we switched over the globes in a chandelier (don't ask) to LEDs.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on May 02, 2017, 02:33:13 AM
We did our grocery shopping on foot today. We need something to carry them better, though, as my DH's arms were exhausted when we got home (I pushed DS in the pram). I may need to construct a more sturdy basket/ bag for under the pram, the current one is quite flimsy.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: tomita on May 02, 2017, 08:09:51 AM
1. we bought dry beans and dry chick peas to boil them
the chick peas turned ok, but the pinto beans were still crunchy..
2. line drying laundry
3. try to buy used as much as possible
4. refuse plastic bags when shopping
5. buy real food and prepare all from scratch
6. avoid purchasing food in containers, or in excessive packaging
7. rescue furniture put at the curb
8. sell unused stuff on CL / Kijiji

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on May 04, 2017, 10:42:28 AM
Today's lunch was a smoothie that made use of a lot of food waste: I'd been saving spinach stems and strawberry tops in the freezer, and used whey (leftover from straining homemade yogurt) for the liquid.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on May 05, 2017, 05:44:16 AM
Today's lunch was a smoothie that made use of a lot of food waste: I'd been saving spinach stems and strawberry tops in the freezer, and used whey (leftover from straining homemade yogurt) for the liquid.

?? I always eat spinach including the stems, at least if you mean the stems growing on the end of a leave.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on May 05, 2017, 07:47:49 AM
Today's lunch was a smoothie that made use of a lot of food waste: I'd been saving spinach stems and strawberry tops in the freezer, and used whey (leftover from straining homemade yogurt) for the liquid.

?? I always eat spinach including the stems, at least if you mean the stems growing on the end of a leave.

Yup, that's what I meant. I guess my mom has always done it that way, so I did too without thinking about it. She composts them, so no waste at least!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on May 07, 2017, 01:46:04 AM
Today's small things - really just business as usual:
Gave food scraps to the worms.
Cooked from scratch, minimised food packaging.
Planted mint under a tap that leaks slightly while it's turned on, to make the most of that little bit of water.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on May 07, 2017, 01:48:44 AM
This is a great article (http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-07/war-on-waste-the-slow-cuppa-and-creating-zero-waste/8499756) about the plastic content of teabags and how to grow and prepare homemade teas. Now I need a lemon myrtle and a pineapple sage plant :D
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: deborah on May 07, 2017, 03:04:31 AM
Pineapple sage is really easy to grow, but I had never found a use for it. It has pretty flowers too.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nick663 on May 07, 2017, 07:41:02 AM
Rode my bike to the bank instead of driving.  4 less miles of driving.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on May 08, 2017, 01:29:12 AM
Rode my bike to the bank instead of driving.  4 less miles of driving.

Good of you.
I had planned to go cycling today, but wasn't motivated seeing the really hard wind and some snow flakes flying around this morning. But tomorrow I will cycle. Even though it will be colder, there will be much less wind.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on May 09, 2017, 01:02:58 AM
Good one for reducing food waste: 16 Food Scraps You Can Regrow (https://www.buzzfeed.com/jesseszewczyk/16-food-scraps-that-you-can-regrow?bftw=undefined&utm_term=.tgvpgrbrZ#.tyJE7Q1Qw)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on May 10, 2017, 01:02:21 AM
Good one for reducing food waste: 16 Food Scraps You Can Regrow (https://www.buzzfeed.com/jesseszewczyk/16-food-scraps-that-you-can-regrow?bftw=undefined&utm_term=.tgvpgrbrZ#.tyJE7Q1Qw)

I think I'll try the garlic. We've got a mini avo tree from a stone that might produce one day and have successfully regrown silverbeet, celery, lettuce and carrots sort of (tiny and stumpy). Things tend to come up in mini versions but they are definitely edible.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on May 11, 2017, 01:01:28 AM
Walked to work today, through the snow. Will walk back in the afternoon.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on May 19, 2017, 10:06:13 AM
Baking a ham in our solar oven.  It's actually a bit hotter right now than necessary-- 350 degrees but the recipe needs only 275. I know ham is not eco-friendly but... we like ham.

I'm also hoping to hang out a load of laundry in the sun. We seem to do 10 loads a week so using the dryer can take up a lot of resources.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Chaplin on May 19, 2017, 08:23:43 PM
Car-free month is going well - no lapses and no trouble. I took the bus more in the first two weeks, but this week I did four days by bike and only one by bus.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: urover on May 20, 2017, 05:53:26 PM
We've been taking our own plastic bags to the supermarket the last few weeks now. Not just the outer  bags, but also the clear produce bags. We wash produce bags and re-use them until they tear or are used for garbage. We only brought one new (any type) bag in one month.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on May 21, 2017, 01:18:36 AM
Cold-washed and line-dried two loads of washing.

Took cloth bags to the supermarket.

Turned my dishwasher off after the rinse setting and opened it to air dry.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on May 21, 2017, 12:03:37 PM
Also hung up the laundry to dry yesterday.
We have eaten mushrooms from our garden. Short-travelled food.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on May 21, 2017, 08:30:23 PM
I'm looking into compost bins for my apartment balcony, and researching what can go in them. (We always had compost bins growing up, but still worth brushing up on). Quite excited at the possibility.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on May 22, 2017, 05:43:38 AM
I'm looking into compost bins for my apartment balcony, and researching what can go in them. (We always had compost bins growing up, but still worth brushing up on). Quite excited at the possibility.

We have a big bin in the garden and throw in the food-related garbage, including non-plastic tea bags and coffee filters. Also flowers from the house or from the garden. I do not throw in weeds that I remove from the garden, as I don't want to spread them back into the garden as earth. We don't throw in meat bones, as they will take a long time to disappear. Also fish (and shrimp!) remains  are better to not put in there, because is will smell for a long time.
You can add a bunch of worms to the mixture. My DH did that, as he uses them for fishing sometimes, as they seem to live well in the bin.
If the content gets too dry, you can add some water. If it is too wet, you could add some fine wood chips. It helps to hustle it around regularly. But generally our bin does a good job by itself and doesn't require a lot of work. I add vegetable stuff to it once or twice a week and hustle less than that and it is doing very well, generating a lot of heat.

Done today: walking to work. Forgot that I had an internal meeting that would start monday morning at 08:00 (stupid time). Luckily I wasn't the only one who forgot, so it is replaced to tomorrow 08:00, which means I don't have time to walk.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on May 23, 2017, 01:56:56 AM
I'm looking into compost bins for my apartment balcony, and researching what can go in them. (We always had compost bins growing up, but still worth brushing up on). Quite excited at the possibility.

On a balcony I'd go the worm farm or bokashi route to limit flies and smell and remove the need to balance greens and browns (if it's mainly kitchen waste you are disposing of). You could use a tumbler compost bin and add leaves or shredded paper, but I find it really hard in Sydney to get the balance and moisture right. But YMMV because I also forget about the tumbler for weeks on end.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on May 23, 2017, 02:26:11 AM
Started using some simple hypermiling/better driving techniques, and am now getting 3 MPG more with the car.

Discovered a great new butcher shop and have a new source of local pasture-raised pork. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: billybob on May 23, 2017, 03:20:56 PM
Lauren Singler
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on May 23, 2017, 03:51:36 PM
A favorite pair of jeans is wearing through in the seat. I've already done some machine darning on the other side of the pants, so I'm going try something new this time and mend the latest thin spots with some decorative embroidery.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on May 30, 2017, 06:28:00 PM
Just received our electricity bill and it's significantly lower than for this time last year. Our thermal efficiency measures are working!!

Haven't yet taken the plunge to start trying cloth nappies on my baby. Maybe today is the day...

Almost everything we own for the baby came to us second-hand. It feels good to have avoided buying brand-new with the environmental impact that entails.

Our freezer has been running very efficiently thanks to all the meals my MIL cooked and stashed there for us - does that count? ;-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on June 01, 2017, 02:04:48 AM
Just received our electricity bill and it's significantly lower than for this time last year. Our thermal efficiency measures are working!!


Well done! I hope to see the same at the end of the year.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on June 01, 2017, 06:21:06 AM
Just received our electricity bill and it's significantly lower than for this time last year. Our thermal efficiency measures are working!!

Haven't yet taken the plunge to start trying cloth nappies on my baby. Maybe today is the day...

Almost everything we own for the baby came to us second-hand. It feels good to have avoided buying brand-new with the environmental impact that entails.

Our freezer has been running very efficiently thanks to all the meals my MIL cooked and stashed there for us - does that count? ;-)

Hurray for the lower electricity use! I waited until 5 or 6 weeks in to use cloth nappies - we'd received a fair number of disposables as gifts, and the extra laundry was something I just wasn't up for dealing with the first few weeks.

I am 100% with you on secondhand baby and kid things. My son is growing into 3T sized clothing, and thanks to some generous neighbors we had almost everything he needs (including a snow jacket and boots for next winter). Most of the things I've purchased to fill in the gaps have been secondhand as well. :-)

Today I'm going grocery shopping at the store that lets you bring your own jars for bulk, and picking up a few things for my neighbor while I'm there to save her a trip.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on June 01, 2017, 08:39:28 PM
* After a gloomy start to the week, the sun was back today so hung a couple of loads of laundry to dry. I am genuinely in love with line-drying and thank MMM, Sharon Astyk and Amy Dacyzyn for advocating for it so strongly. Our fancy wall-mount clothesline was a great investment.

* Shredded and froze four pints of zucchini.

* BIG KAHUNA: In honor of America's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accords, I switched to our electric company's "Green Rate." For a 20 percent premium, all of our electricity will be sourced from renewable sources. We have a very low and ever decreasing electric bill so this will not be a budget buster for us. Politicians are (apparently) useless. Personal action is paramount.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on June 01, 2017, 08:53:47 PM
Personal action is paramount.

So true.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on June 02, 2017, 01:27:35 AM
I'm in the middle of purchasing to save on waste (startup costs).

I'm organising some cloth nappies so we can reduce our use of disposables. I'm washing out our work farm next week and setting it up. I've ordered a trolley so I can walk to the local grocer & butcher to purchase almost all our food, and I'm ordering reusable produce bags so we don't use the thin plastic any more. I've been testing some recipes for treats/snacks so I can buy the ingredients in bulk from now on. I've been working out how to get places using public transport even though we are usually still using the car for trips - not quite organised enough with the new baby yet!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on June 02, 2017, 01:30:30 AM
I'm in the middle of purchasing to save on waste (startup costs).

I'm organising some cloth nappies so we can reduce our use of disposables. I'm washing out our work farm next week and setting it up. I've ordered a trolley so I can walk to the local grocer & butcher to purchase almost all our food, and I'm ordering reusable produce bags so we don't use the thin plastic any more. I've been testing some recipes for treats/snacks so I can buy the ingredients in bulk from now on. I've been working out how to get places using public transport even though we are usually still using the car for trips - not quite organised enough with the new baby yet!

All of this is awesome! But also... Don't you just hate that initial expenditure / consumerism even though you know it'll reduce waste long term? I find it confusing and difficult.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on June 02, 2017, 01:45:17 AM
I'm in the middle of purchasing to save on waste (startup costs).

I'm organising some cloth nappies so we can reduce our use of disposables. I'm washing out our work farm next week and setting it up. I've ordered a trolley so I can walk to the local grocer & butcher to purchase almost all our food, and I'm ordering reusable produce bags so we don't use the thin plastic any more. I've been testing some recipes for treats/snacks so I can buy the ingredients in bulk from now on. I've been working out how to get places using public transport even though we are usually still using the car for trips - not quite organised enough with the new baby yet!

All of this is awesome! But also... Don't you just hate that initial expenditure / consumerism even though you know it'll reduce waste long term? I find it confusing and difficult.
I keep apologising to my husband for spending money. He keeps patting me on the head. Uh, which sounds really sexist but it's just who feels more comfortable with spending money or not! So far I'm just trying to trust that this is another transitional period, and then we won't spend much and will be much happier with our slightly adjusted lifestyle.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on June 02, 2017, 04:52:32 AM
Some useful ideas in this Plastic Free July chart. (http://www.plasticfreejuly.org/action-picker.html)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on June 02, 2017, 06:21:07 AM
AV, try not to be too hard on yourself! Conveniences are totally appropriate when you're making the transition to life with a new baby, and the upfront costs of reusable items will end up having a very, very low cost per use.

I bought all my produce without using any plastic bags yesterday. I ended up using one bag for bulk after my darling (*cough*) son got cranky and threw a jar I'd already filled with cashews out of the cart, shattering it. Grrr...

Made asparagus soup with dinner last night. I'd been saving the woody ends in the freezer, then boiled them with some homemade broth and threw it all in the blender with some cream. Delicious! I also made double the amount of quinoa I normally would in the Instant Pot and froze half to reduce the energy useage.

I signed up to participate in a "Refashion Exchange" where you send an unworn garment to another sewist and they turn it into something new and send it back to you, and you receive one from someone else. The gal who I'm sewing for sent me two boxy dresses that I was able to turn into a nursing-friendly dress for her and a matching baby dress. There's some waste inherent in cutting up a perfectly good (if unworn) garment to make something new, but the baby dress helped reduce that and the rest will get cut up into squares for a future postage stamp quilt.

* BIG KAHUNA: In honor of America's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accords, I switched to our electric company's "Green Rate." For a 20 percent premium, all of our electricity will be sourced from renewable sources. We have a very low and ever decreasing electric bill so this will not be a budget buster for us. Politicians are (apparently) useless. Personal action is paramount.

Way to go! We don't have this option where we live or I'd do it in a heartbeat.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on June 14, 2017, 01:02:41 AM
My cloth nappies are ordered and DH is onboard with using them during the day at home to start with. I hope we find them easy, though washing is one of the few tasks I'm actually keeping on top of at the moment. We got PUL covers, cotton prefolds and reusable liners. I'm putting a jar of water on the change table so we can use tiny towels as cloth wipes as well :)

I ordered reusable produce bags from onya.com.au, as well as compostable kitty/dog poop bags, and a reusable coffee cup. That cuts out a lot of our common disposable plastic use without any effort on our part.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: I'm a red panda on June 14, 2017, 01:24:49 AM
We replaced our 2.5 gpm Moen shower head with a 1.5 gpm Niagara. We love it and it saves a gallon a minute!

We were able to sell the moen, so it wasn't just discarded!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on June 14, 2017, 03:30:19 AM
Unintentional: apparently I only wash my hair once a week now. My scalp must have adjusted quickly as it's not looking too greasy. My hair is thick and takes forever to wash properly in the shower, so this is saving a lot of water!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Monocle Money Mouth on June 14, 2017, 03:44:12 AM
A former coworker left but never turned off her computer before quitting. I made sure to turn it off. It would probably still be running if I had not powered it off.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on June 14, 2017, 12:21:45 PM
Unintentional: apparently I only wash my hair once a week now. My scalp must have adjusted quickly as it's not looking too greasy. My hair is thick and takes forever to wash properly in the shower, so this is saving a lot of water!

I also only do that once a week.  My skin is a lot healthier new as a result.  And you are right, the hair adjusts.  One thing I do is shave my armpits (I'm a guy), because I realized it's the hair that makes the pits stinky, getting rid of it makes things much nicer.  Plus I can do a quick wash of the pits if they do get a little smelly. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on June 16, 2017, 07:36:35 AM
Hung up 3 loads of laundry outside to dry. On the first batch some had dried already so that I could make place to hang up load nbr 3.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on June 16, 2017, 11:15:34 PM
Rode my bicycle to a planning meeting. Good exercise, plus didn't have to park.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on June 18, 2017, 12:57:52 AM
Cold-washed, line-dried washing.

Took cloth bags to buy groceries.

(I still need a better solution for buying loose fruit and veg rather than the plastic bags - I've heard zippered mesh lingerie bags work well - but in the meantime I'm re-using the same couple of plastic bags over and over.)

Currently sitting here with no lights on, mostly because the sun is going down and I haven't gotten up yet.

We had a houseguest last night and I got talking power prices with him and told him about my war against leaving lights/appliances on unnecessarily. I was stoked to see that when he went to his room a couple of times during the evening to get something, he turned the light off before coming back to the lounge room.

I need to say something to my BiL who will let himself in, turn three lights on the way to his room, shower for half an hour then go to bed with everything still turned on...
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on June 18, 2017, 01:51:56 AM
(I still need a better solution for buying loose fruit and veg rather than the plastic bags - I've heard zippered mesh lingerie bags work well - but in the meantime I'm re-using the same couple of plastic bags over and over.)
That's basically what the bags I bought from Onya are - they're an Australian company, too :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on June 18, 2017, 02:11:01 AM
(I still need a better solution for buying loose fruit and veg rather than the plastic bags - I've heard zippered mesh lingerie bags work well - but in the meantime I'm re-using the same couple of plastic bags over and over.)
That's basically what the bags I bought from Onya are - they're an Australian company, too :)

On TV some time ago they tested bringing a plastic container. This worked, although it takes some more time when paying. They need to way the empty container before waying the food. So you'll need to bring an extra similar container as well.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: aetherie on June 19, 2017, 06:07:34 AM
(I still need a better solution for buying loose fruit and veg rather than the plastic bags - I've heard zippered mesh lingerie bags work well - but in the meantime I'm re-using the same couple of plastic bags over and over.)

I have a set of these (https://www.3bbags.com/) and like them.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on June 19, 2017, 11:53:04 PM
(I still need a better solution for buying loose fruit and veg rather than the plastic bags - I've heard zippered mesh lingerie bags work well - but in the meantime I'm re-using the same couple of plastic bags over and over.)
That's basically what the bags I bought from Onya are - they're an Australian company, too :)

Thanks for the recommendation, Anatidae V, I bought those yesterday.

Very excited for them to arrive.

A friend messaged me to say she bought a reusable cup for takeaway coffee. She isn't working so I don't think she should be buying takeaway coffee at all, but at least she's being environmentally-conscious.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on June 20, 2017, 04:47:07 AM
I am continuing to learn about hypermiling.  I have now added a total of 6 mpg to my fuel economy, just by inflating my tires higher and driving differently.  Now that I have this mindset, I shake my head at all the bad/fuel-wasting driving behavior I see.  Looking forward to FIRE, when driving will be a rare occurrence for me.     
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on June 21, 2017, 12:29:25 AM
Walked to work for the second time this week.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: VeggieTable on June 22, 2017, 06:54:17 AM
(I still need a better solution for buying loose fruit and veg rather than the plastic bags - I've heard zippered mesh lingerie bags work well - but in the meantime I'm re-using the same couple of plastic bags over and over.)

I have a set of these (https://www.3bbags.com/) and like them.

These look awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nick663 on June 22, 2017, 07:40:38 AM
LED projector bulbs were on sale so I bought the max (12) for our kitchen.  I need to pick one more up this week and I think the whole interior of the house will be on LED or CFL bulbs.  Based on my calculations, they'll pay for themselves in just over a year.

This is the 3rd place I've moved into where the previous owner still had incandescent bulbs.  I don't understand it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on June 22, 2017, 11:57:02 PM
Rode my bike twice instead of taking out the car.

Cloth diapered the baby.

Harvested more homegrown comfrey and curly dock to use as plant food for our small trees.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on June 23, 2017, 03:28:48 AM

Harvested more homegrown comfrey and curly dock to use as plant food for our small trees.

Jengod -- do you chop it up and top-dress the soil with it?  Do you compost it first, or add it green?  Thanks!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Chaplin on June 24, 2017, 10:02:19 PM
This is the 3rd place I've moved into where the previous owner still had incandescent bulbs.  I don't understand it.

I wouldn't be surprised if some, or even many people kept their old incandescents to put back in upon selling so they can take their LED bulbs with them.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on June 25, 2017, 01:31:01 AM
This is the 3rd place I've moved into where the previous owner still had incandescent bulbs.  I don't understand it.

I wouldn't be surprised if some, or even many people kept their old incandescents to put back in upon selling so they can take their LED bulbs with them.

Could be true. We did this with an advanced wall ventilator. This thing cost 400 euro and we didn't want to give it away to the new owner of the house. We replaced it with an el cheapo ventilation vent before the viewing. I did not replace light bulbs, though.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on June 27, 2017, 12:13:59 AM

Harvested more homegrown comfrey and curly dock to use as plant food for our small trees.

Jengod -- do you chop it up and top-dress the soil with it?  Do you compost it first, or add it green?  Thanks!

Top dress! I hardly even chop it, just drop it in piles at the base of the trees. It sort of shrivel-dries in the sun into a mulch. I also throw extra greens on the continuous batch compost pile and to the chickens. I think the "correct" way to do it is to make comfrey tea: soak it in water and then aerate it with a pond pump. It smells like hell rot but it's very rich in microbes for your soil. However, I'm too lazy for this and prefer a no-till, chop-and-drop permaculture style of sheet mulching.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Teachstache on June 28, 2017, 07:49:38 AM
I rode my bike to work, our family (2 adults, 1 kid) took our 100% electric Nissan Leaf downtown to hear an outdoor concert last night, so no petrol used for transportation yesterday.

Today, I used a full rain barrel to water our 4 zucchini plants, 9 tomato plants, and 5 varieties of herbs that we planted in our backyard garden.

Hanging clothes out on our umbrella dryer this morning.

Using cloth diapers on my not yet potty trained 2 year old son.

However, we DO have a home air conditioner set on 76, and we do use electricity to run 4 crypto currency miners 24/7 on a 240 volt line in our basement (which runs 10% more efficiently than using a 120 volt outlet).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on June 28, 2017, 09:13:32 AM
Planned menu to stretch a single, 4lb whole chicken into 3 dinners + leftovers + broth. Gave some of the broth away to my brother in case we don't have a chance to use it.

Hung dry all of my laundry this week. Have been working on getting DH to line dry at least some of his clothes - he's started hanging his athletic-fabric polo shirts and some of his workout gear since it dries so quickly. Progress!

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on June 28, 2017, 04:12:04 PM
Oops, wrong topic!  Well, I'm drying some laundry on the line and I am trying to freecycle some icepacks that I got through BlueApron.

Replaced gas burner tube and igniter in oven.  Tube had a hole in it next to the igniter, which was probably reason why igniters were burning out so fast.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Monocle Money Mouth on July 01, 2017, 05:15:06 AM
I did some research on what else can be safely thrown on our compost heap. I didn't realize you could compost coffee filters and stale bread. The stale bread doesn't last long. I'm guessing the birds and raccoons are probably getting to it before it has a chance to break down. I'd rather they get to it from the compost heap than by getting in to our trash can. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on July 01, 2017, 11:14:02 AM
I did some research on what else can be safely thrown on our compost heap. I didn't realize you could compost coffee filters and stale bread. The stale bread doesn't last long. I'm guessing the birds and raccoons are probably getting to it before it has a chance to break down. I'd rather they get to it from the compost heap than by getting in to our trash can.

Congrats Mies!  Composting is super enjoyable.  Also fine to compost FYI -- eggshells, hair/fur, used paper napkins and paper towels, dryer lint, newspaper, cardboard, and much more.  www.smallfootprintfamily.com/100-things-you-can-compost 

if you have animals, poop and wood/paper/straw-based bedding from vegetarian pets or livestock (rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, birds, sheep, horses, cows, etc) is A-OK and can go straight in.   Poop from omnivores (chickens) should be aged a few months before it goes in, and poop from carnivores (cats, dogs) is a no-go.     
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Monocle Money Mouth on July 02, 2017, 06:41:44 AM
I did some research on what else can be safely thrown on our compost heap. I didn't realize you could compost coffee filters and stale bread. The stale bread doesn't last long. I'm guessing the birds and raccoons are probably getting to it before it has a chance to break down. I'd rather they get to it from the compost heap than by getting in to our trash can.

Congrats Mies!  Composting is super enjoyable.  Also fine to compost FYI -- eggshells, hair/fur, used paper napkins and paper towels, dryer lint, newspaper, cardboard, and much more.  www.smallfootprintfamily.com/100-things-you-can-compost 

if you have animals, poop and wood/paper/straw-based bedding from vegetarian pets or livestock (rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, birds, sheep, horses, cows, etc) is A-OK and can go straight in.   Poop from omnivores (chickens) should be aged a few months before it goes in, and poop from carnivores (cats, dogs) is a no-go.   

Thanks! We've been composting vegetable peels and egg shells for awhile, I just never thought to look any deeper than that. That's at least a little less stuff to be hauled away by the garbage truck.

We don't have any pets, so we don't put any dookie the compost.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on July 02, 2017, 08:56:35 AM
My DH has been freediving today in the Oslo fjord and picked up 20 or so pieces of fishing lures made of lead. Last week he also removed a ghost net for catching crabs (netbthat is forgotten by owner).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on July 02, 2017, 09:53:48 AM
It's going to hit the mid-90's today and I don't want to turn on the oven. I'm experimenting with baking bread on our gas grill using a dutch oven.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: VeggieTable on July 02, 2017, 12:00:09 PM
I did some research on what else can be safely thrown on our compost heap. I didn't realize you could compost coffee filters and stale bread. The stale bread doesn't last long. I'm guessing the birds and raccoons are probably getting to it before it has a chance to break down. I'd rather they get to it from the compost heap than by getting in to our trash can.

Congrats Mies!  Composting is super enjoyable.  Also fine to compost FYI -- eggshells, hair/fur, used paper napkins and paper towels, dryer lint, newspaper, cardboard, and much more.  www.smallfootprintfamily.com/100-things-you-can-compost 

if you have animals, poop and wood/paper/straw-based bedding from vegetarian pets or livestock (rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, birds, sheep, horses, cows, etc) is A-OK and can go straight in.   Poop from omnivores (chickens) should be aged a few months before it goes in, and poop from carnivores (cats, dogs) is a no-go.   

Quoting you, Trifele, since you seem knowledgeable - do you compost egg cartons? The ones I get from Aldi are made from "100% reclaimed paper" (whatever that means) so I'm wondering if I can throw them on my compost pile...should I cut them up first?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on July 02, 2017, 04:03:18 PM
I did some research on what else can be safely thrown on our compost heap. I didn't realize you could compost coffee filters and stale bread. The stale bread doesn't last long. I'm guessing the birds and raccoons are probably getting to it before it has a chance to break down. I'd rather they get to it from the compost heap than by getting in to our trash can.

Congrats Mies!  Composting is super enjoyable.  Also fine to compost FYI -- eggshells, hair/fur, used paper napkins and paper towels, dryer lint, newspaper, cardboard, and much more.  www.smallfootprintfamily.com/100-things-you-can-compost 

if you have animals, poop and wood/paper/straw-based bedding from vegetarian pets or livestock (rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, birds, sheep, horses, cows, etc) is A-OK and can go straight in.   Poop from omnivores (chickens) should be aged a few months before it goes in, and poop from carnivores (cats, dogs) is a no-go.   

Quoting you, Trifele, since you seem knowledgeable - do you compost egg cartons? The ones I get from Aldi are made from "100% reclaimed paper" (whatever that means) so I'm wondering if I can throw them on my compost pile...should I cut them up first?

Yes, as long as they are paper-based and not styrofoam, you can certainly put egg cartons in.  Cutting them up will make them decompose faster.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on July 02, 2017, 05:03:39 PM
I did some research on what else can be safely thrown on our compost heap. I didn't realize you could compost coffee filters and stale bread. The stale bread doesn't last long. I'm guessing the birds and raccoons are probably getting to it before it has a chance to break down. I'd rather they get to it from the compost heap than by getting in to our trash can.

Congrats Mies!  Composting is super enjoyable.  Also fine to compost FYI -- eggshells, hair/fur, used paper napkins and paper towels, dryer lint, newspaper, cardboard, and much more.  www.smallfootprintfamily.com/100-things-you-can-compost 

if you have animals, poop and wood/paper/straw-based bedding from vegetarian pets or livestock (rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, birds, sheep, horses, cows, etc) is A-OK and can go straight in.   Poop from omnivores (chickens) should be aged a few months before it goes in, and poop from carnivores (cats, dogs) is a no-go.   

Quoting you, Trifele, since you seem knowledgeable - do you compost egg cartons? The ones I get from Aldi are made from "100% reclaimed paper" (whatever that means) so I'm wondering if I can throw them on my compost pile...should I cut them up first?

Yes, as long as they are paper-based and not styrofoam, you can certainly put egg cartons in.  Cutting them up will make them decompose faster.

Another option - if you know anyone with chickens - is to ask if they need cartons.

I have family members who are very generous with their eggs but it is BYO carton.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on July 02, 2017, 05:19:48 PM
I did some research on what else can be safely thrown on our compost heap. I didn't realize you could compost coffee filters and stale bread. The stale bread doesn't last long. I'm guessing the birds and raccoons are probably getting to it before it has a chance to break down. I'd rather they get to it from the compost heap than by getting in to our trash can.

Congrats Mies!  Composting is super enjoyable.  Also fine to compost FYI -- eggshells, hair/fur, used paper napkins and paper towels, dryer lint, newspaper, cardboard, and much more.  www.smallfootprintfamily.com/100-things-you-can-compost 

if you have animals, poop and wood/paper/straw-based bedding from vegetarian pets or livestock (rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, birds, sheep, horses, cows, etc) is A-OK and can go straight in.   Poop from omnivores (chickens) should be aged a few months before it goes in, and poop from carnivores (cats, dogs) is a no-go.   

Quoting you, Trifele, since you seem knowledgeable - do you compost egg cartons? The ones I get from Aldi are made from "100% reclaimed paper" (whatever that means) so I'm wondering if I can throw them on my compost pile...should I cut them up first?

Yes, as long as they are paper-based and not styrofoam, you can certainly put egg cartons in.  Cutting them up will make them decompose faster.

Another option - if you know anyone with chickens - is to ask if they need cartons.

I have family members who are very generous with their eggs but it is BYO carton.

That is too funny, MustachePun -- I have chickens and just ran out of cartons today (giving away eggs).  You are right!  I would love it if someone gave me some cartons. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on July 05, 2017, 05:06:35 AM
I am working on my DH to convince him that this summer, we don't need to take an airplane to the very north of Norway to go fishing. I rather want to go to some national park much further south that we can reach by driving the car. Then we are talking about 1000km instead of 2500km. And there are also nice trouts, although not as extremely big as some that are in the north.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: JLR on July 05, 2017, 05:48:10 AM
I'm putting a jar of water on the change table so we can use tiny towels as cloth wipes as well :)

I used to put warm water in the thermos on a winter morning and use that to wet the cloth wipes.
Now my babies are all grown I use their old cloth wipes on myself for #1's.

Do Enjo still sell mesh veggie bags? I bought some about 10 years ago and still use them.

Today I tried to take a container back to The Body Shop to get it refilled. I think I showed how rarely I go in there, as apparently they stopped doing that a long time ago because they had to send the bottles back to the UK for refilling. But she was happy to put my empty bottle in her recycling bin so I could fit the new bottle in my backpack.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on July 05, 2017, 06:22:45 AM
I did some research on what else can be safely thrown on our compost heap. I didn't realize you could compost coffee filters and stale bread. The stale bread doesn't last long. I'm guessing the birds and raccoons are probably getting to it before it has a chance to break down. I'd rather they get to it from the compost heap than by getting in to our trash can.

I haven throwing in coffee filters and tea bags and bread for a long time. Notice that some pyramid-shaped tea bags are made out of plastic and should be be thrown in. I also put in old flowers from my own garden and all stems and skins from food or leftover cooked food that is not enough to keep or spoiled food. Sometimes I throw in kitchen paper (unbleached) if it is drained in sauce or so and I cannot throw in into the paper bin. Eggshells and nutshells can be added.

What is not smart to add are bones from meat. This doesn't disappear fast enough. Also shrimp is really not smart. This will smell awfully for weeks and can be smelled from a long distance. We added old twigs from the garden to the compost bin. They are completely blocking the bin, so we can't get anything out from underneath. That was really not smart either. So don't throw in stuff that is hard and needs a really long time to decompose. Just soft fruit, veggies, meat cut-offs, plants, coffee and tea in recycle bags.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on July 05, 2017, 08:16:02 AM
I'm putting a jar of water on the change table so we can use tiny towels as cloth wipes as well :)

I used to put warm water in the thermos on a winter morning and use that to wet the cloth wipes.
Now my babies are all grown I use their old cloth wipes on myself for #1's.

Do Enjo still sell mesh veggie bags? I bought some about 10 years ago and still use them.

Today I tried to take a container back to The Body Shop to get it refilled. I think I showed how rarely I go in there, as apparently they stopped doing that a long time ago because they had to send the bottles back to the UK for refilling. But she was happy to put my empty bottle in her recycling bin so I could fit the new bottle in my backpack.
My mum used our old nappies as her favourite cleaning tags. I did my first full day of cloth nappies on the baby today. Nights are a challenge I'm not up for quite yet. I think our disposable nappy use is about to slow down a lot :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on July 05, 2017, 06:34:08 PM
My DH has been taking his coffee to work in a reusable cup! An obvious change, but we had to try a couple of options to find one he likes.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: bucketsofrain on July 05, 2017, 07:21:34 PM
Started composting! (I am on a monthlong vacation at my family's cabin; normally I live in a city with no outdoor space). Has anyone composted without an outdoor space? I am considering getting a worm composter (for smell issues), but am not sure what I would do with the resulting compost.

Also continuing to go around the house unplugging things that aren't being used and turning off the lights. I've turned into my dad.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on July 05, 2017, 07:39:37 PM
Bucketsofrain, a bokashi bin might be a good option for you rather than traditional composting - worth looking into!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on July 06, 2017, 12:23:56 AM
Walked to work again. This time on some other shoes (my comfy but neat looking go-to-the-office shoes), as my running shoes give me blisters all the time. So far so good with today's shoes. Let's hope my feet will still be fine after walking home.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: pancakes on July 06, 2017, 01:31:27 AM
I used my reusable cup today :)

Since I got it I've only slipped up once which isn't bad because I (rather unmoustachingly) go for a walk to get coffee everyday. Drinking from a cup in the cafe isn't exactly practical with a baby strapped to my chest.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on July 06, 2017, 01:48:30 AM
I used my reusable cup today :)

Since I got it I've only slipped up once which isn't bad because I (rather unmoustachingly) go for a walk to get coffee everyday. Drinking from a cup in the cafe isn't exactly practical with a baby strapped to my chest.

As someone with a tiny baby, I do not think this is antimustachian at all. At all.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on July 06, 2017, 02:26:10 AM
I used my reusable cup today :)

Since I got it I've only slipped up once which isn't bad because I (rather unmoustachingly) go for a walk to get coffee everyday. Drinking from a cup in the cafe isn't exactly practical with a baby strapped to my chest.

As someone with a tiny baby, I do not think this is antimustachian at all. At all.

But spending money on coffee in a cafe everyday is in my opinion very unmustachian.
Just calculate how much money those coffees could have been worth if you would have invested that money for 25 years into an index fund. ;-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on July 06, 2017, 03:10:17 AM
I bought more cloth nappies second hand, and am asking about postage costs for another two lots. Should be able to almost eliminate use of disposables with this, possibly until bub is ready for toilet training if they are as size adjustable as they claim :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on July 06, 2017, 04:50:19 AM
I bought more cloth nappies second hand, and am asking about postage costs for another two lots. Should be able to almost eliminate use of disposables with this, possibly until bub is ready for toilet training if they are as size adjustable as they claim :)

That is fantastic! We dropped off on cloth diapers when our son went through a phase of fighting diaper changes like his life depended on it. Being able to get the diaper on and off quickly, and being able to have fewer changes through the day, was worth it. Now, unfortunately, he prefers the disposable diapers and if I try to use a cloth one he will say, "No! Other diaper!". :-(

I used my reusable cup today :)

Since I got it I've only slipped up once which isn't bad because I (rather unmoustachingly) go for a walk to get coffee everyday. Drinking from a cup in the cafe isn't exactly practical with a baby strapped to my chest.

As someone with a tiny baby, I do not think this is antimustachian at all. At all.

+1 to this. Especially if you're not buying fancy expensive coffee drinks, it's worth it to have a routine that gets you out of the house consistently.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on July 07, 2017, 09:00:40 PM
Ran a couple of errands down the street, no plastic bags.

We're away for a few days, brought our steel water bottles in the car and have been refilling them as needed.

And the friends we're staying with recycle and compost, so it's been easy to keep our waste down.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on July 08, 2017, 08:22:01 PM
As out coffee machine is broken, I walked the dog to the local cafe and home again with a reuseable cup. We walked home really fast so he didn't poo because I didn't want to carry a full baggie and two pies AND the coffee. Only took one cup for the same reason but I guess that meant a cost saving (I can manage on instant but DH is hungover and cannot).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on July 09, 2017, 03:41:31 AM
I painted the lower part of the inside of the windows in our mountain hut. In the winter there is a lot of condensation on the windows, so we don't want them to fot away.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: VeggieTable on July 09, 2017, 11:24:55 AM
I bought more cloth nappies second hand, and am asking about postage costs for another two lots. Should be able to almost eliminate use of disposables with this, possibly until bub is ready for toilet training if they are as size adjustable as they claim :)

Nice! My son is almost 3 and we are still going strong with cloth diapers. Only thing is, as he's gotten older, he has started to pee a lot more, so we switched to using disposables overnight about 6 months ago. Before that, I was able to layer in hemp inserts (3...the kid can pee!), put him in loose clothing, and he'd be ok. Soon he was leaking every night though, so we made the switch.  One thing I love about cloth diapers is how adaptable they are - we use flats, so I can easily change how I fold them or add in an extra insert as he grows. It's pretty amazing to look at 30 pieces of cloth and realize they've made it through 2.5 years not much worse for the wear!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: iceberg8 on July 09, 2017, 12:35:37 PM
Driving slowly 60mph on 80mph, and started a compost. Not buying much clothes (GF hates me for this), not buying much anything. Do not kill insects (unless they are intruders into food).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on July 09, 2017, 06:54:36 PM
Driving slowly 60mph on 80mph...

So you're a road block for other drivers?

This is dangerous and not something to advocate.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on July 09, 2017, 10:41:13 PM
I bought more cloth nappies second hand, and am asking about postage costs for another two lots. Should be able to almost eliminate use of disposables with this, possibly until bub is ready for toilet training if they are as size adjustable as they claim :)

Nice! My son is almost 3 and we are still going strong with cloth diapers. Only thing is, as he's gotten older, he has started to pee a lot more, so we switched to using disposables overnight about 6 months ago. Before that, I was able to layer in hemp inserts (3...the kid can pee!), put him in loose clothing, and he'd be ok. Soon he was leaking every night though, so we made the switch.  One thing I love about cloth diapers is how adaptable they are - we use flats, so I can easily change how I fold them or add in an extra insert as he grows. It's pretty amazing to look at 30 pieces of cloth and realize they've made it through 2.5 years not much worse for the wear!
I was tempted by flats, but decided they were too much of a learning curve for myself & DH. We've gone with prefolds and some all-in-twos. The cute patterns on the waterproof covers are definitely a fun bonus for using cloth!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: stashgrower on July 10, 2017, 02:03:16 AM
Just normal things. Fed the compost. Took the bus. Borrowed books from the library.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: iceberg8 on July 10, 2017, 11:14:17 AM
Driving slowly 60mph on 80mph...

So you're a road block for other drivers?

This is dangerous and not something to advocate.

Min two lanes, so they can overtake easily (left = faster, here in EU. But it is not faster by law, just by unwritten "law" among peple). I am not overtaking trucks at 60mph, if so - I always check space behind me, on average, once per 10second. Trust me, I am not a roadblock, I can handle it as you would not even notice me on the road ;)
I am also willing to go 55 on 50 (general roads between small cities), but not faster.
But here, in my country, Slovakia (or Czech, Checkia, thats north neighbor) , there are tremendously lot fools who are pushing in city limit 30mph like 40mph, that is too much, I'm willing to go 35. Thats why I would love to buy Ford F650 - they would not suck my a** or tailgate me under like 5 yards.. What is dangerous.
You NEVER know, what I am shipping. Whether it is my family, or small kid, or simply a soup or cake from my grandmom, and I do not want to spill it all over the cabin. That is why I hate superheroes aka tailgators - my password is "if you want to overtake, just do, i will move to right as much as possible" - if you don't dare, then do not tailgate. Having a small car with 260bhp, I strongly believe this rule is fair for both sides.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on July 21, 2017, 01:01:02 AM
I *finally* have my very own old holey sheet! Currently cutting it up to sew into mitts for dusting :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on August 05, 2017, 04:05:43 AM
Used reusable produce bags instead of disposable plastic ones.

Applied 'worm wee' to my plants as fertiliser.

Walked and took public transport.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on August 05, 2017, 07:14:29 PM
We are in the middle of a major construction project -- gutting and renovating a falling-down house and yard. We are trying hard to send as little to the landfill as possible.  We have repurposed about two tons of crushed rock and mortar into gravel road fill for the access road.  We are saving all pieces of wood that are still usable/not insect eaten. We'll either sell them or use them ourselves.   We removed some old koi ponds, and we took pains digging out the HDPE liners that we didn't crack them.  It was extra work, but we got them out intact and sold them on Craigslist today for $125.  That feels really good on all fronts. 

Next up:  We are taking down a huge old chimney, and removed the cast-iron wood-burning fireplace insert. We will try to sell it. That thing weighs between 400 and 500 pounds.  The logistics of getting that monster out of the house and into a buyer's truck are going to be interesting!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on August 05, 2017, 08:50:37 PM
* Cargo bike kids to the local library branch - perfectly quiet and cool on a summer afternoon
* Line-drying laundry including cloth diapers
* Fed the baby homemade applesauce (less packaging and she scarfs it down)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 16, 2017, 12:43:18 AM
It's just occurred to me that we moved into this house just over two years ago and decided not to buy a drier straight away, but instead to wait and see if we really needed one. Apparently we don't! Sheets and towels are line dried; clothes are dried inside on racks.

It's starting to warm up, so I'm back to collecting shower water for my garden.

I've started a heap of plants from seed over the last few weeks, rather than buying seedlings in small plastic pots from Bunnings (Australian home and garden superstore).

As always, I'm feeding kitchen scraps to the worms. They provide me with garden fertiliser in return.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Monocle Money Mouth on September 16, 2017, 03:09:54 AM
I inflated the tires on our cars this morning. We're taking a road trip today so that should help minimize fuel consumption. You said small things :)

If you take the time to inflate your tires, make sure you check the tire pressure on your spare tire too. Even if you take your car to a shop for regular maintenance and they inflate your tires, they will probably not check your spare. Last year, my wife noticed she was losing tire pressure while driving home from work. I found a small tear on the tread that probably also had a hole. I put the spare tire on so we could get the car to the shop to replace the tire. Imagine my surprise when the spare was almost flat too. The recommended pressure for the spare is 60psi and the spare was down to 20psi. This was after several years of taking it to a dealership for regular service.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on September 16, 2017, 11:20:23 AM
YAY!!! So exciting to see new posts on my favorite thread.

We just moved into a house with a yard, so we bought a reel lawnmower instead of a gasoline or electric powered one.

I've been saving compostable food scraps in the freezer in anticipation of starting compost. Need to decide what kind of compost system to use - since we rent it needs to be something easy to move. I'm thinking that simple stacking bins or a rotating composter might be good options.

DH's new job is about 30 miles away and he's been unable to find anyone to carpool with, so we're trading vehicles. My compact car gets almost double the gas mileage of his truck. If this ends up being a long-term home/job situation for us, the truck will be sold and replaced with a used hybrid.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 16, 2017, 07:06:55 PM
Mr Happier walked to and from the shops yesterday for a few items we'd forgotten.

Today I'm posting a heap of unneeded baby things on Buy Nothing. Reducing consumption for the win!

One of our goals has been to find more vegetarian meals we both enjoy. So we're making our favourite pasta bake and substituting cannellini beans for the diced chicken. It tastes pretty good!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 16, 2017, 07:21:51 PM
YAY!!! So exciting to see new posts on my favorite thread.

:D
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: JLR on September 16, 2017, 10:01:38 PM
The usual stuff. Washing on the line. Leftovers for lunch for most of us. Reused my tea bag from yesterday. Filled my Thermos with the small amount of excess water I accidentally boiled. Wearing thermals and Ugg boots to cut down on heating costs. My husband got out our worn out shoes and glued where the soles are coming away.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on September 18, 2017, 06:07:16 AM
This afternoon and again tomorrow morning I will need to visit Oslo, 35 km away. I have decided to take the train. There is toll money to get into the city by car and I would need to pay for parking. This afternoon I want to read my study book that I will be tested on tomorrow morning. The train provides a place to sit and read and it costs about the same as the car. Tomorrow morning driving into Oslo in rush hour will not be an option anyway. The train is a much better alternative.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on September 18, 2017, 10:00:18 AM
You can't use bags at Costco because the items are too big to fit.  So they give you shipping boxes instead at checkout.  I've kept the boxes they gave me the last trip and will re-use them when I go to Costco from now on.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: seattlecyclone on September 18, 2017, 10:26:34 AM
We hosted a party yesterday. Unlike pretty much every other party we go to, we used real dishes. Not sure why people think that going to the store to buy paper plates is more convenient than running a couple loads of plates through the dishwasher, but they do.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mm1970 on September 21, 2017, 10:38:56 AM
Just found this thread after reading "Zero Waste Home".

Anyway, yesterday -
Started buying bulk items in bulk bins, even though can be more expensive per pound.  Saved and reused the baggie/ twist tie for the oats (& will for the beans, quinoa, etc.)

Hit up the olive bar, and just washed and reused last week's container.

Opted for a cantaloupe (no packaging) instead of strawberries, and got a whole pepper instead of a plastic bag of baby peppers.

Re-starting the compost bin.

Stitched up a hole in my shirt.  So it can live another 5 years.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on September 21, 2017, 11:58:56 AM
Sketched out plans to build a stacking compost bin from cedar boards. Will likely cost more than buying a plastic stacking bin, but will look nicer and not be plastic.

I've been saving my compostable scraps in the freezer and they're starting to take up an inconvenient amount of space, so this will be getting built this weekend.

Working on eating up leftovers before going grocery shopping again to limit food waste.

All outings under 2 miles round trip (and some longer ones!) are happening on foot.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on September 21, 2017, 06:59:12 PM
Sketched out plans to build a stacking compost bin from cedar boards. Will likely cost more than buying a plastic stacking bin, but will look nicer and not be plastic.

I've been saving my compostable scraps in the freezer and they're starting to take up an inconvenient amount of space, so this will be getting built this weekend.

Working on eating up leftovers before going grocery shopping again to limit food waste.

All outings under 2 miles round trip (and some longer ones!) are happening on foot.

We have a stash of hardwood decking boards, fencing and that sort of thing that people have thrown out that we use to build things. I got them through our version of Craigslist. Cuts down the cost if you have that option.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on September 21, 2017, 07:38:13 PM
Sketched out plans to build a stacking compost bin from cedar boards. Will likely cost more than buying a plastic stacking bin, but will look nicer and not be plastic.

I've been saving my compostable scraps in the freezer and they're starting to take up an inconvenient amount of space, so this will be getting built this weekend.

Working on eating up leftovers before going grocery shopping again to limit food waste.

All outings under 2 miles round trip (and some longer ones!) are happening on foot.

We have a stash of hardwood decking boards, fencing and that sort of thing that people have thrown out that we use to build things. I got them through our version of Craigslist. Cuts down the cost if you have that option.

That's a great idea, thanks! We're in a small town and the surrounding area is fairly spread out, but if I can find some nearby that would be great. If it's free or cheap that makes up for being able to have most of the cuts done for me at Home Depot!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Thinkum on September 21, 2017, 09:44:21 PM
Walked a couple of miles RT to go to the store.

Used my backpack and reusable bags as well.

Eating up more tomatoes, trying not to let them go bad.

 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: horsepoor on September 22, 2017, 09:06:26 AM
The other night I plucked a perfectly good, 2-handled wicker basket from my neighbor's trash can.  I'll probably donate it next time our employee association does a gift basket auction fundraiser.  It's annoying seeing people tossing things that at minimum should be taken to the thrift store.

This weekend I'll be digging up and transplanting volunteer plants in my front yard, so my xeriscaping will be even more bird and pollinator-friendly next year.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Thinkum on September 22, 2017, 09:22:30 AM
It's annoying seeing people tossing things that at minimum should be taken to the thrift store.


I could not agree more! Such wastefulness always boggled my mind. I feel a lot better though when I go to donate and see there is always stuff to be sorted and sometimes overflowing outside the sorting area.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on September 24, 2017, 02:33:39 PM
Just found this thread after reading "Zero Waste Home".

Anyway, yesterday -
Started buying bulk items in bulk bins, even though can be more expensive per pound.  Saved and reused the baggie/ twist tie for the oats (& will for the beans, quinoa, etc.)

Hit up the olive bar, and just washed and reused last week's container.

Opted for a cantaloupe (no packaging) instead of strawberries, and got a whole pepper instead of a plastic bag of baby peppers.

Re-starting the compost bin.

Stitched up a hole in my shirt.  So it can live another 5 years.

WHOO! Love #zerowastehome. We are far from perfect especially when it comes to kid food and school lunches but it's changed my thinking in so many ways!

today:
* menstrual cup
* bar soap instead of body wash in a plastic bottle
* currently cooking dried garbanzos from the bulk bins so I can have them ready for this week's "crispy paprika chickpeas" dish
* place French press coffee grounds and dried eggshells directly under our growing California black walnut tree
* riding bike and then ridesharing to a friend's birthday later today

recently:
* instead of driving private car, took train and bus (with three kids and luggage) to cruise port for a vacation. saved $ and carbon emissions.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 24, 2017, 09:36:52 PM
We're back to the time of year where it makes sense to capture shower warmup water for the garden.

I've started seeds for a range of homegrown veges - my gardening skills are very much beginner level, but hopefully I can get a few things growing well. You can't get more local and ethical than your own garden!

Signed up for a local produce and plant swap, and a local workshop on making beeswax wraps (free, of course!).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on September 25, 2017, 01:36:46 AM
As I need to have new tires put around wheels, I had to drive a bit to deliver the tires. When collecting them, I'll combine it with visiting 2 shops in the same vicinity that I want to visit to buy some cheap articles.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 25, 2017, 01:43:58 AM
Used worm wee and castings as fertiliser for my plants.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: stashgrower on September 25, 2017, 05:46:15 AM
Dodged the rain and cycled.

Made homemade goodies and packed in recycled glass.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on September 25, 2017, 07:32:54 AM
Making applesauce today for my first attempt at canning - 5lbs of apples from the farmer's market are cut up and cooking in the crockpot, with cores going to compost. If it goes well, I want to try canning watermelon rind pickles and a few more batches of applesauce this fall.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: birdie55 on September 25, 2017, 07:58:12 AM
frooglepoodle, you might try making apple cider vinegar from the apple cores, etc.   Some recipes call for a little sugar, some just use water and the apple remnants.  Google it if you are interested. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BuildingFrugalHabits on September 25, 2017, 09:41:49 AM
Great thread!

Good things I do now:
No kids
Home is 100% solar powered
Bike to work
Hybrid car for errands and general transport
Line dry clothing
I try to limit meat consumption to a few times per week,
Consume grass feed, pasture raised and buy fresh/local produce when in season
Compost all food scraps
Recycle
Limit my consumption of new items as much as possible
We generate about one kitchen bag of trash per week. 
Repair things when possible, source items from craigslist instead of new
Try to avoid single use items when possible
Use the library
Low flow shower heads
No bottled water
Switched from packaged tea to loose

Stuff I need to work on:
I fly often for work
I fly about 2x per year for personal (carbon offsets??)
Carpool for mountain trips
Go back to full vegetarian again
Would like to eventually replace one of our vehicles with an electric car
We use a lot of water for our yard and garden
Trying to lower my garbage output further towards zero waste
Try to avoid all food waste
Downsize to smaller house or RV (stretch goal)



Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 25, 2017, 11:09:07 PM
Great thread!

Good things I do now:
No kids
Home is 100% solar powered
Bike to work
Hybrid car for errands and general transport
Line dry clothing
I try to limit meat consumption to a few times per week,
Consume grass feed, pasture raised and buy fresh/local produce when in season
Compost all food scraps
Recycle
Limit my consumption of new items as much as possible
We generate about one kitchen bag of trash per week. 
Repair things when possible, source items from craigslist instead of new
Try to avoid single use items when possible
Use the library
Low flow shower heads
No bottled water
Switched from packaged tea to loose

Stuff I need to work on:
I fly often for work
I fly about 2x per year for personal (carbon offsets??)
Carpool for mountain trips
Go back to full vegetarian again
Would like to eventually replace one of our vehicles with an electric car
We use a lot of water for our yard and garden
Trying to lower my garbage output further towards zero waste
Try to avoid all food waste
Downsize to smaller house or RV (stretch goal)

Inspirational! Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 25, 2017, 11:14:13 PM
Zero-waste slug deterrents: could I just scatter crushed eggshells in a ring around my tender little seedlings?

Today:

Used empty wine bottles, scavenged from neighbours, to bottle homemade blackberry liqueur. This is a much greener option than buying special bottles (and free!).
I'm eating leftovers from a family party before they go bad. It necessitated a little juggling of the meal plan, but I hate food waste.
Using shower water on the plants in my garden that the rain doesn't reach.
Made plans to meet friends at a cafe within walking distance.
Dressing the baby in hand-me-downs and using cloth nappies.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 27, 2017, 12:01:00 AM
Walked this morning to pick up Buy Nothing items.

Walked to and from mums' group.

Loaning some party items to a neighbour, reducing the volume of consumer goods we all own by sharing those that are used less frequently.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on September 27, 2017, 02:24:24 AM
Walked to work today and will walk back in the afternoon.

Asked colleagues who live near me if I can sit in their car when we have a work event far away.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on September 28, 2017, 06:47:36 AM
We have started using compostable bin bags. Inching closer to not needing or using plastic bags.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on September 28, 2017, 06:59:46 AM
We have started using compostable bin bags. Inching closer to not needing or using plastic bags.

We have gotten these from our community for free for many years, to use for the green kitchen garbage. Those are pretty small bags and I have found that they are a good size to use in bathroom bins. Also, as we are given new ones long before the old ones are used up, I have started to bring them along on hiking trips to put in used toilet paper. You can even throw the whole bag on a campfire at the end of the day.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Thinkum on September 28, 2017, 11:12:48 AM
More of the same. Walked to the market and to get pet food. While at the place we buy our pet food, the woman said "Getting groceries in the morning and getting your pet food while walking!" She had a big smile as she said so and we talked about how great it is to be able to walk everywhere.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 29, 2017, 08:33:29 PM
We have started using compostable bin bags. Inching closer to not needing or using plastic bags.

Did you find these at Coles / Woolies?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 29, 2017, 08:52:31 PM
Baby is wearing cloth nappies and hand-me-downs.
We're eating leftovers and minimising food waste.
Won't be driving anywhere today.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 30, 2017, 03:15:43 AM
Started the process of mulching my potted plants to assist with water retention in the coming hot weather.
Fed food and paper scraps to my worms; used worm wee on the garden.
Made chilli with very little meat and a large quantity of beans.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: stashgrower on September 30, 2017, 03:48:21 AM
Sleep!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on September 30, 2017, 07:02:41 AM
We have started using compostable bin bags. Inching closer to not needing or using plastic bags.

Did you find these at Coles / Woolies?
I'm afraid not, I found them online (biome.com.au or wotnot.com.au both sell them). We're using them in our main kitchen bin. I need to find appropriate sizes for our kitty litter trays (litter is made from recycled newspaper) and our nappy bin (we still use a mix of cloth nappies and disposable ones).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on October 06, 2017, 04:18:21 AM
I finally ordered a bokashi bin for composting, after struggling to find the stacking kind we were looking for. We gave up on building a wooden bin for the time being, but in the future if we have more yard compost and/or can find inexpensive wood we may build tackle it at that point.

I've packed DH's lunches (mostly leftovers) for the past 18 consecutive work days. Lots of fast food and vending machine wrappers saved, since those are his other two options for work.

I bought some deeply discounted packaged cauliflower florets that were approaching their sell-by date. I peeled off the stickers and washed the plastic tubs, since they'll make good packaging for giving away baked goods.

Our town waste management doesn't collect glass for recycling. Seriously. We've designated a separate bin for glass and will take it to a recycling center when it is full.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on October 06, 2017, 04:24:49 AM
Walked to work.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: ck25 on October 08, 2017, 07:53:25 PM
I've been really trying to reduce my waste footprint, so here's what I've done today:

- Supported a local vegan restaurant and composted the to-go container.
- Ordered some bamboo forks to use at work instead of plastic disposable ones (my lunch containers are glass so regular stainless steel forks won't work).
- Purchased unpackaged local soap at the co-op.
- Made dinner from local organic produce and pasta bought from a bulk bin
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on October 08, 2017, 08:32:16 PM
I've been really trying to reduce my waste footprint, so here's what I've done today:

- Supported a local vegan restaurant and composted the to-go container.
- Ordered some bamboo forks to use at work instead of plastic disposable ones (my lunch containers are glass so regular stainless steel forks won't work).
- Purchased unpackaged local soap at the co-op.
- Made dinner from local organic produce and pasta bought from a bulk bin

Bamboo forks are lovely to use but just FYI you can just reuse a plastic fork - I put them in the dishwasher no probs. Hubby takes them in case he loses it at work.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on October 09, 2017, 01:48:28 AM
This morning I realised one of my pairs of black leggings that I wear to work (instead of stockings in winter) is starting to wear on the inner thighs, particularly on the seam. Then I also realised I only ever wear my leggings under fitted knee length skirts so figured I will just keep wearing them until they completely fall apart.

Lest I sound bad for not repairing my leggings, I've worn them for 5 winters (problably several hundred times) and the fabric is starting to decay, it's not just the seams going.


My cat is also pretty environmentally friendly when it comes to toys. Toys are important because she is 100% indoors. Her favouritest toy ever is a ribbon from an Xmas pressie from a friend from 3 or 4 years ago. She plays with it every day. Other favourite toys include an empty vitamin bottle, scraps of cardboard, empty boxes and those squishy balls that are giveaways at conference stalls etc. Actual cat toys? Pffft.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on October 09, 2017, 04:20:00 AM
I patched my husband's jeans yesterday. They're 100% cotton and will go into the box of denim I'm saving to make a quilt when they're truly worn beyond repair. One of them is close to that point, but the other might make it a while longer.

I ordered some silicone zip-top freezer bags. They were honestly pretty expensive, but I've been doing a lot of freezer cooking lately and hate to throw away the plastic freezer bags. I do wash and reuse plastic bags until they break, but my exception is for bags that have held raw meat (like most of my freezer meals).

My bokashi bin is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on October 09, 2017, 04:22:39 AM
Frooglepoodle I'd love a link to the silicone bags you bought!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on October 09, 2017, 04:28:59 AM
Frooglepoodle I'd love a link to the silicone bags you bought!

I bought these (https://www.stasherbag.com/products/half-gallon) as I have a few sandwich and snack size bags and the quality seems good. It doesn't appear that they ship to Australia :-(
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on October 09, 2017, 04:44:33 AM
Frooglepoodle I'd love a link to the silicone bags you bought!

I bought these (https://www.stasherbag.com/products/half-gallon) as I have a few sandwich and snack size bags and the quality seems good. It doesn't appear that they ship to Australia :-(

It's still helpful for my research :-) thank you!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on October 09, 2017, 06:59:25 AM
Taking the train to the city this afternoon. So late in the day, the car might have been fast, but is expensive in matters of toll and is difficult to park. Much better taking the train.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fishindude on October 09, 2017, 08:23:47 AM
I don't always do the little things.   Don't always recycle, drive a big truck, live in a  bigger house and heat a bigger shop than I need, waste things, etc.
My environmental improvements have been much bigger picture things.   We purchased a 100 acre farm in 1990 that was all bare row crops and totally converted it into wildlife habitat; built two ponds, planted 40,000+ trees, planted 50+ acres of native prairie grass, maintain 20 acres of wildlife food plots, selective timber stand improvements, etc.   Have since purchased another 150 acres in various parcels and now doing similar things with this ground.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: coldestcat on October 09, 2017, 10:57:21 AM
That sounds awesome fishindude.

Right now I take the bus to work. My wife and I try to buy all our food in bulk to avoid packaging waste. main issues for food now are chips and sour cream. We are looking for a car because ours is on its last leg, and trying to keep environmental impact in mind when looking for a car. She is graduating uni next year so if she gets a job downtown on the bus line we will try and survive with no car, but it really depends on where she gets hired.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on October 10, 2017, 11:53:42 AM
I convinced my wife to take home made coffee in a reusable travel mug to her coffee date instead of her buying coffee there & having to use/recycle a paper cup. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on October 11, 2017, 03:31:34 AM
Cloth nappies.
Took the bus to my mums' group meetup.
Used a keepcup for my takeaway coffee at the meetup.
Made a pasta bake to use up all the veges that were close to going bad.
Fed the vege scraps to my worms :-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on October 11, 2017, 03:43:50 AM
My bokashi bin arrived and I set it up immediately! I'm very excited since food scraps are one of our biggest sources of waste.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on October 11, 2017, 05:04:06 AM
Showering every second day while the weather is still relatively cool.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on October 11, 2017, 02:00:11 PM
Showering every second day while the weather is still relatively cool.

That's something I do, but will you lose your Aussie citizenship ;) ? A few years after I moved to Australia a colleague called me a dirty pom for only showering once a day. I had no idea until then that so many people showered twice! And this was in the drought too about ten yrs ago.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on October 12, 2017, 08:54:33 PM
Showering every second day while the weather is still relatively cool.

That's something I do, but will you lose your Aussie citizenship ;) ? A few years after I moved to Australia a colleague called me a dirty pom for only showering once a day. I had no idea until then that so many people showered twice! And this was in the drought too about ten yrs ago.

Ha, no (that said, it's not something I've going to 'fess up to at work because I'm not sure of reactions and I already am a bit on the outer with norms regarding hair, makeup, clothing etc).

And wtf?? Yeah, I think I've only ever met one person who showered twice a day and that was because she did 2 big bike rides a day (I still think twice a day is excessive but at least OTT exercise is somewhat of an excuse). Showering once a week in summer would make me cringe, but daily shower = very normal where I live.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on October 13, 2017, 12:23:13 AM
BuzzFeed article - test driving some environmentally friendly practices (https://www.buzzfeed.com/jemimaskelley/eco-vibes?utm_term=.hi3Lrqjqw#.ii5RwWGWk). I've sent this to a few people who want to make changes - it's fairly light and accessible so a bit easier than articles or blogs that focus on the negative impacts of mainstream actions or promote practices that seem more 'extreme'.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on October 13, 2017, 12:35:41 AM
BuzzFeed article - test driving some environmentally friendly practices (https://www.buzzfeed.com/jemimaskelley/eco-vibes?utm_term=.hi3Lrqjqw#.ii5RwWGWk). I've sent this to a few people who want to make changes - it's fairly light and accessible so a bit easier than articles or blogs that focus on the negative impacts of mainstream actions or promote practices that seem more 'extreme'.

Cool article. I'm doing a lot of those things but I struggle with buying loose rice etc. I'm open to it for things that I'll cook but with things I eat raw I don't know whose had their fingers in there..!  Plus when I went to check prices in my local option it was astronomical. There is another option to try and you have to wash your hands at the door :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: stashgrower on October 13, 2017, 03:56:20 AM
Took public transport
Stacked errands to minimise transportation
Bought bulk goods (not loose rice specifically, but loose other things :))
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on October 13, 2017, 07:28:27 AM
That’s a great article, Happier! Thanks for sharing!

I realized that I can scrape my son’s unfinished food (things that would be unpalatable to save for later, like granola turned soggy in yogurt) into my bokashi bucket. This has the added benefit of stopping me from finishing it just to keep it from being wasted, which will be better for my waistline.

Stacked errands yesterday to reduce driving.

I discovered that canola oil and a dish scrubbing pad are really effective for removing stubborn label glue from glass jars. 

This weekend we’re going to buy a growler to refill occasionally at our local brewery instead of buying bottled beer.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Thinkum on October 13, 2017, 10:27:44 PM
Bought some Spaghetti scrubs (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071K9JM2P/ref=ya_st_dp_summary?ie=UTF8&psc=1) that are made of recycled corn cobs and peach pits. No more disgusting and extremely wasteful kitchen sponges. They work really good so far and because they are like a loofah, they make a lot of bubbles out of a little bit of soap. So saving money and waste of sponges and excess soap.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: EngineeringFI on October 13, 2017, 10:47:59 PM
Here are a few things that I've done in the last few months:

1. Switched my electricity billing to "time of day" then reconfigured my thermostat to only cool the house on off-peak hours. I also moved any "phantom power" users to outlets that are switched so I can turn them off when I leave for work. This shifted almost all my power usage off the grid peak times and helps the utility company not to fire up less efficient generators to meet peak demand.

2. Reconfigured my home theater PC, TV, and stereo settings to minimize power consumption. I used a power meter from amazon to check the before and after power consumption and was able to cut it by 50%

3. Started composting! I want free dirt for my garden so now I keep a little bin in my kitchen to collect food scraps, and add them to the larger compost bin about once a week.

4. Had an additional 8 inches of insulation blown into my attic to bring the insulation above R38. This will matter more when Tucson starts to cool off in a month or two.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on October 14, 2017, 11:47:07 AM
Used our stash of cloth napkins for breakfast table this morning: blue tropical design for the grownups and Thomas the Train for the kids
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: EngineeringFI on October 14, 2017, 01:24:43 PM
Used our stash of cloth napkins for breakfast table this morning: blue tropical design for the grownups and Thomas the Train for the kids

Nice! Paper napkins make no sense to me!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on October 16, 2017, 07:49:43 PM
Baby is wearing cloth nappies.
I'm wearing cloth pads.
Thanks to jengod, I'm looking up how to sew my own napkins!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on October 17, 2017, 06:46:07 AM
Baby is wearing cloth nappies.
I'm wearing cloth pads.
Thanks to jengod, I'm looking up how to sew my own napkins!

Great reminder for me... I have all these leftover materials from sewing cloth diapers... I should just make them into feminine pads!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on October 17, 2017, 01:48:45 PM
Recharged some rechargable batteries. Also recharging a big headlight as I plan to walk to work tomorrow. Fuck the fact that someone might expect me to arrive at work at 8 o'clock, as I am not officially called into a meeting. The weather will be quite nice tomorrow and I should use the opportunity to exercise.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on October 18, 2017, 03:22:13 AM
Our local council has given us another bin, so now we split our recycling, our food & organic waste and our general rubbish. I am glad we're doing cloth nappies or I'm not sure we'd have enough space in the general rubbish bin.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on October 18, 2017, 01:41:59 PM
Made homemade chicken stock using the leftover poaching liquid, the carcass, and vegetable scraps. All the solids are going into compost now.

I cleared a bunch of old (some of them 10+ years old) t-shirts out of my drawers that no longer fit and cut them up for cleaning rags.

Simmering orange peels, cloves, and cardamom pods on the stove. I'm not sure how the energy consumption of the stovetop compares to burning a candle, but at least it doesn't involve synthetic fragrances (and I can compost the orange peels at the end of the day).

DH has to travel for work for a few days. Sent him with lots of homemade goodies (granola, crispy roasted chickpeas, and cookies) in reusable containers since he likes to snack.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on October 18, 2017, 05:10:50 PM
Walked to work and back again.

Have been using cloth towels at dinner for months now.

Have been using cloth ladies towels now and like them better than the paper ones. Combining sometimes with a silicon cup.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on October 18, 2017, 05:36:34 PM
Made homemade chicken stock using the leftover poaching liquid, the carcass, and vegetable scraps. All the solids are going into compost now.

Homemade stock is on my list to learn!

Posting to follow! I've been appalled at the rate I'm going through paper towels lately, and in a stroke of luck, my mom donated her old sewing machine to my cause, so I'm finally getting around to making cloth napkins.

Welcome to the thread :-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on October 18, 2017, 05:36:53 PM
I've soaked some shredded paper for the worm farm. Hopefully this can be an ongoing chain of turning waste paper to worm food and eventually to human food.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on October 18, 2017, 05:39:09 PM
I have to drive today, so I'm combining trips to minimise fuel use. One of the errands is grocery shopping, where I'll be using cloth bags for fruit and veges and trying to minimise the plastic packaging of other food items.

Today or tomorrow I'll order my bulk seeds and nuts. Ordering in bulk cuts down on packaging considerably.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: bucketsofrain on October 18, 2017, 08:02:44 PM
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on October 21, 2017, 06:48:38 AM
Anyone tried this? Thought I might get some and see if it's as versatile as they claim:
https://www.thewellstore.com.au/products/agreena-3-in-1-eco-wraps-4-pack
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on October 21, 2017, 07:20:27 AM
Anyone tried this? Thought I might get some and see if it's as versatile as they claim:
https://www.thewellstore.com.au/products/agreena-3-in-1-eco-wraps-4-pack

If they really can work as baking paper I want some!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on October 21, 2017, 09:10:45 AM
I planned making a trip further away from home, but decided to visit the forest in my neighbourhood instead. Saved an amount of diesel, but ended up with dog shit under my boot, which is not the first time.
DH wanted to go shopping in the big city and took the train. He only came home with stuff we have use for, apart for the bunch of flowers that he bought on sale. Otherwise just food and some woolen undershirts that we use weekly.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on November 04, 2017, 01:20:20 PM
I chopped up our jack-o-lantern this morning and tossed it in the compost pile. Next year, it will help us grow more pumpkins!

We signed up for a raw milk herdshare (directly purchasing raw milk from a farmer is illegal here, so basically we leasing a portion of a cow for a 1-year term) and I opted to get our share in glass mason jars instead of plastic jugs.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: crimwell on November 05, 2017, 12:35:59 AM
.
- Ordered some bamboo forks to use at work instead of plastic disposable ones (my lunch containers are glass so regular stainless steel forks won't work).


Why won't regular forks work? I must be missing something

I use glass snapware containers to take my lunch (most days I'm eating leftovers ) and I use cheap steel Walmart fork/spoon/knife to eat out of them. I've never noticed a problem. What an I doing wrong?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on November 05, 2017, 04:02:19 AM
I'm very proud of this one :) I'm catering a picnic morning tea for about 30 people (give or take - could be as low as 20) next weekend and didn't have enough bowls/containers etc that would be suitable to serve all the food in.

I managed to buy 9 large plastic bowls and various containers (2 with lids), all secondhand for $5 total. :D

I see it as renting serving containers for a small price. Once I'm done with them I'll take them to the reuse/recycle shed at the rubbish tip and someone else can buy them to use. Much better than buying disposable containers and less fuss than borrowing them from friends (don't need to worry if they get a bit trashed or lost or have to remember what belongs to who).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on November 13, 2017, 03:17:45 PM
I try to avoid printing where possible but, working in an office, sometimes it is a necessary evil, so I use the Print Friendly exension for Chrome.

It lets you review a web page and remove anything unnecessary, e.g. I often reduce a four-page news story down to a single page by deleting photos, links to related stories, comment boxes, etc.

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/print-friendly-pdf/ohlencieiipommannpdfcmfdpjjmeolj?hl=en
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on November 24, 2017, 04:00:45 AM
We're using sized cloth nappies, and today I purchased the next size up (Black Friday sale even though I'm in Australia where we don't celebrate Thanksgiving...) so we can continue using cloth as the baby grows.

Also purchased a cloth swim nappy! If that works out well, we can avoid using disposable swim nappies when we start weekly lessons.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on November 24, 2017, 05:21:38 AM
Did NOT fly 3000 miles to visit family for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Made a large portion of our Thanksgiving dinner using local ingredients. We have planned uses for the leftovers of our 13 lb turkey.

I bought a sweater stone to defuzz my wool sweaters to keep them looking nice. I have found a safety razor less effective for this task than a cartridge razor, but I no longer use cartridge razors.

Running the heat on a fairly low temperature (60F overnight and 64F during the day) and wearing a sweatshirt and slippers inside.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Rollin on November 24, 2017, 05:50:20 AM
That’s a great article, Happier! Thanks for sharing!

I realized that I can scrape my son’s unfinished food (things that would be unpalatable to save for later, like granola turned soggy in yogurt) into my bokashi bucket. This has the added benefit of stopping me from finishing it just to keep it from being wasted, which will be better for my waistline.

Stacked errands yesterday to reduce driving.

I discovered that canola oil and a dish scrubbing pad are really effective for removing stubborn label glue from glass jars. 

This weekend we’re going to buy a growler to refill occasionally at our local brewery instead of buying bottled beer.

Not that I have anything to do with it, but our local brew pubs are recycling their waste hops, etc. Pretty cool in my book. Maybe inquire if they could do the same?

On another note, I was planning on starting a "Last Straw" campaign and emailed myself at lunch to get started in my local community. The DW and I went to dinner that night and the restaurant had written across a large chalk board "Our Last Straw." They already kicked it off! I talked with the owner and thanked her for her efforts. Same thing (sorta) happened on changing out our street lights to LEDs. i was going to get the data etc to convince the local commission of the benefits, but
i got delayed. Lo and behold there were crews down my street changing them out! Maybe the thoughts helped?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on November 24, 2017, 05:52:21 AM
It's hot and humid here. We're using a pedestal fan to keep us cool, instead of air con.

Harvested a very small amount of homegrown fruit and veges from my garden. Every little bit counts. Zero food miles!

Forgot one from earlier: bought cloth napkins, hankies and a wooden puzzle game from my local op shop (thrift shop to the yanks). Not only am I buying secondhand and reducing landfill / overproduction of consumer goods, but the napkins and hankies will help reduce my use of disposables. Given that I have not found time to sew my own, buying some secondhand feels like a solid choice.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on November 24, 2017, 05:19:23 PM
Anyone tried this? Thought I might get some and see if it's as versatile as they claim:
https://www.thewellstore.com.au/products/agreena-3-in-1-eco-wraps-4-pack

If they really can work as baking paper I want some!
I bought some from biome.com.au; they seem OK. I will have to use them for a month or so before giving a good review. Seem like they could be delicate and require a little thinking to store properly. I have trialled them as "cling wrap" in the fridge, seem good! Baking paper trial next. I think if I use them to cook meat, I'll want to label that one and make it only for meat.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on November 24, 2017, 08:19:40 PM
I eagerly await your review - I regularly use baking paper to bake fish.

Today I used rainwater to water the plants and tried to figure out how to make our compost start to break down so we don't have to buy compost in plastic bags.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on November 25, 2017, 05:18:16 AM
I took out all of the used plastic bread bags and ziplock bags from my work bag, cleaned them where necessary and stored them in the kitchen again. I do this every Saturday and use those bags many times before they are discarded. I don't buy ziplock bags new, I save them from when I receive baked goodies or other things from friends.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Rollin on November 25, 2017, 05:55:39 AM
I am vying for contacts, but my doc won't let me until I get my ducts working. So part of that plan is using some disinfecting wipes daily. They are folded over twice so I simply cut them into four smaller pads and place the unused ones back in the foil rap and fold over.

Today I'll ride my bike to the library and to watch a college football game, as opposed to driving of course.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Monocle Money Mouth on November 27, 2017, 03:08:42 PM
I just canceled two catalogs through catalogchoice.org. I'm just waiting for a couple more that my wife normally gets so I can get the customer number information and addresses off of them and cancel those as well. It boggles my mind that companies still send catalogs like this. So much wasted paper and energy.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GettingClose on November 27, 2017, 03:33:18 PM
Salvaged most of the very sturdy disposable plates from a family member's Thanksgiving dinner.  Washed/sanitized them - now in the office kitchen to be used and recycled.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: gaja on November 27, 2017, 04:04:57 PM
I'm working on reducing my air travels. This year I've had 20 overnight stays for work. Only 2-3 trips were so long distance that flying made sense. In total, I flew three times; to and from Brussels, and another time home from Amsterdam. The other times I used train, bus, electric car and/or boat. Train to Central Europe takes time, but it is very much possible to eliminate the rest of the work related flights.

For vacation, we have used the electric van and boat, and this weekend I'm taking one of the kids by train to see the Christmas markets across the border. The kids have flown twice each to visit the grandparents - that is the only way they can travel alone. The alternative route is train+train+bus+boat+bus, and takes 10-12 hours. I'm not sure what we can do about those travels.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on November 28, 2017, 02:23:34 AM
Have home office today before going to my GP who has office close by my home.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on December 23, 2017, 04:39:13 PM
This is DH, not me: he brought home some crackers and 12 mince pies from a work party that would have otherwise gone in the bin (still in original wrapping). We'll take the mince pies to a morning tea at a friend's place on Saturday.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 06, 2018, 09:18:51 PM
It is way too long since I've updated here!

Still using cloth nappies except for the 12 hour overnight sleep. I'm trying to convince Mr Happier that we should use a laundry hose sprayer thing to rinse nappies off into the toilet rather than using disposable nappy liners to catch poop, but that's a work in progress.
We have commenced occasional shopping trips to the super fancy bulk food shop several suburbs away, to buy dried beans, nuts etc in our own containers rather than plastic packaging. Still working on finding good options close to home.
When shopping at the supermarket, we're making decisions to prioritise minimising packaging over convenience or price. e.g. carrots in a plastic bag are $1/kg, carrots without plastic are $2/kg. This does mean we're not buying cherry tomatoes as they're always in plastic clamshells, so that's a bit sad.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on January 07, 2018, 04:01:27 AM
The coin pouch in DH's wallet had ripped open so I fixed it with some PVA glue, clamping it together with a couple of little bulldog clips. All fixed now!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Monocle Money Mouth on January 07, 2018, 05:44:09 AM
I started composting even more stuff. We're at the point now where we are really only tossing plastics that aren't marked as recyclable or food soiled items that can't be composted or recycled.

We usually only have to take our trash to the curb once a month but my goal is to only have to take it to the curb every 2 months. The recycling bin will will probably still go at at the same frequency, but we are looking for ways to reduce that too.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: pancakes on January 08, 2018, 12:52:32 AM
I took my organic waste down the road to the community composting hub and covered my leftovers using the beeswax wraps my MIL gave me for Christmas.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachedali on January 09, 2018, 12:15:07 AM
I love the idea of this thread. I brought my own reusable bottle of water and refilled it in the public water filter machine.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on January 09, 2018, 04:34:25 AM
This is upcoming and not today, but...

We have to visit a city that is about an hour's drive away this weekend. Since we are going anyway, I plan to cajole my husband into allowing extra time to visit the bulk food market there, and drop off our glass recycling at their recycling facility. Our town doesn't collect glass for recycling, but I refuse to throw away something that's 100% recyclable so we've been saving our bottles and jars in a separate bin for the 4 months we've lived here.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on January 09, 2018, 08:24:32 PM
This is upcoming and not today, but...

We have to visit a city that is about an hour's drive away this weekend. Since we are going anyway, I plan to cajole my husband into allowing extra time to visit the bulk food market there, and drop off our glass recycling at their recycling facility. Our town doesn't collect glass for recycling, but I refuse to throw away something that's 100% recyclable so we've been saving our bottles and jars in a separate bin for the 4 months we've lived here.

That's crazy that they don't collect glass. They could sell what they collect so the cost could be lower than regular collection. I watched a program on waste here where the glass recyclers said they couldn't get enough to meet demand.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 09, 2018, 08:36:26 PM
Walked to my mums' group catchup rather than driving. I brought my keepcup for a coffee but that turned out to be unnecessary - baby started screaming and I had to go straight home again :-/
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: alewpanda on January 09, 2018, 08:53:43 PM
Threw some leftover vegetable bits from tacos last night into tonights salad. 

Took coffee in my mug from home, although I was tempted to stop out.

Got ice cream out with friends.  Avoided the plastic container by ordering a cone.

Found an ice cream brand whose containers AND lids are completely recyclable in my area.  This is a big deal as we have very limited recycling options and we are big ice cream lovers.  Currently we have no kitchen space for an ice cream maker, so for now this will need to do.

Am putting together a bag or textiles for recycling at goodwill.  Too worn to donate, have plenty of rags already, and no room for extra "dirty work" clothes.



Food waste and food packaging is the big one for us right now.  We are in process of selling our home and moving to a location that will allow for a lot more walking and public transit to cut down on commuting impact, but for now we are focusing more on avoiding extra purchases, packaging, and waste. 



Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on January 09, 2018, 09:46:42 PM
Caught the bus home from work again. Even though it is summer and I hate the heat. (I should get bonus points for that)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 09, 2018, 09:51:22 PM
@alewpanda food packaging is a big one for me too! I'm just chipping away at it bit by bit.

Caught the bus home from work again. Even though it is summer and I hate the heat. (I should get bonus points for that)

*Bonus points*
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on January 09, 2018, 09:56:11 PM

Caught the bus home from work again. Even though it is summer and I hate the heat. (I should get bonus points for that)

*Bonus points*

Sweet. *polishes bonus points*

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on January 09, 2018, 10:16:19 PM
A colleague gave me her empty Coke can for Return and Earn rather than tossing it in the office bin (where it would not be recycled).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on January 10, 2018, 05:00:07 AM
This is upcoming and not today, but...

We have to visit a city that is about an hour's drive away this weekend. Since we are going anyway, I plan to cajole my husband into allowing extra time to visit the bulk food market there, and drop off our glass recycling at their recycling facility. Our town doesn't collect glass for recycling, but I refuse to throw away something that's 100% recyclable so we've been saving our bottles and jars in a separate bin for the 4 months we've lived here.

That's crazy that they don't collect glass. They could sell what they collect so the cost could be lower than regular collection. I watched a program on waste here where the glass recyclers said they couldn't get enough to meet demand.

That's fascinating! I think it's crazy too. I'm in a small town in the American South, so not the most environmentally conscious place on the planet. It's the kind of place where people sometimes look at you funny when you bring your own shopping bag, so I have to wonder if they only collect the items that they can get enough of to make it worth it.

The upside is that it's make us much more careful about purchasing things in packaging that CAN be recycled. Or even reducing what we buy in glass, so we don't fill up our bin too quickly.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: soccerluvof4 on January 10, 2018, 10:41:53 AM
Not just today, but overtime in the course of the last year I have reduced our garbage by half if not a third by shopping smarter, planning meals so leftovers get used and hence the less waste which also saves me $$ so a win win.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on January 10, 2018, 12:38:56 PM
I'm trying to make little steps on batch cooking. Just boiled 4 eggs, rather than 1-2 at a time. Saves all the gas used as I only boiled water once :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on January 10, 2018, 12:43:03 PM
@frooglepoodle - We've been saving glass and plastic bottles for a new container return scheme and when you have to collect them it really makes you see what you are using. As a result we bought a reuseable growler to buy beer (instead of creating 6 bottles a week).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: clarkai on January 12, 2018, 07:27:24 AM
We live with roommates, and do communal food to save money, reduce packaging, and encourage others to eat better for themselves and the environment. There have been a lot of leftovers that others ignore and were ending up in the compost after a week or longer languishing in the fridge, so I've taken to eating leftovers first this week. Works pretty well.

I also (this is so silly) kept my shoes on after my morning walk when I sat down to journal, instead of pointing a heater at my feet.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 12, 2018, 04:17:32 PM
Today is a pretty standard day:
No driving.
Try to minimise use of the air con (tough when it's 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 Fahrenheit) and humid).
Line dry our washing.
Use cloth nappies on the baby.
Feed vege scraps to the worm farm.

Yesterday we batch cooked a chicken dish and a vegan dish. Mr Happier likes to eat meat for one meal a day, so I'm shifting more of our meat meals to chicken rather than beef or lamb (much less resource intensive to produce). He's happy to have vegan or vegetarian for his other two meals. I'm trying to have one meat or vegetarian meal a day at most (dinner) and shift the rest of my day's food and drink consumption to completely vegan. It's only a small thing, but that's what this thread is about ;-)

When we went shopping yesterday, I bought only unpackaged fruit and veges, and used my reusable calico and netting bags to hold them. It was interesting to see which items cost more unpackaged than packaged. Aldi charges less for its unpackaged fruit and veges than its packaged (though some things e.g. zucchini were not available there without packaging) while Woolies charges more for unpackaged spinach, carrots and mushrooms.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Teachstache on January 12, 2018, 09:14:32 PM
Washed a full load of laundry this evening & hung dry the clothes in our bedroom. Extra humidity in this 0 degree Fahrenheit weather. Put kid in cloth training pants (not disposables) this evening after library visit. Will hang dry his cloth training pants. Used Instant pot to make tomato sauce from tomatoes canned from our garden. Washed jars from tomatoes & will reuse for additional canning next summer.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on January 13, 2018, 02:41:10 AM
I'm cooking from leftovers today. I'm also going to do laundry and line dry all of it. We eat vegetarian / vegan meals 2/3 of the time, but I've been advised by my doctor to increase my red meat intake. I only buy meat that's been reduced - at least I've saved the beef from the thrash that way.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 13, 2018, 03:06:44 AM
We're trying to avoid buying fruit and veges in plastic packaging. It's impossible to get cherry or grape tomatoes without plastic; well tonight for the second time this summer we've collected enough homegrown cherry tomatoes to make our favourite pasta :D

Next summer I will need to be more systematic about trying to grow enough cherry tomatoes!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Teachstache on January 13, 2018, 04:37:20 AM
We're trying to avoid buying fruit and veges in plastic packaging. It's impossible to get cherry or grape tomatoes without plastic; well tonight for the second time this summer we've collected enough homegrown cherry tomatoes to make our favourite pasta :D

Next summer I will need to be more systematic about trying to grow enough cherry tomatoes!

Nice work on gardening! Here in the midwestern USA, I have an absolute glut of cherry tomatoes every summer. I love reading your gardening & line drying updates, HappierAtHome, since it's 0 degrees Fahrenheit here (-17 Celsius) & I'm dreaming about my summer garden & line drying out on my patio.

What's your favorite pasta involving cherry tomatoes, HappierAtHome?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on January 13, 2018, 02:30:13 PM
Yay HAH!

As always, line drying our washing (we don't own a clothes dryer). Most of it goes on the washing line outside but more delicate items (where we don't want peg marks or exposure to harsh UV) get hung up inside on clothes racks in the lounge room. It's a cooler day today but quite windy so hopefully the stuff hung up outside will dry quickly.

We're about to go to a housewares swap at a friend's house this morning. Like a clothing swap but for household items. We're taking a whole bunch of stuff from our place, hopefully most of it will find a home. If not, all leftovers will get donated to charity. Our city is drowning in secondhand items and all of the op shops are swamped post Xmas, so I'm hoping there won't be too much that needs to be donated.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: tawyer on January 13, 2018, 02:38:37 PM
Put on my down jacket in the house to avoid using the heat or making hot drinks to keep warm.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on January 13, 2018, 04:36:49 PM
A homewares swap is such a great idea!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 13, 2018, 04:50:43 PM
We're trying to avoid buying fruit and veges in plastic packaging. It's impossible to get cherry or grape tomatoes without plastic; well tonight for the second time this summer we've collected enough homegrown cherry tomatoes to make our favourite pasta :D

Next summer I will need to be more systematic about trying to grow enough cherry tomatoes!

Nice work on gardening! Here in the midwestern USA, I have an absolute glut of cherry tomatoes every summer. I love reading your gardening & line drying updates, HappierAtHome, since it's 0 degrees Fahrenheit here (-17 Celsius) & I'm dreaming about my summer garden & line drying out on my patio.

What's your favorite pasta involving cherry tomatoes, HappierAtHome?

It was 37 degrees Celsius / 98 Fahrenheit here yesterday!

Super simple: penne, basil pesto, a heap of halved cherry tomatoes (I like to pan fry them for five minutes), and some fetta on top. A little bit of pan fried chicken is a nice addition if you enjoy chicken.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Teachstache on January 13, 2018, 06:16:17 PM
We're trying to avoid buying fruit and veges in plastic packaging. It's impossible to get cherry or grape tomatoes without plastic; well tonight for the second time this summer we've collected enough homegrown cherry tomatoes to make our favourite pasta :D

Next summer I will need to be more systematic about trying to grow enough cherry tomatoes!

Nice work on gardening! Here in the midwestern USA, I have an absolute glut of cherry tomatoes every summer. I love reading your gardening & line drying updates, HappierAtHome, since it's 0 degrees Fahrenheit here (-17 Celsius) & I'm dreaming about my summer garden & line drying out on my patio.

What's your favorite pasta involving cherry tomatoes, HappierAtHome?

It was 37 degrees Celsius / 98 Fahrenheit here yesterday!

Super simple: penne, basil pesto, a heap of halved cherry tomatoes (I like to pan fry them for five minutes), and some fetta on top. A little bit of pan fried chicken is a nice addition if you enjoy chicken.

Sounds similar to our summer pasta with garden produce. Enjoy your summer!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on January 13, 2018, 06:59:05 PM
A homewares swap is such a great idea!

It was great! It was mostly kitchen things but there was also non-perishable food, a couple of bottles of wine, games, personal items and so on. It all managed to find a home or a good place to be donated. Huzzah!

We mostly just took consumables - a bit of food, a bottle of bubbles, cat treats. And we're adding to our Lifeline donation run with some games and puzzles. (we're in the process of doing a massive cull of books, CDs and DVDs to make space for removing a big bookshelf for our mid-year renos - will be knocking a wall down to make things more open and usable)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on January 14, 2018, 07:56:46 AM
- Drying the laundry indoors. Only used a tiny amount of detergent to wash it (I always do this, I don't even own a dryer).
- Going to fix a few holes in a frequently used homemade quilt. I made the quilt years ago from worn-out jeans and because it's pretty heavy and warm, it's very popular in this house.
- Also DIY'ing around the house a bit, fixing things that are broken. This way, we don't have to replace them but will be able to get a few more years of use out of them. I glued the leg of a chair earlier this week. I was afraid this wasn't going to work, so I put a few heavy objects on it to test the strength. It seems the chair is holding out, but just in case, I will put the chair on the side of the dinnertable that's only used when we have company and I will be careful not to allow a very overweight relative to sit on it.
- Tonight I'm going to work on one of two quilting projects-in-progress, one from old jeans, one from scraps. We use quilts a lot, in bed and at night when we watch a movie so we don't have to heat that much.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Meowkins on January 14, 2018, 05:47:38 PM
Have I been here before? Idk. Hello. I will be reading this whole thread tomorrow.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 14, 2018, 05:50:49 PM
Have I been here before? Idk. Hello. I will be reading this whole thread tomorrow.

Welcome Meowkins!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on January 15, 2018, 01:01:08 AM
Walked to work today. And will walk back home again.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on January 16, 2018, 01:02:39 AM
Wow @Linda_Norway! How far away is work from your home?

I caught the bus home again.

Tonight's dinner will be using up potatoes that have been in the fridge for many weeks. They'll be turned into potato salad, probably enough for a few meals.

Tonight we'll wash some clothes with cold water and hang them to dry inside on clothes racks.

As always, we will compost kitchen waste - banana skins, coffee grounds from DH's Aeropress, uneaten wet cat food, onion peels etc




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on January 16, 2018, 01:47:51 AM
Walked to work again. It is 7,5 km in one direction. In summer I use 1 hour and 10 minutes one way. Today it was close to 1,5 hour one way. Most of it is on quite road or pavement, but a 2 kms is on a forest road where the snow is not removed. There is now about 50 cm of snow now. It feels a bit like an expedition under these circumstances. I do own a pair of snowshoes, but I think it is too much fuss carrying them with me on the rest of the stretch, so I just walk through the snow. I sink away about 15 cm for each step.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on January 16, 2018, 02:12:31 AM
Walked to work again. It is 7,5 km in one direction. In summer I use 1 hour and 10 minutes one way. Today it was close to 1,5 hour one way. Most of it is on quite road or pavement, but a 2 kms is on a forest road where the snow is not removed. There is now about 50 cm of snow now. It feels a bit like an expedition under these circumstances. I do own a pair of snowshoes, but I think it is too much fuss carrying them with me on the rest of the stretch, so I just walk through the snow. I sink away about 15 cm for each step.

That's a long way to walk. (I have no idea how hard it is to walk 2km in snow but I'm guessing it's hard) Wow!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on January 16, 2018, 07:55:34 AM
Walked to my mums' group catchup rather than driving. I brought my keepcup for a coffee but that turned out to be unnecessary - baby started screaming and I had to go straight home again :-/

Yeah, for a while it's going to be hard to have adult conversations that last more than a few minutes at a time without interruption, especially at playgrounds or meetups!  Kudos on walking there and back, though!

Since our dryer broke, I have been rack drying between 1-3 loads a day while we wait for the right replacement dryer at the right price to come along. It means that laundry is fluttering around everywhere in the house (too cold/rainy/snowy/icy to hang outside) but it will be interesting to see what our electricity bills are like without drying 10 loads of laundry a week!  Also as we plan our laundry room reorganization, I'm hoping to build in more folding racks so that we can permanently reduce our dryer loads by at least half.  (why get a new dryer at all? First of all, house resale, second, my planning is not so great that I can guarantee that we'll have the dry clothes we need when we need them if it takes 24 hours.)

To do this, I had to resurrect my folding dryer rack from the garage. It used to have two special plastic pieces that broke, so was held together with string. I was going to trade it in for scrap metal. BUT--
Last year I got a bag of "Instamorph" (also known as Low Temperature Thermoplastic Beads, "Friendly Plastic", "Polymorph" and other names).  Since then I have used them to replace pieces on my fancy (though not durable) umbrella, broken toy parts,  and most recently my folding dryer rack. This stuff is the bomb for resurrecting broken items.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on January 16, 2018, 10:20:54 AM
Rode my bike 22 km to work this morning through a foot of uncleared snow on the road.  Took 45 minutes.  Another co-worker who lives a bit closer than me ended up in his car for two hours stuck in traffic.  :P
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on January 16, 2018, 11:42:53 AM
Walked to work again. It is 7,5 km in one direction. In summer I use 1 hour and 10 minutes one way. Today it was close to 1,5 hour one way. Most of it is on quite road or pavement, but a 2 kms is on a forest road where the snow is not removed. There is now about 50 cm of snow now. It feels a bit like an expedition under these circumstances. I do own a pair of snowshoes, but I think it is too much fuss carrying them with me on the rest of the stretch, so I just walk through the snow. I sink away about 15 cm for each step.

That's a long way to walk. (I have no idea how hard it is to walk 2km in snow but I'm guessing it's hard) Wow!

Today it was pretty bad. Think of walking very soft sand. On my way back I regretted not bringing my snowshoes. Most of the pavements weren't cleaned for snow either, so I could choose walking through deep snow or walking on the road between sliding cars. Half of my colleagues stayed home today because of the snow chaos.

I really like cross country skiing. Unfortunately there is no good route from my home to my work. But I appreciate the snow for the good conditions that we can use in the weekends. Petty we are not FIREd yet.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Abe on January 18, 2018, 08:51:29 PM
Things we've done with reasonably minimal impact on our lives:

1) Compost everything organic. If it's not clearly inedible, eat it. I refuse to buy anything packaged in plastic, which is fairly easy since the only things (other than utilities) that I buy are food, clothes and occasionally gasoline. 90% of our trash waste is baby's diapers. Once he's older, total garbage will be less about a pound per month.

2) Showers: no more than 3 gallons (I've measured it a couple times). I only use hot water in the winters, for the final rinse.

3) Bike to work. Bike to grocery store. Bike to parks.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 18, 2018, 08:55:29 PM
Had a hot date with some local mum friends this morning, so I walked to the cafe and brought my keepcup for my coffee (we like to shift to the park with our coffees so the bubs can play in the grass, but I don't want to use a disposable cup!).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 20, 2018, 12:33:02 AM
Using up veges that were going to go bad in savoury muffins and pasta sauce.

Paid a little extra for carbon offset for freight.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on January 20, 2018, 05:46:14 AM
Had a nearly vegetarian dinner last night, though I used (homemade) chicken broth in place of vegetable since that’s what I had. I’m trying to build up a repertoire of vegetarian recipes my husband actually enjoys!

We’ve continued composting in our bokashi bucket. It’s a little bit more work than a simple compost pile, but makes a lot of sense as renters and helps food scraps break down faster in the winter.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on January 20, 2018, 09:20:57 AM
Hey, can I join in?

I wrapped my apple in a cloth napkin so it wouldn't get bruised. Now I can use the cloth napkin instead of a paper towel at work!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: PermaculturePumpkin on January 21, 2018, 05:44:37 PM
Ooh, I love this thread!

Today I walked about 20 minutes to get some small groceries I needed. Mostly for fitness reasons but also environmental (two birds with one stone). And rather than buy my mixed greens all ready to go in the big plastic container which then has to be recycled, I bought a few different heads of lettuce, then cleaned them in the salad spinner and mixed them at home myself. I need to find a local farmers' market as my next step, but I just moved to a new city and am still feeling my way around so just doing the best I can at the moment.

But my "sin" for the day is I did buy a coffee today in a to-go cup because I forgot my reusable one at home.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: southern granny on January 21, 2018, 08:22:27 PM
We had a no meat day.  Cereal and almond milk for breakfast, veggie salad for lunch, and chickpea curry and brocolli with garlic sauce for dinner. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on January 22, 2018, 03:26:02 AM
I did meal planning for this week (haven't done this for months and months) which hopefully will minimise any food waste.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on January 22, 2018, 03:56:59 AM
I saved the oil from a jar of stuffed peppers and the vinegar from a jar of marinated artichokes and mixed them (with a bit of extra seasoning) to make a salad dressing. It was delicious and so much better than pouring the liquid down the drain.

I chopped up some baby potatoes that were starting to sprout and some wrinkly sweet potatoes and roasted them for dinner last night.

Bought discounted bananas and potatoes from the scratch-and-dent bin.

Our main entertainment for this weekend was walking, since the weather was quite a bit warmer than it has been for most of the past month.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Teachstache on January 22, 2018, 05:35:12 AM
Saturday we drove the electric car to the playground for an unseasonably warm Saturday afternoon playdate with our almost 3 year old son. Came home & made homemade macaroni and cheese in the instant pot. Washed 2 full loads of laundry & hung dried them (bonus: extra humidity for our dry air in the house). Put kid in homemade reusable training pants this weekend (plastic pants with prefold inserts to catch the wetness).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on January 23, 2018, 02:31:38 AM
Walked to work again (7,5 km) and will walk back in the afternoon.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: aetherie on January 23, 2018, 07:45:59 AM
I have a question.   How do I avoid plastic bags at the fruit and vegetable store?  I save and wash them and I guess I could take them back with me and re-use them.  I typically use them about 3 or 4 times until they fall apart or I store meat in them.  But I would like to try to cut most of them out.  So what do you use to carry and store your vegetables?

I have a set of reusable produce bags, similar to these: https://smile.amazon.com/Natural-Home-Reuseable-Produce-Bags/dp/B004XIBKB8/
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: PermaculturePumpkin on January 23, 2018, 07:47:58 AM
I have a question.   How do I avoid plastic bags at the fruit and vegetable store?  I save and wash them and I guess I could take them back with me and re-use them.  I typically use them about 3 or 4 times until they fall apart or I store meat in them.  But I would like to try to cut most of them out.  So what do you use to carry and store your vegetables?

I bought reusable green net bags with drawstrings (got them at Whole Foods. $$$ but a good investment) and we bring them with our reusable grocery bags. They work great when I remember them. When I don't, we just put the fruit or veggies directly in the basket and don't use anything. I don't find that the cashiers really mind. These aren't the bags we have, but are similar: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Simple-Ecology-Organic-Cotton-Mesh-Reusable-Produce-Bags-/111157877031
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: PermaculturePumpkin on January 23, 2018, 07:56:05 AM
Last week I introduced in-house composting at our tiny little office (there are only about 5 or 6 of us there on a day-to-day basis; others come and go). Our cleaners are not very good so one staffer already takes home all the recycling, but I noticed we were throwing out a lot of coffee grounds, tea bags, fruit peels and paper towel. I befriended another lady who is a composting nut, and next thing you know, we had started it. The plan is that I will bring the compost home on Friday and put it in my backyard bin (a win for my garden as well!). The only thing is I am currently bringing in my own composting bags and I need to get the regional manager on board so that he lets me expense the bags as they are a tiny bit costly. He has been away a lot, so that is my task for the upcoming week. :-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on January 23, 2018, 10:34:41 AM
I've been better learning how to separate and pack meat for storage in our extra freezer.  This cuts down a lot on waste due to meat going bad, and it cuts down on # of trips to the grocery store.  Now that I feel like our meat buying/consumption is getting closer to optimized, I'm going to start working on doing the same thing with veggies and starches.  We're "OK" at it right now, but I think we could be even better. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on January 23, 2018, 10:57:56 AM
Just talked to my flatmates and realized how little I use my heating. I never heat my room in the morning and only use it for a short time span after work. And even then, I put it on 1-2 out of 5 levels, while my flatmate apparently regularly uses 5 and and leaves in on if he's away for sports or so (I'm really wondering how he isn't just cooking himself in that room).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on January 23, 2018, 12:31:53 PM
I have a question.   How do I avoid plastic bags at the fruit and vegetable store?  I save and wash them and I guess I could take them back with me and re-use them.  I typically use them about 3 or 4 times until they fall apart or I store meat in them.  But I would like to try to cut most of them out.  So what do you use to carry and store your vegetables?

I bought reusable green net bags with drawstrings (got them at Whole Foods. $$$ but a good investment) and we bring them with our reusable grocery bags. They work great when I remember them. When I don't, we just put the fruit or veggies directly in the basket and don't use anything. I don't find that the cashiers really mind. These aren't the bags we have, but are similar: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Simple-Ecology-Organic-Cotton-Mesh-Reusable-Produce-Bags-/111157877031

I just reuse the plastic bags but last time I forgot, and I just put my veggies right in my reusable grocery bag gently. The Boy said I made him think of, like, grocery shopping in Old Europe or something :-).

Today I thought of a more efficient route for running my errands/grocery shopping.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 23, 2018, 04:52:09 PM
If you're reducing your use of disposable plastic, you may find this thread inspiring: Plastic Free February (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/plastic-free-february/) :-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on January 23, 2018, 05:05:37 PM
If you're reducing your use of disposable plastic, you may find this thread inspiring: Plastic Free February (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/plastic-free-february/) :-)

Oh yeah, good idea HaH, I did mean to put that here. My mind is a sieve.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 23, 2018, 05:24:56 PM
If you're reducing your use of disposable plastic, you may find this thread inspiring: Plastic Free February (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/plastic-free-february/) :-)

Oh yeah, good idea HaH, I did mean to put that here. My mind is a sieve.

Clearly a BIFL metal sieve, not a crappy plastic one :-P
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on January 23, 2018, 05:36:18 PM
I made a key lime pie this afternoon, and used the zested and juiced limes to make a lime syrup following these instructions (http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2016/03/fresh-lemon-syrup-recipe.html) before composting the limes.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on January 26, 2018, 02:05:01 AM
I used up a bunch of food that was about to go off in a fried rice meal for lunch.

I would have liked to have said I mended a work cardigan but it's beyond my skills to fix. Cardigan is now in my bag of clothes waiting for the next clothes swap.

I would have also have liked to have said I finally took up the sleeves of a work jacket that I got in a clothes swap last year but again it was  beyond my sewing skills. I hemmed one sleeve (by folding it back and using a basic hemming hand stitch) but it looked like shit so I unpicked my stitches. Work jackets should look neat, not bodgy. But, I marked the length with a safety pin and if I feel up to it tomorrow, we'll go to a mall where there is a tailor and pay to have the sleeves taken up properly. Then I will actually have a jacket (not just cardigans) to wear to work. It's unusual for me to find a jacket that fits my upper arms but isn't too big elsewhere. Plus, it's secondhand not new. So, a tiny partial win.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on January 26, 2018, 07:17:21 AM
- I took in the waist of a skirt so it fits me again. I lost a bit of weight around the stomach so it was sagging, and this is a high waist skirt.
- Dried laundry on a drying rack
- Didn't turn on the heating at all last night (it was 16,5 C indoors, no problem if you're wearing proper clothes)
- Cut up some old pairs of jeans that people gifted to me. I'm working on a quilt made of recycled denim.
- Reduced someone else environmental impact: my brother moved and needs a few more hand towels for the bathroom. I have promised to give him 4 of mine. I have 8 of them because they came in a pack of 8. I only use 2 of them because they are only used by guests. We let our towels dry on a rack in the bathroom after showering and we dry our hands with them too. I think I have owned those hand towels for almost 10 years, I'm happy to give them away to somone who's actually going to use them.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on January 26, 2018, 11:38:29 AM
With Xcel Energy (our local electricity provider), there's the option to switch to renewable based energy.  Its slightly more expensive, but worth it IMO.  I switched us over to 100% renewables for the energy we use.  Feels good.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on January 27, 2018, 02:08:41 PM
Spread five gallons of beautiful homemade chocolate-cake-crumb worm compost on our raspberry beds.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on January 27, 2018, 04:29:40 PM
I worked out how to get cloth nappies onto my son while he's standing up so we can keep using the ones we have and don't need to buy pull-ups yet (he's all of 9 months). Bonus, they're easier to get on him than disposable nappies now.

Also had a go at meal planning and grocery shopping only from a list. I'm hoping to make all his baby food this week, except his special snack biscuits for biting/chewing practice.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: bacchi on January 27, 2018, 05:01:51 PM
Anyone have experience with stuff wilting in the refrigerator?  I bought a more expensive bunch of carrots and just threw them in the crisper.  I forgot about them for a while and found them all wilted.  The huge bag left open lasts for months??

Celery can go in water in a container. Carrots can go in a closed container with a little water. If I have both, I'll lay the celery in water and put the carrots on top, out of the water.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on January 28, 2018, 08:56:10 AM
Had to buy new shoes so went to a second hand charity store, where I found a perfect pair at the children's department of the store :D
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on January 28, 2018, 09:49:21 PM
Refuse
Reduce
Reuse
Recycle
Repair: Had a high-quality purse restored after 15 years of use (I bought it used). Got it back today with new straps and braces. Hope it will last another 15 years.
Rot
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on January 29, 2018, 02:02:09 AM
I realised today that I haven't taken a flight in 2 years. That probably blows everything else I've done out of the water.

Meat free meal tonight. Did some rescheduling of clients to save about 50km of travel by combining trips. Rescued someone else's stuff that they were sending to landfill and rehomed it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on January 29, 2018, 02:19:37 AM
I realised today that I haven't taken a flight in 2 years. That probably blows everything else I've done out of the water.


Well done. I find it difficult to avoid flying, if you really want to visit the other place. Driving to the same location is often more time consuming. What is easier, that is planning your holidays closer to home instead of in abroadistan.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on January 29, 2018, 02:26:07 AM
I realised today that I haven't taken a flight in 2 years. That probably blows everything else I've done out of the water.


Well done. I find it difficult to avoid flying, if you really want to visit the other place. Driving to the same location is often more time consuming. What is easier, that is planning your holidays closer to home instead of in abroadistan.

Unfortunately everywhere abroadistan is over the water from here... But there are loads of nice places to holiday within 5 hrs drive and where I live is pretty idyllic if you like beaches.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on January 29, 2018, 04:06:22 AM
I find it difficult to avoid flying, since we live on the opposite coast from our families. That offsets most, if not all of the good we are able to do elsewhere in our lives. :-/

Last night I made a vegan lentil and walnut chili for dinner. The cornbread I served with it was not vegan, but it used up ingredients that would otherwise have gone to waste (bacon drippings and whey strained from yogurt in place of buttermilk - both from local sustainable farms).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on January 29, 2018, 05:14:25 AM
I really wish there would be a more sustainable way to fly (e.g. huge improvements in "mileage" for planes). I love to travel and have many friends abroad so even though I could avoid it, I really don't want to.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on January 29, 2018, 06:23:08 AM
I really wish there would be a more sustainable way to fly (e.g. huge improvements in "mileage" for planes). I love to travel and have many friends abroad so even though I could avoid it, I really don't want to.

After FIRE you could perhaps stay longer in the same region and with that fly less frequent.

They are experimenting with electric planes, but for the moment only for short stretches.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on January 29, 2018, 10:39:54 AM
I really wish there would be a more sustainable way to fly (e.g. huge improvements in "mileage" for planes). I love to travel and have many friends abroad so even though I could avoid it, I really don't want to.

After FIRE you could perhaps stay longer in the same region and with that fly less frequent.

They are experimenting with electric planes, but for the moment only for short stretches.

I did slow travel for a couple months last year and that was indeed perfect. Won't wait till I'm fully FIRE. If I have no obligations after finishing my PhD I'll be on the road again ;)

Electric planes would be great for short/domestic flights! Hope that technology will mature soon.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on January 29, 2018, 12:04:08 PM
Carpool: Reached out to an additional family and reorganized so that the carpool is more efficient in terms of fewer trips made. Saves everyone time, too!


Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on January 30, 2018, 12:39:16 AM
Walked to work today and will walk back again in the afternoon. 7,5 km each way.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on January 30, 2018, 02:22:05 AM
Walked to work today and will walk back again in the afternoon. 7,5 km each way.

Wow!!


I don't think I have anything to report today. We've got all the doors and windows open to cool our house down, but that's something we always do.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on January 30, 2018, 04:43:52 PM
I really wish there would be a more sustainable way to fly (e.g. huge improvements in "mileage" for planes). I love to travel and have many friends abroad so even though I could avoid it, I really don't want to.

After FIRE you could perhaps stay longer in the same region and with that fly less frequent.

They are experimenting with electric planes, but for the moment only for short stretches.


I love travelling by train, but of course that more or less requires you stay in the same continent. I have taken the train to and in many countries in Europe. It takes more time, but the scenery is often very beautiful and you meet loads of locals.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on February 01, 2018, 07:19:23 AM
Tried cooking a new vegetarian dish yesterday... was trying to replicate a Vietnamese noodle stirfry that my new sister-in-law made for us last year.  I didn't get it quite right, but to my surprise the kids yummed it up and even complimented me!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on February 02, 2018, 01:27:42 AM
I can always write this in both this thread and in the "what small things did you save money on today", because saving environment goes often hand in hand with saving money.

Walked to work today and will walk back again in the afternoon.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on February 02, 2018, 04:28:58 PM
In addition to the usual text, this week I also got a letter from the library saying that my reservation was in.

Noooooooooo.

A text is fine. Don't kill a tree, too!

I opted out this morning.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 02, 2018, 08:44:42 PM
Bought locally caught fish with minimal packaging.
Making zero waste baby food (baby approved!).
Set the air con a few degrees higher. It's still plenty cold!
Sorted through hand-me-downs to work out what we can use and what we should pass on.
Had to buy petrol today (that's has to the Americans) - first time since November!!
Making (hopefully delicious) vegan chickpea "meatballs" for dinner.

Plus normal things - cloth nappies, line drying washing, etc.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on February 05, 2018, 11:56:40 PM
I went to town to pick up one of our cars after it's EU control. DH offered to drive me to the train station in the morning. I thought it was a stupid idea that he had to get up early in the morning and let the car drive 2 km downhill and then 2 km back uphill meeting all the downhill-sliding other cars. So I walked down. And then I took the train to town.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on February 06, 2018, 04:08:13 PM
Replaced the ink cartridges in my reusable fountain pens rather than buying new plastic pens.

Line drying laundry
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Mele on February 06, 2018, 08:11:42 PM
Used my diva cup instead of buying tampons. 

Hung laundry.

Made pinto beans in the instapot. 

Gathered eggs from our backyard, put chicken poop from coop into an unused corner of the garden to "cool" and eventually go into garden soil.  Not the garbage can like I used to do.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on February 06, 2018, 08:29:34 PM
Used my diva cup instead of buying tampons. 

Hung laundry.

Made pinto beans in the instapot. 

Gathered eggs from our backyard, put chicken poop from coop into an unused corner of the garden to "cool" and eventually go into garden soil.  Not the garbage can like I used to do.

Ok this might sound weird, but in my area chicken owners give away or swap their chicken poo for garden produce. It's good stuff. Likewise worm castings. Might be an option if you have more than you can deal with?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on February 06, 2018, 09:02:41 PM
As always, laundry gets hung on the line to dry, or if it is more delicate clothing (eg bras), it gets hung up inside on clothes racks in the living room so the UV and heat doesn't destroy the fabric.

Dinner last night (and leftovers tonight) was vegan. Chickpea salad (tinned chickpeas) with red onion, lemon juice and olive oil, plus cherry tomatoes and parsley from my garden plus a big handful of mint from my friend's garden (getting mint from her garden also pruned the mint so she was happy, I was happy).

I caught the bus home from work, even though it was horribly hot in the sun walking home from the bus stop.



Used my diva cup instead of buying tampons. 

Hung laundry.

Made pinto beans in the instapot. 

Gathered eggs from our backyard, put chicken poop from coop into an unused corner of the garden to "cool" and eventually go into garden soil.  Not the garbage can like I used to do.

Ok this might sound weird, but in my area chicken owners give away or swap their chicken poo for garden produce. It's good stuff. Likewise worm castings. Might be an option if you have more than you can deal with?

Oh yeah, I'd be happy to chuck some chicken poo in my compost! When I first got my compost bin, a colleague gave me a bucket of straw bedding/chicken poo from her chooks to get my compost bin started. I was pretty happy with that :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on February 06, 2018, 09:31:20 PM
..Chickpea salad (tinned chickpeas) with red onion, lemon juice and olive oil, plus cherry tomatoes and parsley from my garden plus a big handful of mint...

Yum, this sounds like a salad my dad used to make. He added boiled egg tho.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on February 06, 2018, 11:59:01 PM

Used my diva cup instead of buying tampons. 

Hung laundry.

Made pinto beans in the instapot. 

Gathered eggs from our backyard, put chicken poop from coop into an unused corner of the garden to "cool" and eventually go into garden soil.  Not the garbage can like I used to do.

Ok this might sound weird, but in my area chicken owners give away or swap their chicken poo for garden produce. It's good stuff. Likewise worm castings. Might be an option if you have more than you can deal with?

Oh yeah, I'd be happy to chuck some chicken poo in my compost! When I first got my compost bin, a colleague gave me a bucket of straw bedding/chicken poo from her chooks to get my compost bin started. I was pretty happy with that :)

DH bought chicken poo fertilizer and put it in our flower garden. After that there grew an awful lot of weeds in that garden. You might want to be careful with that product. Maybe boil it first before use.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on February 07, 2018, 06:48:59 AM

Used my diva cup instead of buying tampons. 

Hung laundry.

Made pinto beans in the instapot. 

Gathered eggs from our backyard, put chicken poop from coop into an unused corner of the garden to "cool" and eventually go into garden soil.  Not the garbage can like I used to do.

Ok this might sound weird, but in my area chicken owners give away or swap their chicken poo for garden produce. It's good stuff. Likewise worm castings. Might be an option if you have more than you can deal with?

Oh yeah, I'd be happy to chuck some chicken poo in my compost! When I first got my compost bin, a colleague gave me a bucket of straw bedding/chicken poo from her chooks to get my compost bin started. I was pretty happy with that :)

DH bought chicken poo fertilizer and put it in our flower garden. After that there grew an awful lot of weeds in that garden. You might want to be careful with that product. Maybe boil it first before use.

We have chickens, and if our compost is predominantly made of chicken litter and poo, and not enough grass clippings/vegetable leftovers/coffee grounds, we get too much leafy growth in our garden.  Chicken waste is very nitrogen-rich, and nitrogen based fertilizers promote vegetative growth and overall health of plants.  Two years ago we got the biggest most beautiful tomato plants ever, and tiny tiny little fruits.

Also, you're supposed to let it sit or compost for a while before you add it, because it can kind of burn your plants if you just add it straight.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on February 07, 2018, 10:44:15 AM
Didn't turn on the heating even though it's the coldest day this winter so far. It's still 16 C  / 61 F inside, no need for extra heating. We always have an extra blanket on our bed during winter, when it's freezing we have two blankets on top of our duvet.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on February 08, 2018, 02:00:57 AM
When I had a hypo (low blood sugar) this afternoon, I ate 2 black jelly beans instead of chucking them in the bin or the compost. (black jelly beans are gross :p)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on February 09, 2018, 04:26:21 AM
Walked to work and will walk back again later.

This weekend I will take the train to the city on Saturday and Sunday. I will try to get up early enough to walk to the train station as well (25 minutes walking), instead of driving.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on February 16, 2018, 04:46:37 AM
Very small thing but I had to buy envelopes and agonized for a bit over whether to buy the peel and stick ones that don't leave a horrible aftertaste but create trash or the ones you have to lick. I opted for the more eco-friendly ones.

This would never have occurred to me but I suspect it's going to be one of those things I can't unsee!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: NewConvert on February 16, 2018, 04:20:10 PM
I am new to this. Just the fact that a random plastic bottle I throw away doesn't decompose for  ~450 years blows me away. Definitely not the kind of legacy I want to leave behind.

My todays work -

1. Opted out of redplum  advertising at:
https://www.redplum.com/tools/direct-mail-preferences

2. Opted out of valpak coupons (have pretty much never used it) :
https://www.valpak.com/coupons/show/mailinglistsuppression

3. Opted out of credit card solicitation mails though was initially very apprehensive about providing ssn  online - but after extensive googling it seems legit (I hope)
https://www.optoutprescreen.com

After this stumbled on the app paperkarma that does this for you. Haven't  checked it out though - has anyone else any experience using this app?
Also planning to signup at the direct marketing agency site to take me off their mailing list
https://dmachoice.thedma.org/register.php

To others out there who have done this -- does this work and stop all the junk mail?


Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: PKate on February 16, 2018, 04:59:15 PM
Quote


Anyone have experience with stuff wilting in the refrigerator?  I bought a more expensive bunch of carrots and just threw them in the crisper.  I forgot about them for a while and found them all wilted.  The huge bag left open lasts for months??

The carrots that you buy are usually a variety of carrot that is a storage variety.  Many of the baby carrots sold with the greens attached are bred to be sweet and not for storage.   Removing the green tops ASAP will help all carrots from wilting so quickly. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on February 18, 2018, 02:58:28 AM
I paid the few cents CO2 compensation premium on my bus ticket. Not sure if it's gonna make any difference, but at least I tried.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on February 18, 2018, 03:04:06 AM
Picked up five bottles for Return and Earn walking home after my run tonight.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 26, 2018, 01:18:39 AM
Today:

Walked to and from a visit to a local Playgroup, with the pram. I love not driving!

Used my keepcup for a rare caffeinated treat. Packed fruit for the baby in Tupperware.

As always, using hankies, cloth nappies and small terry towels in place of disposable items.

Saved food scraps for the worm farm.

Giving away items (including unwanted gifts!) away on Buy Nothing to people who can put them to good use.

Reading library books (every little bit of lowered consumption helps!).

Eating batch cooked vegan meals.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 26, 2018, 01:21:12 AM
And I have recently ordered my first bamboo toothbrush, non-plastic bin bags* and recycled plastic razors (I'm not game for the stainless steel razors just yet!).

*Husband isn't ready to not use bin bags at all, and has been extremely open minded about other changes, so this is one of those areas where I won't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on February 26, 2018, 02:02:57 AM
My boss buys a bottle of water with her salad for lunch every day (horror).

One of my colleagues buys a can of Coke from the vending machine every day (double horror).

I've all but given up on changing their spending habits, but I have trained them to give me their bottles and cans for Return and Earn.

@marty998 and I have deposited exactly 360 bottles and cans since January 1. Our goal is 1500 for the year and we're ... resourceful. :D
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on February 26, 2018, 02:17:46 AM
And I have recently ordered my first non-plastic bin bags

What's a bin bag?  Thanks
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on February 26, 2018, 02:19:09 AM
And I have recently ordered my first non-plastic bin bags

What's a bin bag?  Thanks

Apologies but this is hilarious to me.

Garbage bag. Rubbish bag. Trash bag. Bin liner.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on February 26, 2018, 02:43:25 AM
And I have recently ordered my first non-plastic bin bags

What's a bin bag?  Thanks

Apologies but this is hilarious to me.

Garbage bag. Rubbish bag. Trash bag. Bin liner.

Ha ha! Gotcha.  At first I thought you might mean a produce bag . . .  And now I'm going to ask you to educate me again.   How would it work without bin bags?  Do you live in a city, and how do they pick up your trash?  Thanks
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: marty998 on February 26, 2018, 03:23:45 AM
My boss buys a bottle of water with her salad for lunch every day (horror).

One of my colleagues buys a can of Coke from the vending machine every day (double horror).

I've all but given up on changing their spending habits, but I have trained them to give me their bottles and cans for Return and Earn.

@marty998 and I have deposited exactly 360 bottles and cans since January 1. Our goal is 1500 for the year and we're ... resourceful. :D

Well... you are resourceful one! I picked up exactly 1 empty lemon lime bitters bottle today on my run. You picked up.... 45?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on February 26, 2018, 03:25:29 AM
And I have recently ordered my first non-plastic bin bags

What's a bin bag?  Thanks

Apologies but this is hilarious to me.

Garbage bag. Rubbish bag. Trash bag. Bin liner.

Ha ha! Gotcha.  At first I thought you might mean a produce bag . . .  And now I'm going to ask you to educate me again.   How would it work without bin bags?  Do you live in a city, and how do they pick up your trash?  Thanks

I already drop my recycling into my building's recycling bins without bags.

I use bread bags for other garbage because they're being thrown out anyway, but without those I could just empty my kitchen bin into the garbage bins outside.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on February 26, 2018, 03:27:13 AM
And I have recently ordered my first non-plastic bin bags

What's a bin bag?  Thanks

Apologies but this is hilarious to me.

Garbage bag. Rubbish bag. Trash bag. Bin liner.

Ha ha! Gotcha.  At first I thought you might mean a produce bag . . .  And now I'm going to ask you to educate me again.   How would it work without bin bags?  Do you live in a city, and how do they pick up your trash?  Thanks

I already drop my recycling into my building's recycling bins without bags.

I use bread bags for other garbage because they're being thrown out anyway, but without those I could just empty my kitchen bin into the garbage bins outside.

Thanks!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on February 26, 2018, 04:17:57 AM
Yesterday, we walked to pick up our grassfed milk in glass bottles at the drop-off point.

Built a second bokashi bucket out of 2-gallon buckets from the hardware store. Much less expensive than purchasing another branded bokashi bin, and we've found the bokashi system works well for us. We'd have a hard time hitting the critical mass for a hot compost heap to start breaking down quickly, plus we rent our house so the fact that bokashi breaks down so much faster once it's mixed with the dirt is a big plus.

Ate up a good portion of the random leftover food in the refrigerator this weekend to keep it from going to waste.

Made broth from a chicken carcass and the veggie scraps I save in the freezer.

I need to clean the house today and will be doing most of it using citrus vinegar, baking soda, and water. With reusable rags, of course!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on February 26, 2018, 09:42:27 PM
As always:

Washed clothes in cold water (reduces electricity use).

Drying clothes on the washing line in the backyard (we don't own a clothes dryer).

As much as possible goes into our compost bin (it's more of a worm farm at this point rather than hot compost) including:
    - fruit and veggie scraps,
    - paper towel (we use one piece of paper towel to wipe out excess oil from the frying pan before it gets washed up, to save oil going in to the sewage system), '
    - cat fur,
    - emptying out the vacuum cleaner (mostly cat fur, but some dust and leaves etc traipsed in from outside),
    - uneaten wet cat food (damn cat likes to lick the gravy off but not eat the actual food - one small tin lasts her a week),
    - coffee grounds and teabags,
    - crushed egg shells (even though this doesn't break down in our bin)
    - paper with sensitive details on it (torn up small)
    - empty toilet rolls
    - small amounts of oil, meat etc
    - any food that's gone off/stale etc (but no bones, no citrus and only small amounts of dairy)
    - hair (I cut my hair at home)
    - branches from rose pruning (can't just put this on the garden beds for mulch because in my climate they turn into barbed-wire-like traps)
    - rinse out saucepans etc into the compost container on the kitchen bench (again, to reduce how much goes down the sink)     

As a result, we usually only have one bag of rubbish in the bin each week (as in, a plastic shopping bag from a supermarket) plus kitty litter/kitty poo. 

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on February 26, 2018, 09:51:18 PM
Today I picked up a bottle from the side of the road and took it to container recycling. I donated the 10c to Take 3 for the Sea https://www.take3.org/ (an organisation that cleans up beaches so plastic doesn't get in the ocean).

It helps that a brand new shiny machine has just been installed in a very convenient supermarket car park and I was already planning to go there today. I'm not keen on carrying/ storing other people's stinky waste for too long!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on February 27, 2018, 12:01:19 AM
Yesterday I cleared the parking lot for snow using a hand shovel, instead of starting the snow blower. The snow was not so deep and light weight.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on February 27, 2018, 09:40:40 PM
Remembered to bring reusable bags in everywhere I shopped today. Got a $0.10 credit at one place but mostly didn't end up with more bags!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on February 27, 2018, 09:48:45 PM
Once in a blue moon DH or I buy a bottle of water (usually we are organised and carry our own water, particularly in summer, but occasionally we are not). I re-use the bottles to dispose of my insulin pen needles. The needles are low risk (compared to syringes) and as far as we can work out, they comply with the council requirements for needle disposal. DH drops the full bottles (with closed lid) into the designated needle disposal bins.

We do occasionally buy the proper needle disposal plastic containers from the pharmacist but they are so expensive and the thickness of the plastic seems overkill for the tiny thin needles protected by plastic casings.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on February 28, 2018, 03:18:24 AM
Still biking everywhere even though it was -10C last night. People think I'm crazy but actually it's quite nice: it's dry and sunny, so it doesn't really feel cold during the day. I wear thermal leggings and thick socks underneath my jeans, as well as a scarf, hat and gloves and I don't get cold at all. I'm pretty sure I will get colder waiting at the bus stop.

Knitting a new scarf from re-used wool.

Had bread for breakfast that was slightly stale but still perfectly edible.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on March 04, 2018, 12:07:02 AM
My boss buys a bottle of water with her salad for lunch every day (horror).

One of my colleagues buys a can of Coke from the vending machine every day (double horror).

I've all but given up on changing their spending habits, but I have trained them to give me their bottles and cans for Return and Earn.

@marty998 and I have deposited exactly 360 bottles and cans since January 1. Our goal is 1500 for the year and we're ... resourceful. :D

Well... you are resourceful one! I picked up exactly 1 empty lemon lime bitters bottle today on my run. You picked up.... 45?

455!

We had a good week.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on March 04, 2018, 01:56:05 AM
DH, DD and I spent an hour cleaning up the area around a trailhead nearby.  We picked up 2 big bags of cans and bottles, and 2 big bags of garbage.  Unfortunately, there seem to be some people who regard this small trailhead parking area as their personal garbage dump.  But on the good side, we talked to some people who seemed interested in what we were doing, and hopefully we have inspired a few of them.

(Background -- we live in a very mixed area, shall we say. About half the people seem decent/responsible about not littering, and the other half throw their vodka bottles and McDonalds garbage out their car windows.)     
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on March 05, 2018, 03:23:42 AM
Picked up some trash laying around at the bus stop while waiting for the bus. No clue why people just drop it as there's a trash bin next to the bus stop.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on March 05, 2018, 05:09:17 AM
We're moving house in a week. We've been eating down our stash of frozen, refrigerated and pantry foods so we hopefully won't spoil anything during the move.

I've bought a few heavy duty packing boxes new for the delicate stuff and books, but almost all of them are from various friends and family who have moved in the past 6 months or who have saved other boxes for us.

The bubblewrap we used to wrap delicates have been used for 3 other people to move house so far!

We've also been offered furniture from a relative, so.weve added that to our stuff for now and will whittle it down by donating once we've settled in and know what we like using in the new house.

As a bonus, all of these things have saved us money!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: PMG on March 05, 2018, 05:28:07 AM
I just ran across these organic cotton fabric, washable pour over filters and thought of this thread.  I may make some of these as Christmas gifts in the future. How did I not think of it sooner?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/196090126/100-organic-cotton-reusable-coffee?utm_source=OpenGraph&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on March 05, 2018, 05:29:37 AM
Slept beautifully in my line dried sheets last night.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on March 05, 2018, 11:00:12 AM
Working at home tomorrow, as well as DH, as we have a meeting halfway the day at our home. We both want use our cars tomorrow.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on March 05, 2018, 04:33:13 PM
I drained bacon on a cut-up flour bag instead of paper towels.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Primm on March 05, 2018, 06:04:23 PM
When I had a hypo (low blood sugar) this afternoon, I ate 2 black jelly beans instead of chucking them in the bin or the compost. (black jelly beans are gross :p)

Send them to me! Black jelly beans are my favourite. Yes, I'm the person who celebrated when they started making bags of only black with no colour jelly beans.

Hope you're on top of your sugars now.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on March 05, 2018, 06:42:34 PM
Bought some packaged snacks for my husband’s upcoming work trip - not ideal but it’s less waste than fast food.

Made portabella mushroom fajitas for meatless Monday, served with rice and beans cooked from dried.

Composting all our fruit and veggie scraps, plus whatever other food scraps the bokashi bucket seems able to handle.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on March 06, 2018, 12:03:00 AM
I made zero waste popcorn for the first time. Kernels from the bulk section made in a glass bowl in the microwave. No butter or oil made it a 25 cent, 120 calorie, zero waste snack

I find this very inspiring, both in terms of something to strive for and that this is still possible.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Urchina on March 06, 2018, 12:22:50 AM
Ate vegan today, with the exception of the single butter cookie I had for dessert.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on March 06, 2018, 01:16:41 AM
Walking home tonight, there was a single empty can in the middle of the footpath.

It was like an offering from the recycling gods.

@marty998, our good works have pleased them!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: marty998 on March 06, 2018, 12:58:43 PM
Yeah I found a few too! @mustachepungoeshere

I wonder if we are both bordering on obsession with this though :D
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: thegeebees on March 06, 2018, 02:30:13 PM
I made zero waste popcorn for the first time. Kernels from the bulk section made in a glass bowl in the microwave. No butter or oil made it a 25 cent, 120 calorie, zero waste snack

We just started doing this with a 20 year-old popcorn popper that my in-laws had sitting in their garage! I've been making 1-2 batches per week with bulk popping corn and the kids take them for snacks at school.

I love this thread idea! Today I realized my wallet had finally bitten the dust but rather than buy a new one (heaven forbid) or even get one from a thrift store, I checked to see if any of my sisters had a spare they didn't want. Score! I got a free one, saving it from the garbage dump and saving me from having to pay.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on March 06, 2018, 09:49:15 PM
* Grocery run by cargo bike today.
* Brought own grocery bags
* Brought own wine carrier so bottles don't get multiple bags from earnest, well-meaning grocery baggers trying to protect them from breakage
* Bought milk in reusable glass bottles
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on March 06, 2018, 10:38:17 PM
My plastic pegs are breaking down and I need new ones. Any recommendations for wooden or metal pegs?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on March 06, 2018, 11:17:53 PM
My plastic pegs are breaking down and I need new ones. Any recommendations for wooden or metal pegs?

I have heard rave reviews about the metal ones eg on the flora and fauna site. Plastic ones just can't stand up to our UV and I've had wooden ones go mouldy or leave marks. The only thing about metal ones is imagine how hot they'll be in full sun!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on March 06, 2018, 11:26:48 PM
I did not turn on the heat in my room plus turned the heat down in the hallway (from 21 to 18).

Brought my seperated trash (batteries, paper, glass and "other") to the containers they're supposed to go in.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: PMG on March 07, 2018, 12:04:02 AM
I’m trying to find the lesser or two evils. The country I’m living in has no recycling.  Many things that come in glass also come in plastic pouches.  Jam is one we buy pretty often. Soy sauce is another.  We initially bought the glass jar, but now we can buy a plastic packet and refill the jar.  For a while I was thinking the pouches were the more responsible option, but neither glass or plastic are going to disappear.  WWYD?

It’s really eye opening when I can’t even appease my guilt by recycling. 

——
The upside is that we’ve found quite a few very local products. The pouches of jam are made just a few hours away by train.  I haven’t found a loose leaf mint tea, but the bagged one is grown and packaged in country as well.  It’s tricky compromising. 

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on March 07, 2018, 03:17:04 AM
My plastic pegs are breaking down and I need new ones. Any recommendations for wooden or metal pegs?

I have heard rave reviews about the metal ones eg on the flora and fauna site. Plastic ones just can't stand up to our UV and I've had wooden ones go mouldy or leave marks. The only thing about metal ones is imagine how hot they'll be in full sun!
yeah, that's mainly why I haven't tried them yet. I will buy some and use them indoors to start with.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trying2bFrugal on March 07, 2018, 10:31:11 AM
I'm looking for ideas, inspiration and positive reinforcement as I work to reduce my impact on the environment and use of finite..

1. Water bottles
AVOID plastic at any cost. We use Zero pitcher filter for drinking needs. They offer $5 for each filter you send then back for recycling.

2. Cook your food
I have spent two times in last 8 months on  outside lunches since we didn't cooked that day. Other than business compulsory or meetings i lunch at desk. Buying lunch not only cost wattage of money, time and the extra napkin, plastic, etc., we cook for guests when they are less in numbers.

3. Carry bags
Try to use reusable bags. If you can't, at east use same bags. It costs a most nothing to produce them but it cost many generations. I use a nice reusable bag for shopping and the carry bags are used as trash bags.

4. Bikes
Although I am new bee doing biking, you should avoid short trips in car

5. Drive sensibly
I know not everyone goes hybrid or electric or used old ones, but to the least drive sensibly so you consume less oil footage. Try share riding.

6. Wastage
The only time I ever got a slap on my face from my father is when I left drops of food. It wasn't even handful, but we grew on it. When you see the starving people, you know the meaning of drops of food. So eat what you need. This goes to possessions as well. If you have more give it to people.
I buy stuff from goodwill and donate back to them if it was read or no more useful to me.

7. Donate
There is a saying in my country. Things you want it to grow, then you got to donate them. Name it, it could be knowledge, wisdom, money, habits. At the least donate some of your time for charity work.

8. Plan
Most times wastage of time, money, resources happen due to poor planning. So plan ahead. When I bought a used Prius, I had enough cash to buy a BMW, on buying a bed, we gone for bed with high raise with no need for box, so we got storage space and ease of movement and less wastage. These are just examples. You can plan your purchases.

9. Reuse
For most people, buying new stuff if inevitable for pure pleasure of their mind. Once they get in a situation they will let it go. Desire is the creator and destructor yet desire the right is key. So reuse stuff more you can.
We didn't used the paper plates so long unless the crowd is more than 12 (12 corolle plates).

 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trying2bFrugal on March 07, 2018, 02:26:03 PM
I’m trying to find the lesser or two evils. The country I’m living in has no recycling.  Many things that come in glass also come in plastic pouches.  Jam is one we buy pretty often. Soy sauce is another.  We initially bought the glass jar, but now we can buy a plastic packet and refill the jar.  For a while I was thinking the pouches were the more responsible option, but neither glass or plastic are going to disappear.  WWYD?

It’s really eye opening when I can’t even appease my guilt by recycling. 

——
The upside is that we’ve found quite a few very local products. The pouches of jam are made just a few hours away by train.  I haven’t found a loose leaf mint tea, but the bagged one is grown and packaged in country as well.  It’s tricky compromising.

My mom prepare jam from fruits without any preservatives. Agreed they dont last THAT long and taste fancy.
But you could help your family on health (most bottled ones need preservatives). May be something you can think about it?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on March 08, 2018, 03:42:50 AM
I’m trying to find the lesser or two evils. The country I’m living in has no recycling.  Many things that come in glass also come in plastic pouches.  Jam is one we buy pretty often. Soy sauce is another.  We initially bought the glass jar, but now we can buy a plastic packet and refill the jar.  For a while I was thinking the pouches were the more responsible option, but neither glass or plastic are going to disappear.  WWYD?

It’s really eye opening when I can’t even appease my guilt by recycling. 

——
The upside is that we’ve found quite a few very local products. The pouches of jam are made just a few hours away by train.  I haven’t found a loose leaf mint tea, but the bagged one is grown and packaged in country as well.  It’s tricky compromising.

My mom prepare jam from fruits without any preservatives. Agreed they dont last THAT long and taste fancy.
But you could help your family on health (most bottled ones need preservatives). May be something you can think about it?
Or even use pureed fruit instead of jam, depending on what you're using it for? It keeps in the fridge in a glass jar for a few days, or in the freezer for a while (a few months?)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on March 08, 2018, 03:52:21 AM
I'm thinking the issue is not a particular food but the whole gamut of essential purchases. I think I'd focus on reducing air miles and also consider which natural resource it is less worse to deplete - oil or sand (is that what glass is made from??).

Also - if plastic gets washed away from rubbish piles it is a worse outcome for all life than if glass ends up in the ecosystem. Glass will break down quicker and make nice sea glass pebbles, whereas with plastic we'll end up eating it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on March 09, 2018, 12:07:34 AM
* Walked four miles round trip to pick up the kids from school and bring them home

* Picked up an aluminum can that someone had littered, will recycle

* Added a second compost bin to the family; someone in our Buy Nothing group was giving away one that is the same design as the one we currently have

* Used wastewater from cooking, washing and laundry on plants

* Cloth diapered the baby

* Started potty training the baby using a baby potty I acquired from our Buy Nothing group

* Used bamboo-handled toothbrush instead of plastic-handled toothbrush. A billion non-biodegradable plastic-handled toothbrushes go into the trash each year.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: greengardens on March 09, 2018, 01:57:35 AM
I’m currently pregnant and looking at cloth diapering baby when we’re home (I don’t think our potential daycare accepts cloth)

Trying to furnish the nursery with as many hand me downs as possible. So far I have a crib and changing table
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on March 09, 2018, 02:13:01 AM
I bought tonic water in glass so I could have a plastic free G&T. Cheers!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Britan on March 09, 2018, 07:41:49 AM
Working from home today! Save some car emissions. (Ugh my clown car commute).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: PMG on March 09, 2018, 10:56:41 AM
I'm thinking the issue is not a particular food but the whole gamut of essential purchases. I think I'd focus on reducing air miles and also consider which natural resource it is less worse to deplete - oil or sand (is that what glass is made from??).

Also - if plastic gets washed away from rubbish piles it is a worse outcome for all life than if glass ends up in the ecosystem. Glass will break down quicker and make nice sea glass pebbles, whereas with plastic we'll end up eating it.

Thanks to others as well upthread for input on my jar/packet dilemma.  We eat fresh first. Jam is just a representative of odd things that come in bottles and packages.  We probably get one item every 4-6 weeks.

Fresh Bread brings up some good things to think about, focusing on the big picture and break down.

I do want to avoid waste in our daily life, but it isn’t the most effective way to get to the root of the problem.


As for small things:

Boiled water for drinking instead of buying jugs.

Filled the thermos for hot tea on demand all day.

Mended my clothing.

Also, I’m working on an converting my partner to second hand shopping.  We’re not actively shopping for anything at the moment, but we’ve had several conversations recently about future needs, from clothing to household goods.  When I started talking about the environmental and humanitarian reasons for buying second hand he “got it” in a way he hasn’t before. He thought I just didn’t want to spend money, or couldn’t afford more, and he loves me, and thinks I deserve all kinds of wonderful lovely things and wants to give them to me. Now he understand my motivation.  Yes, I like saving money, but that isn’t all.  Yes, we are on a really tight budget right now. Many ethically sourced things are way out of our price range, but second hand shopping or extending the life of what we already own can circumnavigate the system. 
     
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on March 09, 2018, 02:23:06 PM
We also buy second hand but here's a problem: hubby will research to find the best model of something and then try to find it second hand. Of course, everyone who has one knows it is the best and there aren't any for sale second hand. Think of a Dyson vacuum or multifunctional backpack for example. I think the key is to be flexible.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on March 09, 2018, 02:26:51 PM
We also buy second hand but here's a problem: hubby will research to find the best model of something and then try to find it second hand. Of course, everyone who has one knows it is the best and there aren't any for sale second hand. Think of a Dyson vacuum or multifunctional backpack for example. I think the key is to be flexible.

I have encountered this issue over and over!

The best things to buy secondhand are the things people buy as aspirational purchases (e.g. sports gear) and/or things that are only needed for a few years anyway (e.g. strollers).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on March 09, 2018, 02:43:41 PM
We also buy second hand but here's a problem: hubby will research to find the best model of something and then try to find it second hand. Of course, everyone who has one knows it is the best and there aren't any for sale second hand. Think of a Dyson vacuum or multifunctional backpack for example. I think the key is to be flexible.

I have encountered this issue over and over!

The best things to buy secondhand are the things people buy as aspirational purchases (e.g. sports gear) and/or things that are only needed for a few years anyway (e.g. strollers).

Kitchen aspirational items too like bread makers, ice cream makers, juicers etc.

I have seen people here selling things at the end of their lease and then buying new for their new place. I think they are avoiding the hassle of movers but... a sofa is not a one year purchase??

What bugs me with hubby is that every evening he is scrolling sites either researching or looking for 2nd hand stuff. He found something the other day but did not move quickly enough  and it was sold! In the end I get exasperated and just say "please buy it new!!".
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on March 09, 2018, 06:20:09 PM
524 bottles returned this year.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Urchina on March 09, 2018, 07:09:58 PM
Again, ate vegan for most of the day (will have 2 oz of hamburger tonight with dinner).
Asked DH to pick up stuff at the grocery store on the way home, so no special trip for errands.
Didn't buy anything today (other than the groceries DH got, and yes, we've got our reusable bags). I often forget how useful it is to the environment to not buy stuff.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Cali on March 09, 2018, 08:57:47 PM
I carry a small metal fork and spoon and reasonable small knife in a reusable lunch baggie in my purse. Just because they’re handing out free plastic utensils doesn’t mean I have to ise them. I don’t want something I used to eat a sliver of birthday cake to sit in a landfill for eternity.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: big_owl on March 09, 2018, 09:19:11 PM
Studies generally agree that the best thing you can do for the planet is not have kids.  So I got snipped a while back.  Turns out it makes sex a lot better too!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on March 10, 2018, 02:08:23 AM
Ate vegetarian (mostly vegan except some butter and cappuccino) for the whole week.

Picked up some trash last night when going to the pool.

Bought discounted almost-expired peas in the supermarket.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on March 10, 2018, 06:31:42 AM
Today we're taking a bus+subway to travel to a friend's wedding, rather than driving.  I also will be walking to the post office this morning.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on March 14, 2018, 01:18:29 AM
REPAIR: I stitched up a split seam on one of our couch cushions. I was worried I would have to get out the sewing machine, but a needle and thread did the trick.

REUSE: Cloth diapers and wipes for the baby

APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY: Line-drying laundry inside since we're being blessed with some winter rains right now

MANAGE ON-SITE RESOURCES: Bought a downspout extender so I can divert some rainwater to different places in the yard
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on March 14, 2018, 04:33:54 AM
We've been saving a small amount of energy and reducing food waste by placing more emphasis on freezer cooking in our meal planning. It saves me a decent amount of time, too.

I'm sewing my way through my fabric stash and a backlog of projects, instead of buying as much new fabric. I'm also working on squeezing little projects out of the scraps/leftovers from larger projects. I sew with a lot of knits so this means a lot of baby garments and some adult undergarments.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on March 14, 2018, 04:41:51 AM
I'm sewing my way through my fabric stash and a backlog of projects, instead of buying as much new fabric.

*Guilt about last year's stash of wool intensifies*
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on March 14, 2018, 07:37:59 PM
Took public transit to a class.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BuildingmyFIRE on March 15, 2018, 09:45:01 AM
I brought lunch (again) today.  Other than compulsory business related lunches, I have not purchased takeout lunch or coffee even once this year.  Hurray! 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on March 15, 2018, 01:48:54 PM
I brought lunch (again) today.  Other than compulsory business related lunches, I have not purchased takeout lunch or coffee even once this year.  Hurray!

This is extremely amazing. Congrats.

I planted three native trees and two grapevines in an odd little triangle that is owned by the state transit department but obviously ignored for years on end. I also picked up a bag of non-biodegradable trash and collected two plastic bottles for recycling.

If they survive, in addition to sequestering carbon and catching freeway dust with their leaf canopies, the additional greenery from the trees and the tidier appearance of oddball areas should advantage rising (rather than declining) property values in the neighborhood.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on March 15, 2018, 03:59:34 PM
Wow, go JenGod, that's awssome!

Now I have an answer if someone complains about our messy garden - we are trying to address the Australian housing affordability crisis! It's very 'rustic'.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on March 15, 2018, 05:00:26 PM
Nice job Jengod!  Me too -- haven't purchased food or coffee once at work this year so far.  I'm in a good groove bringing it from home.  We should have started a challenge thread in "Throw Down the Gauntlet."  :)

Another thing I do is whatever compostable waste I make at work -- banana peels, tea bags, used paper towels, whatever -- I bring it home at the end of the day and throw it in my compost bin.  We have recycling bins at work, but no compost. It drives me crazy to throw good compostables in a garbage bin. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on March 16, 2018, 08:28:41 AM
Walked to work this morning and will walk back in a moment (after I finish typing here).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: JLR on March 16, 2018, 10:05:34 PM
My plastic pegs are breaking down and I need new ones. Any recommendations for wooden or metal pegs?

Not exactly what you are asking for, but I really love the Reva brand of (plastic) pegs you can buy from Woolies. Just the regular ones, not the heavy duty version of the brand. They are twice the price of the Woolworths Essentials pegs, but they've held up really well to 10 years of living in an extremely hot climate, followed by 4 years in a cold climate. I bet they would do even better if I didn't leave them outside all the time....
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: JLR on March 16, 2018, 10:12:54 PM
Another thing I do is whatever compostable waste I make at work -- banana peels, tea bags, used paper towels, whatever -- I bring it home at the end of the day and throw it in my compost bin.  We have recycling bins at work, but no compost. It drives me crazy to throw good compostables in a garbage bin.

Would you be willing to make a communal compost bin at work that you bring home each day?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on March 16, 2018, 10:20:54 PM
My plastic pegs are breaking down and I need new ones. Any recommendations for wooden or metal pegs?

Not exactly what you are asking for, but I really love the Reva brand of (plastic) pegs you can buy from Woolies. Just the regular ones, not the heavy duty version of the brand. They are twice the price of the Woolworths Essentials pegs, but they've held up really well to 10 years of living in an extremely hot climate, followed by 4 years in a cold climate. I bet they would do even better if I didn't leave them outside all the time....

Seconding the recommendation for Reva pegs.

Mine are going on nine years.

@marty998 thought I was insane for having a preferred brand of pegs.

Then I bought him a packet and ... he still doesn't really have an opinion either way. :D
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: marty998 on March 17, 2018, 05:27:57 AM
My plastic pegs are breaking down and I need new ones. Any recommendations for wooden or metal pegs?

Not exactly what you are asking for, but I really love the Reva brand of (plastic) pegs you can buy from Woolies. Just the regular ones, not the heavy duty version of the brand. They are twice the price of the Woolworths Essentials pegs, but they've held up really well to 10 years of living in an extremely hot climate, followed by 4 years in a cold climate. I bet they would do even better if I didn't leave them outside all the time....

Seconding the recommendation for Reva pegs.

Mine are going on nine years.

@marty998 thought I was insane for having a preferred brand of pegs.

Then I bought him a packet and ... he still doesn't really have an opinion either way. :D

Fuck I was embarrassed when you handed me pegs haha.

Reva are good 😊

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on March 18, 2018, 05:33:26 AM
Another thing I do is whatever compostable waste I make at work -- banana peels, tea bags, used paper towels, whatever -- I bring it home at the end of the day and throw it in my compost bin.  We have recycling bins at work, but no compost. It drives me crazy to throw good compostables in a garbage bin.

Would you be willing to make a communal compost bin at work that you bring home each day?

I sure would!  Great idea -- thanks!  Let me see . . . I'll start by watching the kitchen garbage can at work for a few days and seeing what my coworkers are actually throwing in there -- how much is compostable, what kind of things they are.   
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on March 18, 2018, 11:45:04 AM
I stayed home all day yesterday.  Recycled a bucket of water I had drawn when we were having a bad windstorm a couple weeks ago, when I thought my power and water might be effected by falling trees.  Today I used it to mop up some messes. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: deborah on March 18, 2018, 06:23:58 PM
My plastic pegs are breaking down and I need new ones. Any recommendations for wooden or metal pegs?

Not exactly what you are asking for, but I really love the Reva brand of (plastic) pegs you can buy from Woolies. Just the regular ones, not the heavy duty version of the brand. They are twice the price of the Woolworths Essentials pegs, but they've held up really well to 10 years of living in an extremely hot climate, followed by 4 years in a cold climate. I bet they would do even better if I didn't leave them outside all the time....
My wooden pegs have lasted at least that long, and  they stay on the line all the time. They are just normal wooden pegs.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on March 18, 2018, 09:15:50 PM
* Picked up a bag of trash this morning in this weird high-traffic no-maintenance area near my house. Got some exercise, plus found $0.35 of recycling and a penny. The kids call this activity "plogging": "picking up litter while jogging"

* Rode my cargo bike to a bazaar organized by our local Buy Nothing group -- gave away some gizmos and children's books, came home with some collard greens, cake mix, more children's books, a gallon jug and a huge bottle of bubbles to entertain the kids.

* Made sourdough bread -- no packaging involved other than the recyclable paper bag of flour
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on March 19, 2018, 06:35:50 AM
I hung three loads of laundry out on the clothesline.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fishindude on March 19, 2018, 07:21:43 AM
Built and installed (3) cedar wood duck nesting boxes yesterday.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: gatortator on March 19, 2018, 03:31:54 PM
love this thread and delurking now...

I gave up driving for lent.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on March 20, 2018, 06:22:33 AM
* Picked up a bag of trash this morning in this weird high-traffic no-maintenance area near my house. Got some exercise, plus found $0.35 of recycling and a penny. The kids call this activity "plogging": "picking up litter while jogging"

Ha ha Jengod -- in my family we call this "Rat" running -- From Running Against Trash. So sometimes I will grab a garbage bag and announce "I'm going for a rat run."
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on March 20, 2018, 08:41:52 PM
I love the terms for picking up trash while doing another activity. I always take an extra plastic bag when I walk my dog, just for aluminum cans. I got a couple of pounds today! I started keeping track of the loose change I pick up, too. I read a NYTimes article about a doctor who picked up almost $100/year from walking through the park. Inspiration!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on March 21, 2018, 05:20:07 AM
I read a NYTimes article about a doctor who picked up almost $100/year from walking through the park. Inspiration!

My teenage daughter finds money nearly every time we go somewhere.  It's eerie -- like the cosmic forces are sending money her way.  Yesterday on our run together she found a credit card.  We weren't able to find the person's name in the phone listings, so we cut it up.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fishindude on March 23, 2018, 11:00:35 AM
Just hired an excavation contractor to totally rebuild an old run down pond on our property.   The dam had blown out of it decades ago, prior to our ownership, lots of trees and brush grown up, etc.
When complete, should have a 1/2 to 3/4 acre pond about 10' - 12' deep.    Hope to stock fish by late summer.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on March 23, 2018, 03:46:20 PM
Today marked the third week in a row of having only one, not-even-full bag of trash for trash pickup day. :-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on March 23, 2018, 08:15:20 PM
Just hired an excavation contractor to totally rebuild an old run down pond on our property.   The dam had blown out of it decades ago, prior to our ownership, lots of trees and brush grown up, etc.
When complete, should have a 1/2 to 3/4 acre pond about 10' - 12' deep.    Hope to stock fish by late summer.

Ooo, I have always dreamed of having my own pond with fish in it!!  Good luck!

I have not had a dryer for almost 3 months!!  Weirdly, our utility company reports that our gas usage was identical to Jan and Feb of last year.  This can't be right-- in ordinary times we do at least 10 large loads of laundry a week. We submitted a meter reading last month, however, and they say that it was the same as their recorded value.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on March 24, 2018, 12:59:52 PM
I took a bus halfway to my local gun control march. The connecting bus only comes every 90 minutes on Saturdays and I was going to be late if I waited for it so I Lyfted the rest of the way. Will try to transit part way home as well.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on March 27, 2018, 03:22:15 PM
Technically it was 2 days ago. But instead of buying a weighted blanket for my son, I upcycled fleece blankets from Goodwill. I did have to buy the pellets new (boo) but at least I saved fleece!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on March 28, 2018, 02:13:33 PM
Just hired an excavation contractor to totally rebuild an old run down pond on our property.   The dam had blown out of it decades ago, prior to our ownership, lots of trees and brush grown up, etc.
When complete, should have a 1/2 to 3/4 acre pond about 10' - 12' deep.    Hope to stock fish by late summer.

This is completely awesome.  Ponds support all kids of creatures, and that will be a great size! 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on March 29, 2018, 08:14:24 PM
Our gardener hasn’t shown up lately (for reasons unclear) so this evening I went out there with our manual/reel lawn mower (purchased used at an estate sale) and mowed, and then cleaned up the odd bits with a vintage Craftsman sickle I once trashpicked out of a pile of scrap metal.

Anyway, no carbon emissions plus chop-and-drop “grasscycling” to build soil vitality long-term.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on March 30, 2018, 08:52:04 AM
- Dried laundry outside
- Will turn various vegetable odds and ends into a delicious stew
- Cleaning and decluttering and will go through our winter clothes to see if there are any items that need mending or should be donated
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Holyoak on March 30, 2018, 10:01:17 AM
Rather than simply opening the hot water tap at my sink, letting cold water run down the drain until hot, I collect it and use it for laundry day to fill the washing machine.  I also collect the basically clear rinse water, and use it for the next wash load.  Old washing machines had a feature along these same lines.  Will hang dry as much as possible allowing for conditions.

I also use a full flow shower head in conjunction with a shutoff.  This way I get a nice satisfying shower during wet-down and wash-off, but save a ton of water while lathering up, leaving it off or at a very reduced rate.  I'm also a super conservative garbage producer, maybe producing one 13 gal bag a month.  My ratio of recycling to trash is many, many orders of magnitude.

I also sweep up many piles of sunflower seed husks produced at my feeders, and turn them into great mulch.

My all gas (heat/stove/WH) breezy/practically un-insulated 1955 2 BR rental home in the heart of the Lake Erie Snowbelt, had a $54 bill last month, and it was plenty cold.

I take the city bus as much as possible, which I enjoy even more since it went to CNG.  Just looked, and I have only driven 1200 miles since June of last year.

I reload all ammunition I shoot aside from rimfire, this save a ton of $$$ not to mention resources, especially when I use bullets I cast from scrap lead, and can get many, many firings from the brass case.  When the case is beyond use, it gets recycled.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on March 30, 2018, 10:13:56 AM
I was craving ice-cream and decided to try one of the new Ben & Jerry's dairy free ones that were on sale :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: csprof on March 30, 2018, 07:05:02 PM
Broke out the hot glue gun and managed to 90% fix an umbrella that was on the way out.  (Little end-caps that hold the nylon material on kept coming off whenever the umbrella was closed).  It won't last forever, but it should get me through spring without needing to buy a new one.  Yay!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on March 30, 2018, 08:03:06 PM
Giving away and receiving items on Buy Nothing this week.

As always, line drying all laundry including cloth nappies.

Mulching my garden to improve water retention.

Mostly vegan and vegetarian meals this week.

Baby's food is all cooked from scratch, no overly packaged "convenience" foods for him.

Traditional Easter takeaway tonight will be wrapped only in paper, no plastic or plastic-coated cardboard.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: RunningintoFI on March 30, 2018, 10:00:49 PM
I basically did nothing today besides run and read a book.  By doing nothing I feel like I did something for the environment.  That makes sense, right?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on March 30, 2018, 10:32:23 PM
I basically did nothing today besides run and read a book.  By doing nothing I feel like I did something for the environment.  That makes sense, right?

Yes! You didn't drive, or buy stupid consumer shit, or anything like that. It counts.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on March 31, 2018, 12:53:54 AM
Hung out two loads of laundry to dry.

Peed in a bucket and fed it to my persimmon tree.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on April 01, 2018, 12:20:08 AM
Easter Sunday here. We only purchased eggs and bunnies in foil (no plastic or plastic-coated cardboard boxes) so the packaging is 100% recyclable.

Thought ahead with Easter brunch so we had a plan for all the leftovers. I might be eating more bagels than usual, but nothing will be wasted.

Food scraps and cardboard and paper waste are going in the worm farm.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on April 01, 2018, 09:09:22 AM
Took home the leftovers from Easter brunch at my grandma's. She was happy to get rid of them and I was happy to take them. Mostly veggies and some cold meats. We don't normally eat that, but eating it is better than throwing it away.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on April 01, 2018, 12:36:32 PM
Hung two loads of laundry on the clothesline and one in the basement on the drying rack.
Walked to church this morning.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on April 01, 2018, 12:49:36 PM
Took home the leftovers from Easter brunch at my grandma's. She was happy to get rid of them and I was happy to take them. Mostly veggies and some cold meats. We don't normally eat that, but eating it is better than throwing it away.

Oh, and also got a relative's thermos flask. They wanted to get rid of it because the cap is missing (not the lid). It's 0,5 liter sized so you can either drink straight from the flask or take any other unbreakable cup with you to drink from. Good enough for me.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on April 04, 2018, 03:26:49 PM
Today we're combining (necessary) car trips to minimise fuel use.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: pancakes on April 04, 2018, 06:37:44 PM
I am right now using my reusable coffee cup that I purchased last year.

I’ve only forgotten it once so far this year and caved in and bought coffee in a disposable cup. Better yet for my wallet too, I usually make my coffee at home and take it with me on my walk now.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on April 04, 2018, 06:51:02 PM
Today we're combining (necessary) car trips to minimise fuel use.

I did this today too!

I also did not buy myself Starbucks as a treat after my doctor appointment because we had plans to go out for ice cream after dinner, then those got scrapped when toddler refused to eat his dinner. So no single use disposables today!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on April 05, 2018, 04:43:45 AM
I bought some silverware at Goodwill and stuck it in the drawer in the break room at work.  Some people are using it, rather than the plastic forks and spoons they provide. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on April 05, 2018, 04:56:36 AM
I really, really wanted to go for a drive to the shops for got chips. Instead I took baby to the library for sing-along time, then we went to the park after his nap, and I ate various junk food in the pantry instead. Both trips were walking in the pram. He got worn out and slept well, I still got my fix.

Also line drying washing, hubby took the bus to work and we're reusing the boxes from our recent house move by giving them back to my parents for when they move in a few months. Some of those boxes have been through 5+ people moving house now, we only bought a couple to help us move and the rest are very second-hand!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Abe on April 07, 2018, 12:14:56 AM
Biking to work, grocery store and all activities within town. My goal is, except for emergency calls, not to drive for the next 6 months.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on April 07, 2018, 03:07:36 AM
It's a bright and sunny Saturday morning in here. I'm going to dry laundry outside today and then go to the market on my bike to buy unwrapped fruit and vegetables and to refill my glass milk bottle. We don't drink milk a lot, but these days, when we use it we go to the market where a farmer fills my bottle straight from the tap. No extra waste and no middle man to take the farmer's profits.

Then I'm probably going to clean and do a bit of DIY in our bedroom. We have guests coming over next week and the room really needs a good spring clean.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Yasha on April 09, 2018, 07:06:34 AM
524 bottles returned this year.

Thanks for your inspiring number! I just cashed in my second $20 load of cans and bottles (in addition to some $1-$2 trips) so by my calculation (rough count of the coins in my 'can money' lunchbox) I've return-and-earned 520 cans/bottles. Woot woot! All this 'bonus money' is going to paying down a debt just a liiiittle faster.

I've also learned tonight that it is a little frightening to be a smallish young woman who looks a little hipster (short blue hair) cashing in cans on bin night on recycling fortnight with all the houso's screaming at each others for 'stealing' each others recycling O_O... I think I'll make sure to avoid Monday nights in the future and stick to a nice safe Saturday morning with all the Soccer Mums cashing in the team's waterbottles (legit saw someone pull up in a ute with the tray completely full of water bottles - who buys that much bottled water in a city with lovely free tap water???) purely for safety/scary reasons.

Other than that - ate vegetarian, composted coffeegrounds, dried laundry on the clothes horse outside, closed windows and blinds in the heat of the day, opened them in the evening, opened the dishwasher to air-dry instead of fan-dry, borrowed friend's car for half an hour to take the cans to the machine rather than owning a car (haven't had a car for almost three years now), caught the free bus to and from work.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: SimplyFinanciallyFree on April 09, 2018, 07:52:07 AM
Our office is extremely wasteful, with paper cups, plastic utensils, paper plates, etc.  I can't stand the waste so I have my own set of real utensils, water cup with lid, a travel mug, and a bowl that all live at my desk.  I also bring in a clean cloth napkin and dish towel every week to use during lunch.  People give my a strange look, especially with the napkin, but I just can't stand the extreme waste that I see daily. I am just trying to do my part.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on April 09, 2018, 07:57:00 AM
I re-use my paper cup at work and also have my own mug (but it's super large so sometimes I still grab a paper one if I just want a single cup of tea).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on April 09, 2018, 02:30:25 PM
REPAIR:
* I fixed our stepstool by replacing four hex nuts that had been lost in the 40 years since it was manufactured.
* I sewed up a separated seam on one of our couch cushions.
* I sewed up a hole in the bottom of one of my reusable bags. It's very imperfect (darning, how does it work?) but it will do.

CONSERVE
* Watered houseplants with leftover drinking water, dishwater and melted ice cubes
* Peed in a bucket and fed it to the compost bin
* Routed some household greywater toward plants

ROT
* No green waste sent to the city again this week, all to to the compost bins or as top-dressing/mulch for the yard.

REDUCE
* The weekend was almost completely car-free. All trips were transit or walked, except our return from a date-night cooking class in an Uber.

RECYCLE
* Gave away our learning tower to another mom in our local Buy Nothing group. It has a fairly large footprint in our small-ish house, the big kids refuse to use it, and the little one is too small to help cook for a couple more years. Hopefully I'll be able to borrow it back in the future if I need one again.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on April 10, 2018, 06:02:53 AM

* I sewed up a hole in the bottom of one of my reusable bags. It's very imperfect (darning, how does it work?) but it will do.



Are you using a machine or sewing by hand?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on April 10, 2018, 06:21:07 AM
I fixed some mittens that were wearing thin in the thumbs, and then decided to sew some more and made a lavender rice bag out of an old sock :) 

One of the pair wore through in the heel, but the socks are a super cute elephant pattern, so I wanted to keep them somehow.  It actually will work really well for neck aches, because it bends nicely to rest on your shoulders when you put it on your neck.  Unexpected benefit!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on April 11, 2018, 07:23:51 PM
Normal things today:
Taking public transport.
Eating vegan and vegetarian bulk cooked meals.
Baby in cloth nappies.
Line drying laundry.

Unusual things today:
Going to pick up prescriptions from a pharmacy within walking distance to avoid driving.
Researched medical imaging chains to find one that had a location within walking distance of home. Also great because I never want to drive immediately after any kind of medical appointment.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Basenji on April 11, 2018, 07:51:46 PM
Took a long soaking bath. Left water in tub. Put a small bucket between tub and toilet bowl (small bathroom, they are near each other) and will use buckets of water from the tub to flush the toilet until the water in the tub is gone.






Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tom Bri on April 11, 2018, 09:33:09 PM
Renovated my small solar water heater for the spring season by replacing the reflector. This is simply a cardboard box lined with aluminum foil. Place a pan of water in it and leave it in the sun. On bright days it reaches just short of boiling temp. Really cuts down on cooking time.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Sanne on April 12, 2018, 05:57:18 AM
- Not eating animal products (not only today but every day)
- Biking to work
- Brought homemade vegan chocolate fairtrade treats to work for my colleagues
- Brought my outdoor cardigan to a tailor to get it fixed (needs a new zipper)
- Brought my lunch to work in a reusable bag
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Drew0311 on April 13, 2018, 06:58:33 AM
All of my trips in town are by ebike. I have a utility trailer for groceries and larger stuff and I recharge the battery with solar panels.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on April 13, 2018, 03:14:05 PM
I read a NYTimes article about a doctor who picked up almost $100/year from walking through the park. Inspiration!

You intrigued me. Looked it up. So cool.

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/03/23/coin-drop

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on April 13, 2018, 10:13:51 PM
Ended up having to buy some baby clothes new (got as many hand-me-downs as we could via Buy Nothing but did not strike gold; still had to acquire quite a few things in the next size for winter. No baby clothes at all in any of my local op shops!). We took reusable grocery bags to pack our purchases. I'm used to bringing my own bags for groceries but don't really think about it for "stuff" shopping (mostly because I just avoid shopping at all costs).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on April 13, 2018, 10:29:35 PM
Ended up having to buy some baby clothes new (got as many hand-me-downs as we could via Buy Nothing but did not strike gold; still had to acquire quite a few things in the next size for winter. No baby clothes at all in any of my local op shops!). We took reusable grocery bags to pack our purchases. I'm used to bringing my own bags for groceries but don't really think about it for "stuff" shopping (mostly because I just avoid shopping at all costs).

I tried to take some baby toys to Vinnie's as a favour for someone and they wouldn't have them. Cited hygiene. I wonder if it's put people off donating anything baby. They did take the clothes off me and some scruffy books, a bunch of CDs but turned their nose up at many useful bits. Got rid of it all on FB so it didn't go in the bin.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on April 13, 2018, 10:57:03 PM
Ended up having to buy some baby clothes new (got as many hand-me-downs as we could via Buy Nothing but did not strike gold; still had to acquire quite a few things in the next size for winter. No baby clothes at all in any of my local op shops!). We took reusable grocery bags to pack our purchases. I'm used to bringing my own bags for groceries but don't really think about it for "stuff" shopping (mostly because I just avoid shopping at all costs).

I tried to take some baby toys to Vinnie's as a favour for someone and they wouldn't have them. Cited hygiene. I wonder if it's put people off donating anything baby. They did take the clothes off me and some scruffy books, a bunch of CDs but turned their nose up at many useful bits. Got rid of it all on FB so it didn't go in the bin.

It makes me wonder what volume of baby clothing ends up in landfill :-(
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on April 14, 2018, 05:07:54 AM
Ended up having to buy some baby clothes new (got as many hand-me-downs as we could via Buy Nothing but did not strike gold; still had to acquire quite a few things in the next size for winter. No baby clothes at all in any of my local op shops!). We took reusable grocery bags to pack our purchases. I'm used to bringing my own bags for groceries but don't really think about it for "stuff" shopping (mostly because I just avoid shopping at all costs).

I tried to take some baby toys to Vinnie's as a favour for someone and they wouldn't have them. Cited hygiene. I wonder if it's put people off donating anything baby. They did take the clothes off me and some scruffy books, a bunch of CDs but turned their nose up at many useful bits. Got rid of it all on FB so it didn't go in the bin.

I wonder if this is just St. Vinnie's.   I could swear I have seen baby clothes at Goodwill?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on April 14, 2018, 05:12:38 AM
Ended up having to buy some baby clothes new (got as many hand-me-downs as we could via Buy Nothing but did not strike gold; still had to acquire quite a few things in the next size for winter. No baby clothes at all in any of my local op shops!). We took reusable grocery bags to pack our purchases. I'm used to bringing my own bags for groceries but don't really think about it for "stuff" shopping (mostly because I just avoid shopping at all costs).

I tried to take some baby toys to Vinnie's as a favour for someone and they wouldn't have them. Cited hygiene. I wonder if it's put people off donating anything baby. They did take the clothes off me and some scruffy books, a bunch of CDs but turned their nose up at many useful bits. Got rid of it all on FB so it didn't go in the bin.

I wonder if this is just St. Vinnie's.   I could swear I have seen baby clothes at Goodwill?

No Goodwill in my city / country.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on April 14, 2018, 05:57:34 AM
Ended up having to buy some baby clothes new (got as many hand-me-downs as we could via Buy Nothing but did not strike gold; still had to acquire quite a few things in the next size for winter. No baby clothes at all in any of my local op shops!). We took reusable grocery bags to pack our purchases. I'm used to bringing my own bags for groceries but don't really think about it for "stuff" shopping (mostly because I just avoid shopping at all costs).

I tried to take some baby toys to Vinnie's as a favour for someone and they wouldn't have them. Cited hygiene. I wonder if it's put people off donating anything baby. They did take the clothes off me and some scruffy books, a bunch of CDs but turned their nose up at many useful bits. Got rid of it all on FB so it didn't go in the bin.

I wonder if this is just St. Vinnie's.   I could swear I have seen baby clothes at Goodwill?

No Goodwill in my city / country.

Got it!  I was interested when you mentioned Vinnie's, as I grew up with those in the midwest US.   But I have not seen any Vinnie's since I moved to the east coast . . . Regional thing I guess.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on April 15, 2018, 03:12:35 AM
This is from a couple of days ago. We stayed in a cabin in a caravan park for the better part of a week on holidays. We made the mistake of grocery shopping while hungry and overestimated how much we’d actually cook.

Instead of throwing out a bag of veggies (or trying to transport it home in a hot cramped car over several days and it all going off), I put it all in a bag and went for a wander. Found a young family camping nearby and asked if they’d like our veggies.

They said yes and seemed very happy to have them! So I saved some food waste and hopefully saved a young family a few dollars.

Which reminds me: before we went away I managed to run down our perishables almost completely except for garlic. So our friend got a small bag of garlic with her birthday present the night before we left on our holiday.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on April 15, 2018, 12:29:18 PM
We heard on TV that biologically degradable plastic bags often don't degrade in a composting bin. They need a lot of hest, which is only retrieved in a professional garbage factory.
We noticed that the bags in our compost bin don't degrade fast enough. When we take out the composted earth at the end of the season, there are still grey plastic strips. From now on we will thow away the green stuff without the bag. We placed a separate container for the bags beside the compost bin, so that it is easy to throw away the bag.
I fished a pile of half degraded plastic bags out of the top layer of compost.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on April 15, 2018, 10:52:36 PM
* Brought reusable shopping bags and produce bags to grocery shop. Bought milk in reusable glass bottles.

* Drank the juice of a blood orange that we grew in our very own yard. The tree has taken years to produce any substantial fruit crop but it's pretty darn tasty.

* We have a outdoor faucet that drips. Placed one of our potted pineapples and a native tree under there to absorb the drips, and then put the watering can under to collect more from around the yard. I've noticed goldfinches perch on the watering can and drink the water!

* Watered herb bed with greywater runoff from sink/dishwasher/laundry.

* Collected and crushed wind-blown leaves for mulch.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on April 16, 2018, 03:20:10 AM
Not from today, but we received the water bill today.

We did some DIY this winter and found a few small leaks in our pipes. We fixed them and now our water bill is 17% lower! That's only €5/month, but it's a lot of water saved. We have also installed a water saving toilet, so I hope to be able to reduce our bills even further in the future.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on April 16, 2018, 05:07:38 AM
Not from today, but we received the water bill today.

We did some DIY this winter and found a few small leaks in our pipes. We fixed them and now our water bill is 17% lower! That's only €5/month, but it's a lot of water saved. We have also installed a water saving toilet, so I hope to be able to reduce our bills even further in the future.

That's great Imma!  Congrats!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Astatine on April 16, 2018, 06:22:41 PM
Yesterday DH and I bought some new clothes from a vintage/secondhand clothes shop.

He got a shirt that he should be able to wear to work and some cuff links (looked new and were about half the price of ones we’ve seen in department stores).

I got an A-line long wool jacket for winter (and if I end up not wearing it, DH is happy to have it). And I got a gorgeous waistcoat.

All of it was in as-new condition. Huzzah!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on April 17, 2018, 12:15:44 AM
Walked to and from my brother's house instead of driving.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on April 17, 2018, 06:41:00 AM
Used up overripe bananas and sour milk by making muffins. Greased the pan with butter instead of using liners.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on April 17, 2018, 12:27:43 PM
Walked to the post office instead of adding distance to my work drive. Plus, bonus exercise!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: JimLahey on April 18, 2018, 11:31:01 PM
I went fishing for a bit today but it was crazy windy. So I actually spent most of my time picking up trash around the area I was fishing. Ended up with a plastic grocery bag full mostly of beer cans and plastic liquor bottles. I once stumbled upon a geocache in the same area while picking up trash.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on April 19, 2018, 12:33:56 PM
Went for a walk in the neighbourhood this evening, and yesterday, and picked up some garbage.

At work we have a perforator that worked really badly. I though I had to order a new one. But then I asked the janitor to grease it. Now it works fine again.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on April 19, 2018, 12:36:49 PM
DH just had an operation in a hospital 1,5 hour driving from home. He is not allowed to drive home. I had planned to pick him up tomorrow. But he said he is feeling so well now that he is planning to take the train home.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on April 19, 2018, 12:49:23 PM
DH just had an operation in a hospital 1,5 hour driving from home. He is not allowed to drive home. I had planned to pick him up tomorrow. But he said he is feeling so well now that he is planning to take the train home.

Did he have surgery for the heart issue you have discussed on here? I'm glad to hear he's feeling well now, I hope he's going to feel a lot better now.

It kind of sounds like he's planning to take the train on his own. I would check with the hospital if they're willing to let him go home alone. A few years back I had a (relatively minor) surgery that required an overnight stay. I was going to take the bus home the next day, but the hospital said I'd have to stay another night if I planned on travelling home alone. I also felt well, the bus ride was 45 minutes and the stop right in front of my house, but the hospital still wasn't comfortable with it. I guess legally they wouldn't have been able to force me to stay another night, but I called around and in the end found someone willing to give me a ride home. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on April 19, 2018, 01:18:11 PM
DH just had an operation in a hospital 1,5 hour driving from home. He is not allowed to drive home. I had planned to pick him up tomorrow. But he said he is feeling so well now that he is planning to take the train home.

Did he have surgery for the heart issue you have discussed on here? I'm glad to hear he's feeling well now, I hope he's going to feel a lot better now.

It kind of sounds like he's planning to take the train on his own. I would check with the hospital if they're willing to let him go home alone. A few years back I had a (relatively minor) surgery that required an overnight stay. I was going to take the bus home the next day, but the hospital said I'd have to stay another night if I planned on travelling home alone. I also felt well, the bus ride was 45 minutes and the stop right in front of my house, but the hospital still wasn't comfortable with it. I guess legally they wouldn't have been able to force me to stay another night, but I called around and in the end found someone willing to give me a ride home.

Yes, it is that heart surgery. I will warn him to ask the hospital explisitely. I don't feel like asking them behind his back.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: whitewaterchica on April 19, 2018, 02:49:00 PM
These comments are so enjoyable to read. I walk 5-6 days per week, taking various routes through my town. The last couple weeks I've starting picking up the misc garbage and recycling that tends to get blown out of cans on windy days.

Confirmed that my new office mate knows where the recycling cans are and emphasized that we are big in recycling (he throws his recycling in his trash can daily). The majority of us use reusable water bottles and coffee/tea mugs but he is a 10 cup of coffee, take a new paper cup each time, plus 3 plastic water bottles a day kind of a guy so I likely wasted my breath. Oh well.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on April 19, 2018, 03:19:33 PM
That sucks. My new thing is to let people know that all the plastic they ever used still exists.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on April 19, 2018, 06:54:00 PM
My new thing is to let people know that all the plastic they ever used still exists.

I needed to read this today - illness has lead to far more plastic usage (primarily food packaging) than usual for our household.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on April 19, 2018, 07:29:39 PM
My new thing is to let people know that all the plastic they ever used still exists.

I needed to read this today - illness has lead to far more plastic usage (primarily food packaging) than usual for our household.

I think you get a pass right now. Single use stuff for sick, injured or disabled people, and for hospitals & clinics, is totally ok in my book! The rest of the developed world just needs to slow the fuck down and take a look.

eta: #slowthefuckdown - the slow movement with a bit more bite.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on April 20, 2018, 01:11:15 AM
These comments are so enjoyable to read. I walk 5-6 days per week, taking various routes through my town. The last couple weeks I've starting picking up the misc garbage and recycling that tends to get blown out of cans on windy days.

Confirmed that my new office mate knows where the recycling cans are and emphasized that we are big in recycling (he throws his recycling in his trash can daily). The majority of us use reusable water bottles and coffee/tea mugs but he is a 10 cup of coffee, take a new paper cup each time, plus 3 plastic water bottles a day kind of a guy so I likely wasted my breath. Oh well.

Our customers who visited our office the last few days, grabbed a paper cup and wrote their initials on it. And kept using the same cup the whole day. They are well trained. :-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on April 20, 2018, 04:53:45 AM
My new thing is to let people know that all the plastic they ever used still exists.

I needed to read this today - illness has lead to far more plastic usage (primarily food packaging) than usual for our household.

I think you get a pass right now. Single use stuff for sick, injured or disabled people, and for hospitals & clinics, is totally ok in my book! The rest of the developed world just needs to slow the fuck down and take a look.

eta: #slowthefuckdown - the slow movement with a bit more bite.

Agreed. It is ENTIRELY appropriate for your situation.

I'm currently trying to plan ahead for late pregnancy and the first few weeks with a newborn to keep the packaging from getting out of control. But I, you know, have had notice and time to plan. That doesn't necessarily happen with illness.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on April 22, 2018, 05:44:01 AM
I have realised all over again that my menstrual is so much more convenient than the disposable pads and tampons I used before. Making the switch to cloth pads and a menstrual cup was daunting, but I'm so glad I did.

On that topic, today:
Used my menstrual cup and cloth pads.
Baby is in cloth nappies.
Cooked from unpackaged ingredients.
Washed clothes in cold water and line dried them.
Turned off the retic now that we're finally getting some rain.
Shifted potted plants to catch the rain.
Used warming up water from the shower to water plants that never get rained on.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on April 22, 2018, 05:59:32 AM
I have realised all over again that my menstrual is so much more convenient than the disposable pads and tampons I used before. Making the switch to cloth pads and a menstrual cup was daunting, but I'm so glad I did.

On that topic, today:
Used my menstrual cup and cloth pads.

Ohh never realized how using the cup was also an environmental win. Used mine for the whole past week and it's soooo much better than tampons. I still have friends who say they find it gross, but I find tampons much much more gross!

I also went to the market yesterday and got quite some unpacked veggies.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on April 22, 2018, 06:42:59 AM
I have realised all over again that my menstrual is so much more convenient than the disposable pads and tampons I used before. Making the switch to cloth pads and a menstrual cup was daunting, but I'm so glad I did.

On that topic, today:
Used my menstrual cup and cloth pads.

Ohh never realized how using the cup was also an environmental win. Used mine for the whole past week and it's soooo much better than tampons. I still have friends who say they find it gross, but I find tampons much much more gross!

I also went to the market yesterday and got quite some unpacked veggies.

I post this literally every time anyone in any forum/FB post mentions their menstrual cup, lol. 

I feel like my cramps are at least 10x better with a cup than they were with a tampon.  The whole process is far more manageable for me, and the cup lasts so much longer between changes than tampons do!  I recommend them to EVERYONE.  I've had my cups for far longer than the manufacturer recommends (>10 years), but they are still clean and perfectly usable.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on April 22, 2018, 07:18:41 PM
I have realised all over again that my menstrual is so much more convenient than the disposable pads and tampons I used before. Making the switch to cloth pads and a menstrual cup was daunting, but I'm so glad I did.

On that topic, today:
Used my menstrual cup and cloth pads.

Ohh never realized how using the cup was also an environmental win. Used mine for the whole past week and it's soooo much better than tampons. I still have friends who say they find it gross, but I find tampons much much more gross!

I also went to the market yesterday and got quite some unpacked veggies.

I post this literally every time anyone in any forum/FB post mentions their menstrual cup, lol. 

I feel like my cramps are at least 10x better with a cup than they were with a tampon.  The whole process is far more manageable for me, and the cup lasts so much longer between changes than tampons do!  I recommend them to EVERYONE.  I've had my cups for far longer than the manufacturer recommends (>10 years), but they are still clean and perfectly usable.

It's the long lasting bit that really does it for me - I LOVE not having to worry about emptying my cup for twelve hours at a time. I sleep so much better than I do wearing a pad. It's just awesome!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on April 22, 2018, 10:45:59 PM
Car-free weekend!

I, too, used a menstrual cup!

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on April 23, 2018, 02:12:51 AM
I have probably written it here before. We have a project where we receive warm water from the neighbours who produce this with their mountain warmth pump. There are supposed to be solar panels set up as well, but after 2,5 years, these are still not in place. Maybe this summer, but I've heard this before...

We have been running the project the whole winter. When we started in October, the water entering our house was 32C. This went into our CV kettle that has a lowest temperature of 30C. So in October, the CV kettle didn't have to work to warm up the water for the floor heating. Unfortunately, the shower water is not going through the same system and needs to be warmed up seperately.
But as the days got colder, the water entering our house got colder. At the coldest, it was down at 25C, while 26C was very common. This water was warmed up by our kettle to 30C and then sent in the floor.
As long as we took care the thermostat didn't switch off, the water we returned was colder than the water coming in. We put the thermostat on 23C (much too warm for our house), and the house got 18C at max in practice.

Yesterday we finally had a meeting with the neighbours about this system. We told our experiences. Turns out the neighbour has been receiving 32-33C warm water into his house. While our water was down to 26C. And it is coming from the same large tank. Something weird was going in. So we did a test with changed water pressure and putting the pump higher. That worked, the water into our house changed to 32C.

It is a pity that we didn't have a meeting earlier. It didn't help that the neighbour who has this system in his house was living in south America for the last half year. So there was no one around who actually understood the system. But at least now, we find that now (when the weather is a lot warmer than in the winter) the system works well, with 2 of the 3 houses connected. But we still don't know who it will work when all 3 houses are connected and lived in and it is a proper winter.

Because we have been receiving so little warm water, which was so cold, the neighbours have decided that we didn't have to pay for this winter.

We saved 17% of our energy bill. We presume that the warmth pump at the neighbour's house uses less than our saved amount to warm up the water. When the solar panels ever are in place, this should be the main heating source in all months except for November to February.

I really want this to work, as it will make our house a lot more energy efficient. When we sell it (in a year or 2 when we start FIRE, hopefully), we can also sell it as a house with a (partly) green energy solution.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on April 23, 2018, 02:17:00 AM
I have realised all over again that my menstrual is so much more convenient than the disposable pads and tampons I used before. Making the switch to cloth pads and a menstrual cup was daunting, but I'm so glad I did.

On that topic, today:
Used my menstrual cup and cloth pads.

Ohh never realized how using the cup was also an environmental win. Used mine for the whole past week and it's soooo much better than tampons. I still have friends who say they find it gross, but I find tampons much much more gross!

I also went to the market yesterday and got quite some unpacked veggies.

I post this literally every time anyone in any forum/FB post mentions their menstrual cup, lol. 

I feel like my cramps are at least 10x better with a cup than they were with a tampon.  The whole process is far more manageable for me, and the cup lasts so much longer between changes than tampons do!  I recommend them to EVERYONE.  I've had my cups for far longer than the manufacturer recommends (>10 years), but they are still clean and perfectly usable.

It's the long lasting bit that really does it for me - I LOVE not having to worry about emptying my cup for twelve hours at a time. I sleep so much better than I do wearing a pad. It's just awesome!

I have also converted to the combination of cloth pads and cup. The cup is great at night and doesn't leak like any type of pad does. But I don't want to use it at work, even though we have many handicap toilets with water in the cubicle. I have also noticed it fills up quickly when I'm hiking in the forest. So I don't want to rely on it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on April 23, 2018, 01:39:06 PM
Yesterday I was in the garage, about to throw out my bike tire (bulging sidewall after three years of service) when I looked down at the old belt that I had tossed in the trash earlier that morning.  Pulled the belt buckle off, used some tin snips to cut my bike tire into a long strip roughly the same width and length as the ruined leather belt, drilled some holes at appropriate locations . . .

Today I'm wearing a cool looking, comfortable belt.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fishindude on April 25, 2018, 10:55:04 AM
Planted six Persimmon trees on the back forty near the pond.  Should be an excellent wildlife food source sometime in the future.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on April 30, 2018, 12:27:32 PM
Visiting a shop that we usually don't visit because it is out of our route. We found another shop in the same chain at a convenient place along the route we drove today for another purpose.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on April 30, 2018, 05:21:51 PM
We're having issues with Baby Ewok wetting straight through his nappies, and Mr Happier has been musing on the possibility of switching to disposables during the day (we already use a disposable overnight). I showed him this image yesterday and his immediate response was "shit, no way we can switch to disposables and do THAT". Crisis averted.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on April 30, 2018, 06:58:34 PM
We're having issues with Baby Ewok wetting straight through his nappies, and Mr Happier has been musing on the possibility of switching to disposables during the day (we already use a disposable overnight). I showed him this image yesterday and his immediate response was "shit, no way we can switch to disposables and do THAT". Crisis averted.
Might be time to change the size or design of the diaper.  We had to make adjustments a couple of times with each kid to prevent the leaks.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on May 01, 2018, 07:06:51 AM
We're having issues with Baby Ewok wetting straight through his nappies, and Mr Happier has been musing on the possibility of switching to disposables during the day (we already use a disposable overnight). I showed him this image yesterday and his immediate response was "shit, no way we can switch to disposables and do THAT". Crisis averted.
Might be time to change the size or design of the diaper.  We had to make adjustments a couple of times with each kid to prevent the leaks.

I recently started doubling up on inserts because our toddler is peeing through too.  The only problem is that he seems fairly susceptible to diaper rashes, and DH doesn't change him often enough in reusables, so then we go back to disposables so we can use the super-effective rash cream :(  The same thing happens at daycare, so we're only using cloth 3 days a week, and that picture @HappierAtHome posted makes my brain hurt.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on May 01, 2018, 09:08:23 AM
I pulled apart my winter bike hubs this year to discover that the grease had mostly washed out and the cones were slightly pitted.  I removed one cone easily and replaced it, but the other one is welded on with corrosion.  Checked everwhere for spare parts but couldn't find them for the hub (some kind of generic asian one.  Rather than throw it out, I attached the axle with the stuck cone it to my trusty cordless drill busted out some sandpaper of varying grits, and spent a few hours sanding the cone smooth again.  After re-assembling the hub, it spins beautifully now and hopefully I'll get another winter out of it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on May 03, 2018, 06:59:39 PM
This morning I asked a local independent grocery shop whether they would start stocking more packaging-free lines. They said they're working on it!! This is the only place I can get unpackaged nuts, beans etc anywhere near home, so if they keep moving towards plastic-free that will be fantastic for me.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on May 03, 2018, 07:18:02 PM
Request for help: I need to buy bigger inserts for my cloth nappies and am looking for alternatives to my current brand, that will work with my shells. Some light googling has not brought up other brands of cloth nappies with inserts I can snap into my shells. My inserts are as per the attached picture, with a snap at each end, and they are sized. All I want is sized inserts with a snap at each end. Anyone know a brand off the top of their head?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on May 06, 2018, 06:37:54 AM
Request for help: I need to buy bigger inserts for my cloth nappies and am looking for alternatives to my current brand, that will work with my shells. Some light googling has not brought up other brands of cloth nappies with inserts I can snap into my shells. My inserts are as per the attached picture, with a snap at each end, and they are sized. All I want is sized inserts with a snap at each end. Anyone know a brand off the top of their head?

@HappierAtHome Do you have to have snaps?  A lot of inserts will stay in place once they're on the baby, it just takes a little bit longer to get them on.  What kind of shells do you have? 

From a quick Googling, here in the US Alvababy and Lalabye diapers have sized inserts with snaps.  The Alvababy inserts have snaps only on one end, and the Lalaybe have a larger insert with snaps on both ends, and a doubler with one snap that you can add to the first insert.  I have mostly pocket diapers - more pricy, but I find stuffing them to be pretty easy/relaxing.

Other thought - could you just get a snap fastener tool and add snaps to inserts that are the right size?  I'd never considered it before, but the snaps are the same type you see on the fronts of most PUL diapers.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on May 06, 2018, 06:39:36 AM
I made yogurt this weekend!  We've started getting milk delivered, and we're getting WAY too much, so I decided to try, and it actually worked!  Flavored with some blackberry jam I made last year, it's pretty good.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hula Hoop on May 06, 2018, 06:42:15 AM
I used the chicken stock that I made earlier in the week with the leftover bones from a roast chicken to make a soup for lunch.  I also talked my husband out of going out for pizza last night just because he didn't feel like cooking even though we have a fridge full of food.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on May 06, 2018, 07:52:23 PM
Request for help: I need to buy bigger inserts for my cloth nappies and am looking for alternatives to my current brand, that will work with my shells. Some light googling has not brought up other brands of cloth nappies with inserts I can snap into my shells. My inserts are as per the attached picture, with a snap at each end, and they are sized. All I want is sized inserts with a snap at each end. Anyone know a brand off the top of their head?

@HappierAtHome Do you have to have snaps?  A lot of inserts will stay in place once they're on the baby, it just takes a little bit longer to get them on.  What kind of shells do you have? 

From a quick Googling, here in the US Alvababy and Lalabye diapers have sized inserts with snaps.  The Alvababy inserts have snaps only on one end, and the Lalaybe have a larger insert with snaps on both ends, and a doubler with one snap that you can add to the first insert.  I have mostly pocket diapers - more pricy, but I find stuffing them to be pretty easy/relaxing.

Other thought - could you just get a snap fastener tool and add snaps to inserts that are the right size?  I'd never considered it before, but the snaps are the same type you see on the fronts of most PUL diapers.

Thanks chaskavitch! I have Best Bottoms shells, which are basically a PUL nappy cover with snaps at each end for the insert.

I will totally consider adding snaps if I can find the right size (HUGE) inserts without snaps. Better still, a Perth MMMer has offered to lend me her snap press if I do that. Right now I'm weighing up whether it would actually be cheaper to sew my own inserts rather than buy the extra large Best Bottoms ones, or buy another brand and add snaps... and weighing up how many spoons (energy units) it would take, too.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on May 06, 2018, 07:53:35 PM
I have been planning to dig up my strawberry plants for some time, but wanted to wait until I found someone who would take them. A friend mentioned she wants to try growing strawberries - perfect!! No need for the plants to go to waste.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MrDelane on May 06, 2018, 08:16:17 PM
We used to go through a lot of sandwich sized ziploc bags.
Anytime we had a bit of leftover whatever, it went into a plastic bag.
And, most of the time, once that leftover was eaten (within just a few days) then the bag went in the trash.

We use some tupperware, but never seemed to have enough of the right size. Well, we got a set of small mason jars which we are using in place of ziplock bags. It's only been a week and we already see the difference.

And, bonus, since they're glass and sit vertically in the fridge its MUCH easier to see what we have.

Hopefully this is just the first step in significantly reducing our plastic consumption.

EDITED TO ADD:
I should probably mention that I never would have thought about it if it hadn't been for this site.  So thank you to this community for opening my eyes a bit more.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on May 06, 2018, 09:36:54 PM
* Harvested some Swiss chard from the backyard for dinner, used it as the greens in this one-skillet sweet potato-bean dish we like.

* Decanted a 3L jar of citrus vinegar to use for cleaning
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on May 07, 2018, 12:04:00 AM
Walked to work and will walk back again this afternoon.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BookLoverL on May 07, 2018, 02:51:14 AM
I've been doing some weeding in advance of planting my vegetable garden this year. Delicious herbicide-and-pesticide-free produce with no shipping miles, you say? Mmm...

I persuaded my mum to buy British-grown red cabbage instead of Savoy cabbage from Spain, which I'm sure would have more air miles to it.

On Saturday I walked the half an hour to the village pop-up cafe event instead of driving there (5 mins each way) and using up the fuel.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on May 08, 2018, 12:19:16 AM
Working my way through the freezer contents to make sure we use everything in a timely fashion to minimise food waste.

Making baby food (finger foods and purees) from unpackaged ingredients.

Baby and I are both dressed warmly so we don't have to put the heater on (our house gets COLD in Autumn and Winter).

As always, cloth nappies.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TheWifeHalf on May 08, 2018, 12:07:11 PM
I dug up 54 dandelions instead of using chemicals
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HouseofLife on May 09, 2018, 12:43:17 PM
Awesome thread! Today I:

Rode my bike to work (about 1.6 miles to and from work)

Made my own coffee in the morning, reducing the need for a cup of coffee at the store.

Left the light off at the office and let natural light come in (feels healthier!)

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: dashuk on May 09, 2018, 01:36:03 PM
Off work sick today. To pass the time after I eventually dragged myself out of bed around lunchtime I sat and fixed three t-shirts that had started to come apart at various seams and replaced the velcro fly on a pair of board shorts. All back into circulation rather than needing to be replaced.

However I am currently more proud of the fact OH has just trundled off with the bike trailer to pick up a huge load of used kids clothes. Putting the kids in used clothes and then passing them on again afterwards is of course good in itself,  but while OH rides quite a lot, it's usually with me rather than alone, and I usually do the hauling of stuff. If I wasn't sick, I'd probably have done this trip. In the circumstances she could easily have decided to take the car. Did I mention that it's a ten mile round trip and it started drizzling just as we got the bike out? Reasonable badassity upgrade in my opinion.

Also this week, we (read: she) has managed to find a different cloth nappy/diaper setup that works overnight for both kids. We've mostly used cloth with both in the daytime, but wound up using disposables overnight. Should now be down to just using disposables for holidays where we don't have access to a washing machine (camping).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on May 10, 2018, 08:52:30 PM
Walked two miles each way to get the kiddos from school.

Made a flower arrangement for the dinner table from what's growing in our backyard rather than buying a bouquet grown far away and shipped in by truck
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on May 12, 2018, 01:03:34 AM
We decided not to buy any decorations, party favours etc for the small afternoon tea we're hosting for Baby Ewok's first birthday. Today on Buy Nothing a gorgeous gold "one" balloon popped up - going to landfill if no-one wanted it. Perfect! I don't ever want to buy another balloon in my life now that I know how terrible they are for the environment, but reusing one that would otherwise be thrown out really appeals to me. I expect I can find another home for it afterwards, too!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on May 12, 2018, 01:24:55 AM
We decided not to buy any decorations, party favours etc for the small afternoon tea we're hosting for Baby Ewok's first birthday. Today on Buy Nothing a gorgeous gold "one" balloon popped up - going to landfill if no-one wanted it. Perfect! I don't ever want to buy another balloon in my life now that I know how terrible they are for the environment, but reusing one that would otherwise be thrown out really appeals to me. I expect I can find another home for it afterwards, too!

Yes I always see occasion balloons being given away, what a score!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on May 12, 2018, 01:25:56 AM
We decided not to buy any decorations, party favours etc for the small afternoon tea we're hosting for Baby Ewok's first birthday. Today on Buy Nothing a gorgeous gold "one" balloon popped up - going to landfill if no-one wanted it. Perfect! I don't ever want to buy another balloon in my life now that I know how terrible they are for the environment, but reusing one that would otherwise be thrown out really appeals to me. I expect I can find another home for it afterwards, too!

Such an amazing coincidence! Love those giveaway groups on Facebook.
And good job on not buying any decorations  single use decorations are so bad, so unnecessary and such an easily avoidable category of waste. Hope more people will follow your example!

I've eaten vegetarian and mostly vegan for the past weeks.

Walked to work (instead of biking so no environmental win there)

Haven't heated my place since April or so?

Barely use the light as the sun is up from 5.30 AM till 9 PM.

My roommates are kinda bad leaving the kitchen and hallway lights on 24/7, so I turn them off whenever I walk through the house.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on May 12, 2018, 05:47:34 AM
I'm staying home today to work on some coursework, with a few books borrowed from the libary and many digital files downloaded from the online library. I have not printed a single thing and I won't even have to print this essay once it's finished. Back when I first went to uni, I remember I looked up physical magazines quite a lot and copied articles. Everyone did that even though many publications were already available online: we simply didn't have a device to bring with us to class to store it on and internet connections at home were slow. I'm not even 30 yet but when I first went to uni laptops weren't common and I don't think smartphones actually existed. Everyone used pens and paper. Writing essays has become a lot more convenient now I have a fast laptop on my kitchen table and almost every publication you need available online.

I did two loads of laundry and line dried them. Will hopefully do some mending tonight. I've ripped the only pair of jeans I have left and even though the fabric is getting really thin, hopefully mending them will allow me to wear them for another month or so. I ride my bike a lot so jeans wear out quite fast. I get all my jeans secondhand and generally wear them out in about 6 months. I haven't had time to go thrift shopping for new-to-me jeans yet. It always amazes me how many women get rid of barely worn jeans from expensive brands.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on May 12, 2018, 06:00:36 AM
Oh Imma it's actually really good that you avoid printing stuff. I'm still really bad at that. I just prefer paper so much compared to reading from a screen. I also can't get myself to getting an e-reader no matter in how many ways it is more convenient than regular books. And reading academic papers on my laptop is horror due to my endless ways to distract myself online. Just having it printed out in front of me while all electronics are off ensures that I'll actually read it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on May 12, 2018, 09:39:53 AM
Meal planned and batch cooked to reduce food waste. Shopped at our farmer's market to reduce food miles. Picked up our weekly milk delivery (in glass!) and chatted with the dairy farmer about how to make homemade cottage cheese with the milk leftover from last week. I love living in an area with a robust agricultural community!

Checked out two ebooks from the library to read on my Kindle.

DH is cutting the grass with our reel mower.

This afternoon I'm going to do shorten the sleeves on a long-sleeved maternity dress so I can continue wearing it for the remainder of my pregnancy. More wardrobe options (and less laundry) with zero extra resource use. The cut-off sleeves will go into my scrap bin for kid sewing.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on May 12, 2018, 10:17:42 AM
Oh Imma it's actually really good that you avoid printing stuff. I'm still really bad at that. I just prefer paper so much compared to reading from a screen. I also can't get myself to getting an e-reader no matter in how many ways it is more convenient than regular books. And reading academic papers on my laptop is horror due to my endless ways to distract myself online. Just having it printed out in front of me while all electronics are off ensures that I'll actually read it.

It took some training for me as well, but there are clear advantages too, like using ctrl-f to search for the exact piece of information you need. I don't have an e-reader, I read articles on my laptop (I download the pdf, I get distracted when I read it straight from the browser). I have a free app on my phone that I use to read novels on the train.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: AnnaGrowsAMustache on May 12, 2018, 03:48:51 PM
My chickens bed down in paper shredding from my office, which then goes on the compost and finally the garden. The chickens clean up the food the cat leaves, and any other leftovers, and turn it into eggs.

I reuse jars, plastic bags etc etc.

Most of my environmental impact stuff is because I'm cheap, not because I'm environmentally aware!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on May 12, 2018, 08:18:11 PM
* Old-fashioned all-metal safety razor

* Cloth diapers, working on potty-training the baby

* Cooked at home

* Bamboo toothbrush instead of plastic handle

* Bar soap instead of plastic-bottled "body wash"
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on May 16, 2018, 07:32:58 AM
Today I:
- line dried a load of washing
- used some cloth nappies
- fed toddler "big people" food, mostly leftovers including rice, lentils, banana, hummus and crackers... Actually, I think today we were vegetarian!
- Enjoyed the pleasant weather!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on May 16, 2018, 10:42:04 AM
These comments are so enjoyable to read. I walk 5-6 days per week, taking various routes through my town. The last couple weeks I've starting picking up the misc garbage and recycling that tends to get blown out of cans on windy days.

Confirmed that my new office mate knows where the recycling cans are and emphasized that we are big in recycling (he throws his recycling in his trash can daily). The majority of us use reusable water bottles and coffee/tea mugs but he is a 10 cup of coffee, take a new paper cup each time, plus 3 plastic water bottles a day kind of a guy so I likely wasted my breath. Oh well.

How about getting him a beautiful new mug of his own at some point? Or a reusable water bottle with his name on it? I wouldn't give it as a pointed hint, but at some point when it seems reasonable to celebrate (like his birthday, minor promotion, or anniversary of his arrival)? Or give out free mugs/water bottles to a group of people and he gets one too?

In other words, you can't force him to reuse, but maybe if using a mug/bottle makes him feel good he will start.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on May 16, 2018, 06:39:06 PM
Cargo bike 4 miles round trip to pick up the kids from school. I think I found the route I can do without the elevation rise killing me while pushing three kids. (The big one should be able to ride by himself. Working on it.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on May 18, 2018, 11:48:26 AM
Refused a straw today
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Phryne on May 18, 2018, 06:13:06 PM
- not so small but including cause it makes me ridiculously happy: Paid the deposit on our Solar Panels!

- small: continuing to pick every tomato with a hint of ripening and bringing them inside to ripen by the window (this is impressive as in the Central Victorian Highlands we’re reaching max temps of about 12°C now, how are these plants still growing?!)

- small: about to walk to the farmers market for ethical pork.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on May 18, 2018, 06:30:55 PM
- not so small but including cause it makes me ridiculously happy: Paid the deposit on our Solar Panels!

Woo hoo!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Abe on May 18, 2018, 09:05:57 PM
Decided I'm just not going to use disposable plastic stuff anymore. No soda bottles, no straws, no disposable utensils. Read the latest National Geographic to see why.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on May 19, 2018, 03:12:47 AM
I had an old friend over for lunch, no cafe outing, I made delicious food and amazing brownie for us to share.

My partner has been taking our toddler to the toy library with Nana, so instead of buying toys he's getting a constant mix of cool new stuff that we don't have to store!

Hung washing to dry on the line.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on May 19, 2018, 10:09:21 PM
Decided I'm just not going to use disposable plastic stuff anymore. No soda bottles, no straws, no disposable utensils. Read the latest National Geographic to see why.

Book recommendations, in case you're interested: Zero-Waste Home by Bea Johnson, and Plastic-Free by Beth Terry

Ecological things:
* We had a royal-wedding viewing party at a friend's house. I made scones and coffee at home and brought them in reusable containers that I had purchased at a thrift shop.
* This afternoon walked to a coffee shop to work and got my coffee in a non-disposable ceramic mug.
* Cloth diapered the baby. She took herself to the potty two or three times today which saves on laundry!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on May 20, 2018, 01:28:31 AM
Paid 24 cents extra for my business ride to compensate CO2
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on May 25, 2018, 09:33:04 AM
I'm really pleased with myself. I posted on a moms group for our school district to see if there was interest in petitioning for a safe walking route from the park to the school, and there has been a big response.  It wouldn't cost much for the town to draw a new crosswalk and some new lines indicating a pedestrian/bike path.

If this goes through, we could have 50 more kids a day walking instead of driving to and from school, for decades!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on May 25, 2018, 10:05:42 AM
Refused a straw today

The camel's back thanks you.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on May 25, 2018, 12:27:26 PM
Took my toddler son to a park with a splash pad to play today, and packed lunch in reusable containers and brought our own reusable water bottles. Took the apple cores home to compost. Green habits start young! :-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on May 25, 2018, 07:04:19 PM
* Cargo biked the kids home from school twice this week.

* My daughter's speech therapy will be in walking/biking distance, so hopefully will keep a car off the road for transport to and from that.

* We haven't taken out the green bin in months because we compost all green waste on site, and we only take the blue recycling bin out every other week. Still working on reducing our non-recyclable trash. (We have a take-out food problem.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on May 26, 2018, 01:56:54 AM
Plans for today:
- Doing laundry and drying it outside
- Mending some clothes
- Sewing a curtain from thrift shop fabric and thrift shop sewing thread
- Gardening - for years I've been working on killing off an invasive exotic plant and so far I'm doing better than most years.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hula Hoop on May 26, 2018, 05:55:44 AM
My kids made a "summer drink" when we got home after being outside - just OJ, pieces of sliced orange and ice.  Younger daughter asked why we couldn't have straws in our drinks and I explained that I no longer buy straws because of the environmental impact.  They just accepted it and moved on.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on May 26, 2018, 07:02:42 AM
I made a batch of muffins and froze them in a big tub with one layer of baking paper between instead of individually wrapping in cling wrap. I'll be carrying them in a lunchbox anyway, no need for the wrapping... And if it doesn't work, I'll buy a lunchbox with partitions and then it WILL work!

I also combined car trips so I only had to go out once this weekend.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: aetherie on May 26, 2018, 02:39:52 PM
It's Saturday and we haven't driven our car since Tuesday.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on May 26, 2018, 05:58:02 PM
Realized a prescription would run out during the long holiday weekend. I already had my running shoes on to go to the gym.
The office is just under a mile away, so replaced my running shoes with flip-flops and rode my bike! Twenty minutes of exercise, and errand completed.

(Also a personal win about not procrastinating until the office was closed, feeling guilty all weekend about running out of meds, then a rushed trip on Tuesday morning. :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on May 27, 2018, 11:08:06 AM
Rode my bike to the community garden to dump off a bag of compost. I live in an apartment, so it was real epiphany when I read (maybe here!) that I can put compostables in a bag in the freezer until I can get to a composter. No smell, no fuss, just a brick of vegetable peels and apple cores that fits handily in a paper grocery sack.

After I dumped the compost, I used the sack to collect cans I found in the street on my ride home. Exercise in the sunshine, less waste in the landfill, less trash in the street, and I made about $0.25. All the wins!

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Barbaebigode on June 01, 2018, 03:40:20 AM
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/31/avoiding-meat-and-dairy-is-single-biggest-way-to-reduce-your-impact-on-earth

The research the guardian article is about is this (http://science.sciencemag.org/content/360/6392/987).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on June 04, 2018, 02:27:37 AM
I planted beetroot, spinach and cos lettuce to be our leafy greens this winter (southern hemisphere, warm climate). Fingers crossed they grow! I may plant some in pots inside as well, on the kitchen bench to hedge my bets (pun intended).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on June 04, 2018, 04:08:50 AM
My cilantro, mint and basil plants are still going strong. Saving the plastic they're usually packed in when buying fresh herbs every time I pick them from my own plants :) :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on June 04, 2018, 06:14:53 AM
I didn't let my MIL use paper plates for dinner for 4 people.  Mostly I don't understand why you would do that when we have a perfectly good, empty dishwasher.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on June 04, 2018, 08:20:13 AM
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/31/avoiding-meat-and-dairy-is-single-biggest-way-to-reduce-your-impact-on-earth

The research the guardian article is about is this (http://science.sciencemag.org/content/360/6392/987).

I should avoid meat more often. We do eat vegetarian every now and then, but should do it more consequently, like every week. I try to prepare normal portions of meat though, like 100 gram per person.

Not eating or drinking dairy would be a big problem for me. I love milk, cheeses, yoghurt, creams. This would be a lot more challenging than not eating meat.

It depends on what your starting point is and what your meals generally look like. When I moved towards a more vegetarian diet I started out by replacing my morning milk by tea (now I dislike milk). Then I just refused to put meat on sandwiches and ate other stuff (cheese, peanut butter, jam etc) instead for breakfast.

Dinner was the hardest for me as I still lived with my parents and their diet was very traditionally Dutch potatoes-veggie-meat. However now I live by myself I greatly enjoy eating curries, vegetarian pastas and just any dish without meat (even potatoes/veggie ones!). For me it's hard to imagine why I would miss meat if I already have a delicious curry or chili or pasta with a wide variety of ingredients in it. Sure it can be nice, but why is it such a big deal to leave it out for so many people?

I'm mostly sad that cheese is one of the worst things - it's the hardest to give up for me :(
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on June 04, 2018, 09:59:24 PM
Decided I'm just not going to use disposable plastic stuff anymore. No soda bottles, no straws, no disposable utensils. Read the latest National Geographic to see why.

I think most of the content is online here if anybody wants to look:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/06/

(?)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on June 04, 2018, 10:10:15 PM
* Cargo biked our school run
* Line-dried a load of laundry
* Watered our roadside sycamore with graywater from the house
* Cloth-diapered the baby
* Made tea from loose-leaf tea rather than bagged tea (which may have some non-compostable packaging)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on June 05, 2018, 10:01:13 AM
I just found the Trash is for Tossers website, and I'm seriously considering replacing all of my personal care products with things she sells as I run out.  Refillable floss,  refillable conditioner, shampoo bars, compostable hair ties.  And they all come in compostable packaging!  I've been looking for shampoo bars for so long, I'm pretty excited.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Phryne on June 06, 2018, 04:51:35 AM
I just found the Trash is for Tossers website, and I'm seriously considering replacing all of my personal care products with things she sells as I run out.  Refillable floss,  refillable conditioner, shampoo bars, compostable hair ties.  And they all come in compostable packaging!  I've been looking for shampoo bars for so long, I'm pretty excited.

I did similar to this last month! A local store here has bulk enviro friendly cleaning & care products, with minimal or refillable packaging (or byo, so you don’t need to purchase more plastic!) The shampoo is more exy than what I’d been using previously, but is divine. The dishwasher powder is hands down the best we’ve ever had- no caustic smell or squeaky plates and is lasting for ages so is better value than I realised. And I love supporting a local small business.

Small things-
- Ordered a local veggie box from a local not for profit now that our garden has slowed production. All sourced from farms within 40kms of my house!
- went for a run today, so no wine bottle in the recycling bin tonight. Am feeling extra virtuous!
- covered herbs with an old bedsheet to protect them from last night’s frost
- washing is drying on a rack in front of a sunny window

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on June 06, 2018, 06:30:44 AM
I just found the Trash is for Tossers website, and I'm seriously considering replacing all of my personal care products with things she sells as I run out.  Refillable floss,  refillable conditioner, shampoo bars, compostable hair ties.  And they all come in compostable packaging!  I've been looking for shampoo bars for so long, I'm pretty excited.

I did similar to this last month! A local store here has bulk enviro friendly cleaning & care products, with minimal or refillable packaging (or byo, so you don’t need to purchase more plastic!) The shampoo is more exy than what I’d been using previously, but is divine. The dishwasher powder is hands down the best we’ve ever had- no caustic smell or squeaky plates and is lasting for ages so is better value than I realised. And I love supporting a local small business.


I never even thought about local specialty stores!  We have a food co-op in town, and now that I've looked at their website, it appears they have shampoo, household items, olive oil, vanilla - all in bulk!  It is out of my way to shop there, but it sounds like it is absolutely worth looking into.  I'm so glad your comment made me think about them @Phryne !
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on June 07, 2018, 06:18:00 PM
Walked four miles down the creek path to meet a friend for lunch.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fomerly known as something on June 09, 2018, 07:05:23 AM
I had 2 family chair re-upholstered instead of buying new.  Of course I paid no mind to the fact I picked a pricey material but oh well.  two 40 year old chairs look new again.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on June 09, 2018, 07:35:43 AM
Bought 2nd hand shoes.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Phryne on June 13, 2018, 03:27:01 AM
- Worked from home (saving the 40km car trip just to get to the train station)
- Went for a 5 km walk at lunch time which meant I could keep the fire low, saving wood, emissions & power (as the fan wasn’t on)
- made faux fried rice for dinner to use up last night roast chicken (with tarragon...), the pakchoy from my veggie box & a bundle of ginger a neighbour gave me. Was inauthenticity delish!
- planted the ends of spring onions I’d cut up yesterday.
- had grated beetroot rather than the roasted beetroot I’d planned for my salad, seemed  silly to turn the oven on for so long for something so small

I love reflecting on my day like this, it inspires me to do more tomorrow!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: greengardens on June 13, 2018, 06:01:31 AM
The pump on my liquid soap dispenser broke. Instead of buying a new dispenser I bought a new Pump. Still had to throw away the old pump but better than throwing away the whole thing!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on June 13, 2018, 05:41:21 PM
Remember to take a plastic grocery bag with me on the dog's walk. I have the specialty poo bags clipped to the leash, but I've been trying to cut down on them--one-use plastic and something I have to pay for. I use fabric bags for my groceries, so I have friends who don't save me their castoff bags and use them for the dog's business.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on June 14, 2018, 03:20:09 AM
Made biscuits (cookies) instead of walking to the shops to buy them.

Walked to the library for baby rhyme time.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on June 16, 2018, 06:10:04 PM
Jumping in. My recycling company no longer accepts virtually ANY plastics. Only gallon size milk jugs. Full stop. Throwing away cottage cheese and sour cream and yogurt containers is KILLING me. We used to have a 3/4 full recycling bin and a 1 bag trash can a week. Now we have like 1/4 and a full trash bin. SO. I am making a plan. I already own an instant pot.

-I picked up conventional milk and cream to start, in case I screw up a batch or two. But I'm going to use my IP to make cottage cheese, sour cream, and yogurt myself. When I get the recipes tuned in, I'll start buying the organic variety of this local brand I always buy.
-Also entertaining making my own laundry detergent now, since I can't recycle those bottles either. Recipes are welcome. I have a LOT of skin sensitivites, so I've been using the Ecos brand from costco. We have an HE washer, so it needs to be compatible.
-Finally got myself organized enough to get the deposit down for our 1/4 cow from a local lady we like. Grass fed, uses biodiesel, etc. I was buying some organic beef at costco as a stopgap, but I really prioritize local too.
-Garden is coming along.
-Picked cherries from a relative's. She's not able body enough to do it solo, and they would go to waste otherwise. Gifted some to her, of course, and brought a lot home for ourselves. Now to figure out what to do with them! The tree isn't sprayed or netted, so a lot of them have bad spots. Jam maybe? They're on the tart side of sweet.

(Also, please don't jump on me re: meat+dairy. A lot goes into our decision to eat the way we do, and we're not blind to the environmental impacts of it. Better is sometimes the best you can do when "best" isn't a good option. Thanks for understanding.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on June 16, 2018, 06:50:43 PM
I'd suggest cherry pie, but I don't think you'd do the pie crust?

(Also, please don't jump on me re: meat+dairy. A lot goes into our decision to eat the way we do, and we're not blind to the environmental impacts of it. Better is sometimes the best you can do when "best" isn't a good option. Thanks for understanding.)

I'd like to believe this is a jumping-on-people free zone.

My personal belief is that anyone who is putting thought into the impact of what they're eating is miles ahead of anyone who isn't (that statement applies to health as well as environment), plus different bodies tolerate foods differently. My body feels great on loads of beans, nuts and seeds; if I couldn't digest beans I might make completely different choices.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on June 16, 2018, 07:52:26 PM
Bracken_Joy, I’ve seen recipes for Paleo fruit crisps that look pretty good.

Cherry mole tacos: https://newleafwellness.biz/2016/11/03/crockpot-cherry-chicken-mole-tacos/ (surprisingly good considering the source is a white lady from Pittsburgh)
Cherry salsa: https://nwedible.com/cherry-salsa-canning-recipe/ (haven’t tried it but sounds delicious!)

* We’ve been eating a ton of local veggies from our CSA box and farmer’s market. I sautéed a new-to-me variety of squash with chard and kale with our dinner tonight.
* making a batch of homemade yogurt in the Instant Pot tonight.
* the last bit of last week’s milk smelled a little off so it’s going into pancakes tomorrow morning.
* bought bulk (1lb) bags of two herbal teas that our local natural food market doesn’t stock online. We drink a lot of iced herbal tea in the summer!
* I took a soapmaking class. I had to drive a reasonable distance to get to the class and the recipe we made wasn’t the most natural (I avoid palm oil and synthetic fragrances, but that’s what was provided), but I wanted to learn the process so I can make soap from locally sourced ingredients like lard, tallow, and beeswax!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: OtherJen on June 16, 2018, 08:49:34 PM
Oh wow, I’m saving that cherry mole recipe. We have 3 lbs of cherries in our freezer from a Hungry Harvest delivery a couple of weeks ago, and we love mole.

We just received our third Hungry Harvest delivery yesterday, and it really makes me conscious of what fruits and veggies I have on hand and what needs to be used to avoid waste. I boiled potatoes for salad and sautéed zucchini noodles for a side dish early today, before the outside temperature went up. I have plans for a few more of the veggies tomorrow.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: OtherJen on June 16, 2018, 08:56:39 PM
I'd suggest cherry pie, but I don't think you'd do the pie crust?

(Also, please don't jump on me re: meat+dairy. A lot goes into our decision to eat the way we do, and we're not blind to the environmental impacts of it. Better is sometimes the best you can do when "best" isn't a good option. Thanks for understanding.)

I'd like to believe this is a jumping-on-people free zone.

My personal belief is that anyone who is putting thought into the impact of what they're eating is miles ahead of anyone who isn't (that statement applies to health as well as environment), plus different bodies tolerate foods differently. My body feels great on loads of beans, nuts and seeds; if I couldn't digest beans I might make completely different choices.

This is nice to read. I have celiac disease (i.e., no gluten) and try to eat as varied a diet as possible, so I prefer not to put additional restrictions on my diet beyond the medically necessary one. It’s a balance: I feel really good when the bulk of my diet is plant-based and not highly processed, but my body craves some animal fat/protein every day. Even a couple of eggs or a piece of cheese is enough.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on June 16, 2018, 09:02:33 PM
I'd suggest cherry pie, but I don't think you'd do the pie crust?

(Also, please don't jump on me re: meat+dairy. A lot goes into our decision to eat the way we do, and we're not blind to the environmental impacts of it. Better is sometimes the best you can do when "best" isn't a good option. Thanks for understanding.)

I'd like to believe this is a jumping-on-people free zone.

My personal belief is that anyone who is putting thought into the impact of what they're eating is miles ahead of anyone who isn't (that statement applies to health as well as environment), plus different bodies tolerate foods differently. My body feels great on loads of beans, nuts and seeds; if I couldn't digest beans I might make completely different choices.

This is nice to read. I have celiac disease (i.e., no gluten) and try to eat as varied a diet as possible, so I prefer not to put additional restrictions on my diet beyond the medically necessary one. It’s a balance: I feel really good when the bulk of my diet is plant-based and not highly processed, but my body craves some animal fat/protein every day. Even a couple of eggs or a piece of cheese is enough.

Gluten is such a great example, because it can literally give people cancer, yet my body is a-okay on plenty of wheat (I've done full elimination diets).

I love eggs, but with a recently acquired suspected egg allergy (yet to be confirmed by an allergist) I'm worried they're going to be something I never get to eat again. While I aspire to be mostly-vegan, I sure would have loved to have eggs once a fortnight or so.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on June 16, 2018, 10:47:22 PM
Okay friends: has anyone successfully used a non-glyphosate method to kill oxalis? I've been researching and it looks like pulling the weeds makes it spread even faster; there are varying accounts of how successful the boiling water method is. I like the concept of snipping off all leaves on all plants as soon as you see them, but that's also very labour intensive and requires a level of vigilance I may or may not possess. But if someone tells me it definitely works, I'll try it!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on June 16, 2018, 10:59:29 PM
Okay friends: has anyone successfully used a non-glyphosate method to kill oxalis? I've been researching and it looks like pulling the weeds makes it spread even faster; there are varying accounts of how successful the boiling water method is. I like the concept of snipping off all leaves on all plants as soon as you see them, but that's also very labour intensive and requires a level of vigilance I may or may not possess. But if someone tells me it definitely works, I'll try it!
I've heard a tiny gardening flamethrower thing can work on weeds. If someone confirms that would work, can I use you as an excuse to purchase one? :P
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on June 16, 2018, 11:04:22 PM
Okay friends: has anyone successfully used a non-glyphosate method to kill oxalis? I've been researching and it looks like pulling the weeds makes it spread even faster; there are varying accounts of how successful the boiling water method is. I like the concept of snipping off all leaves on all plants as soon as you see them, but that's also very labour intensive and requires a level of vigilance I may or may not possess. But if someone tells me it definitely works, I'll try it!
I've heard a tiny gardening flamethrower thing can work on weeds. If someone confirms that would work, can I use you as an excuse to purchase one? :P

Ooooh I did notice that Diggers sells those. I wonder if they'd ship it to Perth... Also useful when the Triffids rise.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on June 17, 2018, 03:38:51 AM
Okay friends: has anyone successfully used a non-glyphosate method to kill oxalis? I've been researching and it looks like pulling the weeds makes it spread even faster; there are varying accounts of how successful the boiling water method is. I like the concept of snipping off all leaves on all plants as soon as you see them, but that's also very labour intensive and requires a level of vigilance I may or may not possess. But if someone tells me it definitely works, I'll try it!
I've heard a tiny gardening flamethrower thing can work on weeds. If someone confirms that would work, can I use you as an excuse to purchase one? :P

Ooooh I did notice that Diggers sells those. I wonder if they'd ship it to Perth... Also useful when the Triffids rise.

I have a weed problem in the garden too and I was told about those mini flamethrowers as well. I have been too scared to try them, if you decide to try it please let me know how it went. It's not extremely dry around here, but the weeds are close to my house and I can already see myself accidentally setting my house on fire....
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on June 17, 2018, 08:36:34 AM
I'd suggest cherry pie, but I don't think you'd do the pie crust?

(Also, please don't jump on me re: meat+dairy. A lot goes into our decision to eat the way we do, and we're not blind to the environmental impacts of it. Better is sometimes the best you can do when "best" isn't a good option. Thanks for understanding.)

I'd like to believe this is a jumping-on-people free zone.

My personal belief is that anyone who is putting thought into the impact of what they're eating is miles ahead of anyone who isn't (that statement applies to health as well as environment), plus different bodies tolerate foods differently. My body feels great on loads of beans, nuts and seeds; if I couldn't digest beans I might make completely different choices.

Thanks <3 From the responses, I can tell this is a far more welcoming and tolerant space then my anxiety convinced me it would be.

I'd suggest cherry pie, but I don't think you'd do the pie crust?

Bracken_Joy, I’ve seen recipes for Paleo fruit crisps that look pretty good.

Cherry mole tacos: https://newleafwellness.biz/2016/11/03/crockpot-cherry-chicken-mole-tacos/ (surprisingly good considering the source is a white lady from Pittsburgh)
Cherry salsa: https://nwedible.com/cherry-salsa-canning-recipe/ (haven’t tried it but sounds delicious!)

Oh man, saving that mole recipe. And fruit crisp is a great idea. We both do totally fine with oats (husband so long as we don't eat too many, or he's had a really active day), so a toasty oat'n'nut crust could be great. I didn't even think about just tweaking a blackberry recipe or something!

I'm not sure how I feel about cherry salsa! I really dislike salsa with mango or corn, any sweet pockets like that. Maybe with the cherries being more tart than sweet? Maybe I'll try that if I get a second haul this year.

Okay friends: has anyone successfully used a non-glyphosate method to kill oxalis? I've been researching and it looks like pulling the weeds makes it spread even faster; there are varying accounts of how successful the boiling water method is. I like the concept of snipping off all leaves on all plants as soon as you see them, but that's also very labour intensive and requires a level of vigilance I may or may not possess. But if someone tells me it definitely works, I'll try it!
I've heard a tiny gardening flamethrower thing can work on weeds. If someone confirms that would work, can I use you as an excuse to purchase one? :P

Ooooh I did notice that Diggers sells those. I wonder if they'd ship it to Perth... Also useful when the Triffids rise.

I have a weed problem in the garden too and I was told about those mini flamethrowers as well. I have been too scared to try them, if you decide to try it please let me know how it went. It's not extremely dry around here, but the weeds are close to my house and I can already see myself accidentally setting my house on fire....

Those flame week killers are super fun! But you're totally right Imma, they're kinda terrifying! You need to set up a really good perimeter, have 5-gal buckets of water on standby, etc. They're considered the gold standard around here for invasives, though.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on June 17, 2018, 08:59:23 AM
I'd suggest cherry pie, but I don't think you'd do the pie crust?

(Also, please don't jump on me re: meat+dairy. A lot goes into our decision to eat the way we do, and we're not blind to the environmental impacts of it. Better is sometimes the best you can do when "best" isn't a good option. Thanks for understanding.)

I'd like to believe this is a jumping-on-people free zone.

My personal belief is that anyone who is putting thought into the impact of what they're eating is miles ahead of anyone who isn't (that statement applies to health as well as environment), plus different bodies tolerate foods differently. My body feels great on loads of beans, nuts and seeds; if I couldn't digest beans I might make completely different choices.

Thanks <3 From the responses, I can tell this is a far more welcoming and tolerant space then my anxiety convinced me it would be.


Even within a meat+dairy containing diet there's still lots of space for tweaking to reduce environmental impact. Beef, pork and cheese are environmentally the worst, so replacing those by e.g. chicken already has a tremendous impact (if I remember correctly beef is 3-4x worse than chicken but correct me if I'm wrong!).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on June 17, 2018, 09:10:10 AM
I'd suggest cherry pie, but I don't think you'd do the pie crust?

(Also, please don't jump on me re: meat+dairy. A lot goes into our decision to eat the way we do, and we're not blind to the environmental impacts of it. Better is sometimes the best you can do when "best" isn't a good option. Thanks for understanding.)

I'd like to believe this is a jumping-on-people free zone.

My personal belief is that anyone who is putting thought into the impact of what they're eating is miles ahead of anyone who isn't (that statement applies to health as well as environment), plus different bodies tolerate foods differently. My body feels great on loads of beans, nuts and seeds; if I couldn't digest beans I might make completely different choices.

Thanks <3 From the responses, I can tell this is a far more welcoming and tolerant space then my anxiety convinced me it would be.


Even within a meat+dairy containing diet there's still lots of space for tweaking to reduce environmental impact. Beef, pork and cheese are environmentally the worst, so replacing those by e.g. chicken already has a tremendous impact (if I remember correctly beef is 3-4x worse than chicken but correct me if I'm wrong!).

I've struggled with this logistically recently- growing up, we raised our own chicken and turkey, so obviously could control a LOT of factors there. But now that I'm purchasing instead, it's been quite difficult- while there's a 25% or so premium to get local organic grass fed and finished beef over store bought conventional, there's a 5-6x price difference for chicken for even just store bought organic and local vs conventional. And even then, I can't find a good local farmer for it where the price difference isn't more like 10x! How do others deal with that, without raising their own? We live in the suburbs now, so hobby farming isn't really an option.

(We do fish a fair bit as well, to take the burden off land-based meats. And game when we have it. But a fair bit of our meat is still purchased)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on June 17, 2018, 12:33:35 PM
I'd suggest cherry pie, but I don't think you'd do the pie crust?

(Also, please don't jump on me re: meat+dairy. A lot goes into our decision to eat the way we do, and we're not blind to the environmental impacts of it. Better is sometimes the best you can do when "best" isn't a good option. Thanks for understanding.)

I'd like to believe this is a jumping-on-people free zone.

My personal belief is that anyone who is putting thought into the impact of what they're eating is miles ahead of anyone who isn't (that statement applies to health as well as environment), plus different bodies tolerate foods differently. My body feels great on loads of beans, nuts and seeds; if I couldn't digest beans I might make completely different choices.

Thanks <3 From the responses, I can tell this is a far more welcoming and tolerant space then my anxiety convinced me it would be.


Even within a meat+dairy containing diet there's still lots of space for tweaking to reduce environmental impact. Beef, pork and cheese are environmentally the worst, so replacing those by e.g. chicken already has a tremendous impact (if I remember correctly beef is 3-4x worse than chicken but correct me if I'm wrong!).

I've struggled with this logistically recently- growing up, we raised our own chicken and turkey, so obviously could control a LOT of factors there. But now that I'm purchasing instead, it's been quite difficult- while there's a 25% or so premium to get local organic grass fed and finished beef over store bought conventional, there's a 5-6x price difference for chicken for even just store bought organic and local vs conventional. And even then, I can't find a good local farmer for it where the price difference isn't more like 10x! How do others deal with that, without raising their own? We live in the suburbs now, so hobby farming isn't really an option.

(We do fish a fair bit as well, to take the burden off land-based meats. And game when we have it. But a fair bit of our meat is still purchased)

I read the arguments in favor of ruminants as nitrogen fixers! :-) But we live in the Appalachians so a lot of land is really only suitable for grazing.

Are there are farmers in your area that offer bulk pricing on chickens? I pretty much only buy whole chickens, usually from a family that offers buy 5, get one free on whole chickens, and part them myself. We don’t have anywhere near the cost difference in our area, though. I pay $3.50-$4.50/lb for pastured chickens from local farmers depending on organic, etc. and I think the non-sale price at the grocery store is around $1/lb?

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: krmit on June 17, 2018, 12:44:21 PM
@Bracken_Joy, I'd love to hear what recipe you use for cottage cheese if it works out.

I make my own powdered laundry detergent (and actually store it in a plastic yogurt container): 1 cup borax to 1 cup washing soda to 1 cup shredded Fels-Naptha soap. I use 1 tablespoon per load in my non-HE washer.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on June 17, 2018, 01:02:33 PM
@Bracken_Joy, I'd love to hear what recipe you use for cottage cheese if it works out.

I make my own powdered laundry detergent (and actually store it in a plastic yogurt container): 1 cup borax to 1 cup washing soda to 1 cup shredded Fels-Naptha soap. I use 1 tablespoon per load in my non-HE washer.

I'm doing this recipe for the cottage cheese: https://thisoldgal.com/instant-pot-homemade-cottage-cheese-recipe/ (https://thisoldgal.com/instant-pot-homemade-cottage-cheese-recipe/) and this for the sour cream: https://brigettholmes.com/recipe/make-cultured-sour-cream-instant-pot/ (https://brigettholmes.com/recipe/make-cultured-sour-cream-instant-pot/) I'll report back on how they turn out =)

Re: the detergent, I found this comment: "That is the question I’ve gotten the most in the 100+ comments on my original laundry detergent recipe tutorial. I don’t personally have a high efficiency washing machine but have heard from dozens of readers and friends who do and they’ve used this in an HE washer with no problems.

The main concern with a high efficiency washer is creating too much suds, so a low-suds soap or detergent is suggested. This recipe is low-suds by definition and should be safe for HE, but always check with the instructions that came with your machine to make sure before using." From: https://wellnessmama.com/27059/high-efficiency-laundry-detergent/ (https://wellnessmama.com/27059/high-efficiency-laundry-detergent/) And her recipe sounds a lot like yours! I guess I could always try making it, and if it doesn't rinse clean, then gift it through Buy Nothing or something. Having add a second rinse would definitely undo all the benefits! Haha.

I'd suggest cherry pie, but I don't think you'd do the pie crust?

(Also, please don't jump on me re: meat+dairy. A lot goes into our decision to eat the way we do, and we're not blind to the environmental impacts of it. Better is sometimes the best you can do when "best" isn't a good option. Thanks for understanding.)

I'd like to believe this is a jumping-on-people free zone.

My personal belief is that anyone who is putting thought into the impact of what they're eating is miles ahead of anyone who isn't (that statement applies to health as well as environment), plus different bodies tolerate foods differently. My body feels great on loads of beans, nuts and seeds; if I couldn't digest beans I might make completely different choices.

Thanks <3 From the responses, I can tell this is a far more welcoming and tolerant space then my anxiety convinced me it would be.


Even within a meat+dairy containing diet there's still lots of space for tweaking to reduce environmental impact. Beef, pork and cheese are environmentally the worst, so replacing those by e.g. chicken already has a tremendous impact (if I remember correctly beef is 3-4x worse than chicken but correct me if I'm wrong!).

I've struggled with this logistically recently- growing up, we raised our own chicken and turkey, so obviously could control a LOT of factors there. But now that I'm purchasing instead, it's been quite difficult- while there's a 25% or so premium to get local organic grass fed and finished beef over store bought conventional, there's a 5-6x price difference for chicken for even just store bought organic and local vs conventional. And even then, I can't find a good local farmer for it where the price difference isn't more like 10x! How do others deal with that, without raising their own? We live in the suburbs now, so hobby farming isn't really an option.

(We do fish a fair bit as well, to take the burden off land-based meats. And game when we have it. But a fair bit of our meat is still purchased)

I read the arguments in favor of ruminants as nitrogen fixers! :-) But we live in the Appalachians so a lot of land is really only suitable for grazing.

Are there are farmers in your area that offer bulk pricing on chickens? I pretty much only buy whole chickens, usually from a family that offers buy 5, get one free on whole chickens, and part them myself. We don’t have anywhere near the cost difference in our area, though. I pay $3.50-$4.50/lb for pastured chickens from local farmers depending on organic, etc. and I think the non-sale price at the grocery store is around $1/lb?

That's a good idea on the bulk. Maybe I'll call around. I'll admit I haven't looked hard this year.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on June 17, 2018, 01:13:33 PM
I'd suggest cherry pie, but I don't think you'd do the pie crust?

(Also, please don't jump on me re: meat+dairy. A lot goes into our decision to eat the way we do, and we're not blind to the environmental impacts of it. Better is sometimes the best you can do when "best" isn't a good option. Thanks for understanding.)

I'd like to believe this is a jumping-on-people free zone.

My personal belief is that anyone who is putting thought into the impact of what they're eating is miles ahead of anyone who isn't (that statement applies to health as well as environment), plus different bodies tolerate foods differently. My body feels great on loads of beans, nuts and seeds; if I couldn't digest beans I might make completely different choices.

Thanks <3 From the responses, I can tell this is a far more welcoming and tolerant space then my anxiety convinced me it would be.


Even within a meat+dairy containing diet there's still lots of space for tweaking to reduce environmental impact. Beef, pork and cheese are environmentally the worst, so replacing those by e.g. chicken already has a tremendous impact (if I remember correctly beef is 3-4x worse than chicken but correct me if I'm wrong!).

I've struggled with this logistically recently- growing up, we raised our own chicken and turkey, so obviously could control a LOT of factors there. But now that I'm purchasing instead, it's been quite difficult- while there's a 25% or so premium to get local organic grass fed and finished beef over store bought conventional, there's a 5-6x price difference for chicken for even just store bought organic and local vs conventional. And even then, I can't find a good local farmer for it where the price difference isn't more like 10x! How do others deal with that, without raising their own? We live in the suburbs now, so hobby farming isn't really an option.

(We do fish a fair bit as well, to take the burden off land-based meats. And game when we have it. But a fair bit of our meat is still purchased)

That's a tough one indeed. It's always hard to try to optimize between better/organic products and low cost. However, this wasn't the point I was trying to make. Honestly, whether meat is organic or local or not has only a small effect on its environmental impact. In many cases organic meat can even be worse for the environment as animals need more space and grow slower (so use more resources while alive). Growing a cow, even if you do it yourself, just does cost a temendous amount of resources and emits lots of greenhouse gasses. For chicken or pigs these numbers are still much higher than for plants, but already lots lower compared to the beef-producing cows. Just giving up beef, while eating an equal amount of total meat could therefore already reduce your environmental impact by quite a lot (depending on how much your consumption was to start with ofc.)

Here's an example of an article (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jul/21/giving-up-beef-reduce-carbon-footprint-more-than-cars) that discusses the matter and provides some numbers. It was the first one I found on Google so not necessarily the most thourough/accurate one, but the general line of evidence is clear.

btw; not trying to "jump on you" or judge you but just trying to provide ideas to reduce your impact without completely going vegetarian.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on June 17, 2018, 06:18:01 PM
Those flame week killers are super fun! But you're totally right Imma, they're kinda terrifying! You need to set up a really good perimeter, have 5-gal buckets of water on standby, etc. They're considered the gold standard around here for invasives, though.

That sounds... more intense than I was expecting. I just have a suburban yard (my block is only 0.11 acres, and it's mostly house). I'll be torching weeds that are growing between pavers, and in flower beds with (damp) mulch and fruit trees. I was planning to have a bucket of water on hand, and good stomping shoes if I need to stomp a tiny fire out. I might talk this through with some locals to see if I'm in danger of starting a real fire.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on June 17, 2018, 08:13:21 PM
Those flame week killers are super fun! But you're totally right Imma, they're kinda terrifying! You need to set up a really good perimeter, have 5-gal buckets of water on standby, etc. They're considered the gold standard around here for invasives, though.

That sounds... more intense than I was expecting. I just have a suburban yard (my block is only 0.11 acres, and it's mostly house). I'll be torching weeds that are growing between pavers, and in flower beds with (damp) mulch and fruit trees. I was planning to have a bucket of water on hand, and good stomping shoes if I need to stomp a tiny fire out. I might talk this through with some locals to see if I'm in danger of starting a real fire.

They're fairly easy to rent and borrow around here, maybe check into a rental situation? And then you have the added benefit of picking people's brains. I know we don't take near the precautions in the winter (soooo wet) as we do in the summer (soooo dry). So seasonality plays a role too!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on June 17, 2018, 11:24:50 PM
I am also overrun by oxalis. I was going to purchase this sort of mini soldering iron thing (to burn words into wood). Maybe I could use it to zap weeds near the house??? There's no naked flame, I could stick the prong into the roots.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: The Guru on June 18, 2018, 05:55:46 AM
Okay friends: has anyone successfully used a non-glyphosate method to kill oxalis? I've been researching and it looks like pulling the weeds makes it spread even faster; there are varying accounts of how successful the boiling water method is. I like the concept of snipping off all leaves on all plants as soon as you see them, but that's also very labour intensive and requires a level of vigilance I may or may not possess. But if someone tells me it definitely works, I'll try it!
I've heard a tiny gardening flamethrower thing can work on weeds. If someone confirms that would work, can I use you as an excuse to purchase one? :P

Ooooh I did notice that Diggers sells those. I wonder if they'd ship it to Perth... Also useful when the Triffids rise.

I have a weed problem in the garden too and I was told about those mini flamethrowers as well. I have been too scared to try them, if you decide to try it please let me know how it went. It's not extremely dry around here, but the weeds are close to my house and I can already see myself accidentally setting my house on fire....

we have one of those at the commercial greenhouse where I work, and you'd be amazed how much heat it takes to kill a weed (though useful to incinerate all those seeds oxalis throws off). Have you tried vinegar w/ a few drops of dish soap as a spreader? This burns off the foliage quite well (especially in full sun; you'll see results faster than w/ glyphosate); it doesn't kill the root, but if you do successive sprays the root will die due to lack of food from the foliage.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: birdie55 on June 18, 2018, 08:58:35 AM
Bracken Joy,

This Old Gal has a yogurt recipe that many, many people use successfully, on the IP facebook group.  I have never tried it, I don't eat enough yogurt to warrant making it myself.  However, I've read many posts about it. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on June 18, 2018, 09:01:09 AM
Bracken Joy,

This Old Gal has a yogurt recipe that many, many people use successfully, on the IP facebook group.  I have never tried it, I don't eat enough yogurt to warrant making it myself.  However, I've read many posts about it.

Thanks! I do have a yogurt recipe I've made a few times already, although it's been a while. Cottage cheese and sour cream are new for me =)

The cottage cheese turned out okay, although *very* mild in flavor. I may try doing a fermented cottage cheese next, and see if I like the flavors better.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on June 18, 2018, 12:19:58 PM
Okay friends: has anyone successfully used a non-glyphosate method to kill oxalis? I've been researching and it looks like pulling the weeds makes it spread even faster; there are varying accounts of how successful the boiling water method is. I like the concept of snipping off all leaves on all plants as soon as you see them, but that's also very labour intensive and requires a level of vigilance I may or may not possess. But if someone tells me it definitely works, I'll try it!
I've heard a tiny gardening flamethrower thing can work on weeds. If someone confirms that would work, can I use you as an excuse to purchase one? :P

Ooooh I did notice that Diggers sells those. I wonder if they'd ship it to Perth... Also useful when the Triffids rise.

I have a weed problem in the garden too and I was told about those mini flamethrowers as well. I have been too scared to try them, if you decide to try it please let me know how it went. It's not extremely dry around here, but the weeds are close to my house and I can already see myself accidentally setting my house on fire....

we have one of those at the commercial greenhouse where I work, and you'd be amazed how much heat it takes to kill a weed (though useful to incinerate all those seeds oxalis throws off). Have you tried vinegar w/ a few drops of dish soap as a spreader? This burns off the foliage quite well (especially in full sun; you'll see results faster than w/ glyphosate); it doesn't kill the root, but if you do successive sprays the root will die due to lack of food from the foliage.

I can confirm it doesn't work for Japanse knotweed. I wouldn't be surprised if that stuff doesn't even catch fire. I'm sure the roots would not be damaged, but if I could only burn off the parts above ground at least I wouldn't have to weed for about a week.

Chelidonium en nettles etc we just mow every now and then.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Duchess on June 18, 2018, 12:33:02 PM
Ooh, I like this thread! Can’t believe I only just found it.

Taking the slowly, slowly approach to living a more environmentally-minded life. Today I:

- Remembered to take stainless steel straws for my toddler to use for her drink at the cafe.

- Used bar soap rather than shower gel packaged in plastic. If only I could get my husband on board. Thankfully a small zero waste store opened in a nearby city and they’ve started stocking bulk shower gel.

- Have got the whole family using bamboo toothbrushes.

- Found a second-hand Le Partfait canning jar at the charity shop (aka thrift shop/op shop). This will help with plastic-free purchases.

- Found a second-hand skirt for my little one at the charity shop.

- Arranged a play date within walking distance of home reducing the need to get in the car.

- Took a fancy dress that no longer fits to a dress agency to be sold.

- Inspired by this thread, used a bucket to collect the water from warming up the shower and used it to water the veggie patch.

- Also inspired by this thread, increased the variety of things added to the compost heap.

- Continued to use my second-hand iPhone 5s rather than continually upgrading to the newest model.

Unfortunately also had a couple of fails:

- Tried to turn a ripped pair of jeans into demin shorts but they’re far too snug around the thigh area to look presentable. Having borrowed a friend’s overlocker (aka serger), I might salvage the fabric and make some bags to use at the bulk store.

- Tried to use eco-friendly laundry detergent from the zero waste shop but it did not do a decent enough job of getting our clothes clean. Maybe it’s our European front-loading energy-efficient washing machine?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on June 18, 2018, 12:45:12 PM
Oh! I forgot one I was happy about, because it's: helping a friend, frugal, AND lessening environmental impact. Friend has been slowly transitioning to glass reusable tupperware type container. Her old plastic ones are stained, cracking, and she doesn't use them because she hates them. I'm 100% sure they contribute to her cooking less. She's been buying the new glass ones one at a time for ELEVEN DOLLARS apiece at the grocery store. Gasp! So I directed her to a few store options and gave her some coupons. We were able to get our whole set for $24 and there's a lot of pieces, so I'm hoping she can score a similar deal.

-Continuing my dairy experiments. Round 2 today. Trying the same cottage cheese recipe, with better planning and technique. We saved cottage cheese tubs and sour cream tubs, so we even have correctly labeled containers =P

-My usual stuff: open/close up house overnight to minimize HVAC use. Gardening, never use any sprays or anything. Used my reusable glass jar collection (many saved from pasta sauces) to divvy up rice we bulk purchase. The food we're getting our dog on buys carbon offsets, locally sources ingredients, uses ethically compensated domestic labor, etc. (I know those are not all environmental factors, but it all matters to me).

-Reusing a ton of items for the puppy from our previous dog, and hand me downs from neighbors and family. We've only purchased a couple items (the puppy kong has helped a lot), otherwise it's only been food and natural chews. Harness, crate, exercise pen, baby gates, dog beds, bowls, all of it is reused and/or hand me downs.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on June 22, 2018, 12:19:44 AM
For the first time this week, walked to work again and will walk back in the afternoon.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on June 22, 2018, 12:29:49 AM
Felt cold last night in bed. Put on socks rather than turning on heat for a bit.

Ate leftover sandwiches from a meeting at work yesterday (Free food! No food waste!)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: greengardens on June 23, 2018, 02:42:15 PM
@Bracken_Joy I would caution against the homemade detergent in HE front loaders. I used to make my own detergent and it worked really well in my standard washer. However when I switched to an HE front loader the homemade stuff would not get my clothes clean. I tried everything, even playing around with the formula. I also noticed that it would build up inside my washer so that I'd start having soap scum in the drum. We don't have hard water, and I spent several months trying to troubleshoot both problems. After 6 months of unclean clothes I broke down and started using County Save powder detergent. It can only be purchased online and is definitely more expensive than making my own, but it comes in a cardboard box (can be recycled) and my clothes are finally clean! Plus no build up in the washer drum any more.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Mon€yp€nny on June 23, 2018, 04:35:14 PM
Clean up my 5yr old's room and sorted everything she didn't want anymore into plastics,  paper, donation, thrift store, sell and 'rest garbage'.
As from next year, we won't have a rest garbage bin anymore. We will have a paper bin, plastics bin and a compost bin that will be emptied but everything else, we will have to bring to an underground waste bin hopefully somewhere not too far away.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on June 24, 2018, 09:11:19 AM
@Bracken_Joy I would caution against the homemade detergent in HE front loaders. I used to make my own detergent and it worked really well in my standard washer. However when I switched to an HE front loader the homemade stuff would not get my clothes clean. I tried everything, even playing around with the formula. I also noticed that it would build up inside my washer so that I'd start having soap scum in the drum. We don't have hard water, and I spent several months trying to troubleshoot both problems. After 6 months of unclean clothes I broke down and started using County Save powder detergent. It can only be purchased online and is definitely more expensive than making my own, but it comes in a cardboard box (can be recycled) and my clothes are finally clean! Plus no build up in the washer drum any more.

Good to know! Thank you! Yeah, our washer is pretty new (~1 yr), I would hate to do something that could shorter it's lifespan.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: bacchi on June 24, 2018, 09:39:36 AM
@Bracken_Joy I would caution against the homemade detergent in HE front loaders. I used to make my own detergent and it worked really well in my standard washer. However when I switched to an HE front loader the homemade stuff would not get my clothes clean. I tried everything, even playing around with the formula. I also noticed that it would build up inside my washer so that I'd start having soap scum in the drum. We don't have hard water, and I spent several months trying to troubleshoot both problems. After 6 months of unclean clothes I broke down and started using County Save powder detergent. It can only be purchased online and is definitely more expensive than making my own, but it comes in a cardboard box (can be recycled) and my clothes are finally clean! Plus no build up in the washer drum any more.

Good to know! Thank you! Yeah, our washer is pretty new (~1 yr), I would hate to do something that could shorter it's lifespan.

It probably depends on the water and washing machine. I've used homemade detergent (1/2+1/2+soap bar) for the life of our 5 year old HE front loader (Samsung) and it's going strong and clothes get clean. The "cold" setting comes out around 90F during the summer so that could be a factor too.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on June 24, 2018, 10:03:59 AM
@Bracken_Joy I would caution against the homemade detergent in HE front loaders. I used to make my own detergent and it worked really well in my standard washer. However when I switched to an HE front loader the homemade stuff would not get my clothes clean. I tried everything, even playing around with the formula. I also noticed that it would build up inside my washer so that I'd start having soap scum in the drum. We don't have hard water, and I spent several months trying to troubleshoot both problems. After 6 months of unclean clothes I broke down and started using County Save powder detergent. It can only be purchased online and is definitely more expensive than making my own, but it comes in a cardboard box (can be recycled) and my clothes are finally clean! Plus no build up in the washer drum any more.

Good to know! Thank you! Yeah, our washer is pretty new (~1 yr), I would hate to do something that could shorter it's lifespan.

It probably depends on the water and washing machine. I've used homemade detergent (1/2+1/2+soap bar) for the life of our 5 year old HE front loader (Samsung) and it's going strong and clothes get clean. The "cold" setting comes out around 90F during the summer so that could be a factor too.

=o Our cold setting is 45-55F depending on the time of year! We have COLD ground water. I really haven't had luck with powdered detergents in general, I wonder if that's part of it? My washer has 4 settings: cold, cool, warm, hot. We usually use cool, since there's a noticeable difference between cold and cool. I wonder if that's because of how cold our groundwater is?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on June 25, 2018, 01:02:38 AM
Walked to work this morning and will walk back in the afternoon.

I checked my washing machine, which as environmental feedback. I usually was on 40C, shortening the 2,5 hour program into 1 hour. I checked whether the original long program was better than the shorter one. The washing machine shows amount of energy and water rounded off to a number of blocks in a bar.

Conclusion: It makes no difference in energy whether I would wash on 40C or 60C degrees or whether I use the long or the short program. But the machine used less water when I use the short program and when I wash on 40C instead of 60C. If I would wash on 30C, the machine would use even less water. I don't have much faith in 30C getting my laundry clean, from earlier experiences.
I'll continue to wash on 40C short program, which is more convenient than waiting for 2,5 hours. And it doesn't seem to have negative impact on the energy compared to the standard programs.

Also, I have had the habit of drying the laundry outside since the weather turned warm and sunny, about 2 months ago. I think I might be the only one in the neighbourhood doing that.

Yesterday we had self-caught fish (grayling) for dinner.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on June 25, 2018, 02:36:45 AM
I didn't shower yesterday, just washed myself at the tap! I have sensitive skin so I try to skip showering when I can + it's better for the environment as well.

I decluttered the house this weekend and recycled a large box of paper and cardboard and two large garbage bags of clothing and textile. I also found a dress with a damaged top, that I'm going to turn into a skirt. I found some old jeans that I put aside to turn into a jeans quilt. I've made jeans quilts before, it's one of my favourite materials to work with. I moved some furniture and stuff around so I now have a place where I can permanently set up my sewing machine. This means I will probably sew more often.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on June 25, 2018, 02:52:58 AM
I took the bus to & from work. I brought my own snacks. My leafy greens are growing steadily and I have stopped buying lettuce (but not spinach just yet) as I wait for them to be big enough to start picking. It's winter so we aren't eating too much fresh greens right now anyway.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hula Hoop on June 26, 2018, 05:49:22 AM
I bought small metal thermoses for my kids last year for them to bring lunches to summer camp.  During the year, they eat school provided lunches.  They've been at summer camp for a couple of weeks and so far they've brought their lunch every day in their thermoses.  This morning I made them pasta with pesto and then packed cookies and fruit in reusable sandwich bags.  They also brought reusable water bottles.  So much better than putting the pasta in plastic containers and they stay hot.

This is both mustachian and good for the environment.  The lunches cost 5 euros a day per kid so 10 euros a day.  And my kids actually prefer the home made lunches.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: saving_dutchman on June 26, 2018, 06:26:08 AM
I repaired my broken wireless mouse (work mouse). It was maybe a 10 minute fix and that includes writing this. The usual route is to just order a new one, it's only company money right and screw the environment...
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on June 26, 2018, 07:18:54 AM
Tomorrow, when it is raining and many people decide to drive to work, I'll be taking the bus in my raincoat. We'll be eating leftovers for lunch. I've been making overnight oats in jam jars I saved and washed (although it does mean I ate a lot of jam to get them!) This has meant my husband has been eating a decent breakfast every single hole day, instead of only occasionally. That means less muffins & coffees bought out, so less wasted packaging and better lunch decisions!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on June 26, 2018, 09:56:09 AM
I had to drop someone at the airport, which is 75% of the way to a city we don't go to often but has the nearest recycling center that accepts glass and a supermarket with bulk bins. I took all the glass that we've been saving, and stopped to get bulk peanut butter and oats.

I also bought some stainless steel straws while we were there - the glass ones we have are fine for home but I'm more comfortable carrying stainless around in my bag.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on June 27, 2018, 02:53:04 AM
I had to drop someone at the airport, which is 75% of the way to a city we don't go to often but has the nearest recycling center that accepts glass and a supermarket with bulk bins. I took all the glass that we've been saving, and stopped to get bulk peanut butter and oats.

I also bought some stainless steel straws while we were there - the glass ones we have are fine for home but I'm more comfortable carrying stainless around in my bag.

What a pity that recycling glass is not easier for you. We used to have glass/metal containers several places in each town. Now we have gotten individual containers. The easier it is to recycle, the more people do it. Maybe you should ask your community to make an additional recycling point closer to your home.

I walked to work today.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on June 27, 2018, 04:56:19 AM
I had to drop someone at the airport, which is 75% of the way to a city we don't go to often but has the nearest recycling center that accepts glass and a supermarket with bulk bins. I took all the glass that we've been saving, and stopped to get bulk peanut butter and oats.

I also bought some stainless steel straws while we were there - the glass ones we have are fine for home but I'm more comfortable carrying stainless around in my bag.

What a pity that recycling glass is not easier for you. We used to have glass/metal containers several places in each town. Now we have gotten individual containers. The easier it is to recycle, the more people do it. Maybe you should ask your community to make an additional recycling point closer to your home.

I walked to work today.

My understanding is that the recycling options are limited here because they are not cost effective, for whatever reason. The trash service in our county does offer recycling, but the number of items they accept is limited. It is a fairly rural area and appears to have a high proportion of people who are not terribly environmentally conscious, which is a shame.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on June 27, 2018, 05:47:12 AM
Our state has banned single-use plastic bags. I'm afraid to say, it took this actually happening to make us get our arses into gear about sorting out our shopping bags and produce bags... which we already owned. Sigh. So, grocery shopping this week will involve re-usable bags, yay!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on June 27, 2018, 08:40:14 AM
Our state has banned single-use plastic bags. I'm afraid to say, it took this actually happening to make us get our arses into gear about sorting out our shopping bags and produce bags... which we already owned. Sigh. So, grocery shopping this week will involve re-usable bags, yay!

How do you deal with tare weight on reusable produce bags? When I did jars, I just marked the weight on the outside of the container and they used that. Is it the same idea with produce bags?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on June 27, 2018, 04:23:19 PM
Our state has banned single-use plastic bags. I'm afraid to say, it took this actually happening to make us get our arses into gear about sorting out our shopping bags and produce bags... which we already owned. Sigh. So, grocery shopping this week will involve re-usable bags, yay!

How do you deal with tare weight on reusable produce bags? When I did jars, I just marked the weight on the outside of the container and they used that. Is it the same idea with produce bags?

My produce bags weight a few grams so I just don't worry about the tare. When buying fruit & veg it shouldn't make too much difference. To be honest I usually forget them anyway and just have loose veg in my trolley (and skip the green beans!)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Phryne on June 28, 2018, 04:03:57 AM
- eaten veg heavy meals this week cause our veggie box (local produce from within 40kms!) was enormous!
- waited till yesterday for the green grocer to be open for eggs, yoghurt & fruit from local small farmers rather than shop at the more generic supermarket. Used my produce bags (Onya brand, label says they weigh <10gm)
- made kindling from some left over weatherboard from a neighbour (saved buying it in plastic and the wood from going to landfill)

Big deal:
- Our solar panels were installed today! A friend said they have the double bonus of further insulating the roof. Hopefully they’ll also help keep heat *in* the house, because the forecast is 9°C and rainy the next two days :-(
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Mon€yp€nny on June 28, 2018, 03:14:41 PM
- hung dried laundry
- another room clean up/ sorting with just two old pepermints going to grey trash, everything else will be recycled in some way.
- we ate vegan and husband didn't complain. Only food waste this week were peels and ends.
- planning to buy next week's vegetables, eggs and yoghurt at the organic farm again, it's a couple of minutes from my home (we shopped at supermarkets to save time for a while).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Meowkins on June 28, 2018, 06:18:05 PM
I dunno if this counts, but apparently my the moron my gov't place to head our environmental agency is proposing rollbacks of the law that requires public input and transparency on projects that affect the environment.

So I left a comment. There are only 24 comments now and they close on 7/20, so if you guys wanted to drop some comments in, that would be an easy lift: https://www.southernenvironment.org/news-and-press/news-feed/speak-up-for-the-right-to-speak-up

You can basically check the current comments and crib off them. Saying that NEPA is fine the way it is and doesn't need updating, because it's protected us for decades, is probably just fine.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on June 29, 2018, 04:18:48 AM
I dunno if this counts, but apparently my the moron my gov't place to head our environmental agency is proposing rollbacks of the law that requires public input and transparency on projects that affect the environment.

So I left a comment. There are only 24 comments now and they close on 7/20, so if you guys wanted to drop some comments in, that would be an easy lift: https://www.southernenvironment.org/news-and-press/news-feed/speak-up-for-the-right-to-speak-up

You can basically check the current comments and crib off them. Saying that NEPA is fine the way it is and doesn't need updating, because it's protected us for decades, is probably just fine.
do I have to be American?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Meowkins on June 29, 2018, 08:19:52 AM
@Anatidae V I honestly don't know! Thank you for considering commenting though. I mean I doubt it will hurt. LOL.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Monocle Money Mouth on July 09, 2018, 04:38:39 AM
While I was at my parents house over the weekend, I found a bunch of old expired food. Like the 2 to 15 years past it’s sell by date. My mom wanted to toss it in the garbage, but I took it home and composted it instead. I recycled as much of the packaging as possible.

They buy way too much food for two people. I really wish they would stop shopping at Costco. They aren’t saving any money because they are so disorganized and cluttered. They buy something, use some of it, and then it gets buried in clutter. They can’t find it when they need it, buy more, then the old items sit in the basement until I find it and bring it to there attention. It’s a horrendous waste of food and money.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on July 09, 2018, 05:24:49 PM
I took some of my produce bags and put them by the reusable shopping bags so the Boy will hopefully find and take them when he goes shopping. He wants to reuse the produce bags but lacks the habit.

I used up previously frozen milk. (I have trouble using up a whole gallon so I freeze some so it doesn't go to waste.)

Yesterday the Boy made an extra stop (on his way) in his hybrid car at Sprouts so he could buy the milk in the reusable carton. I will take credit for this since he learned about it from me!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Ecky on July 10, 2018, 04:13:42 AM
Drove a little slower to work this morning, averaged 81mpg.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on July 10, 2018, 08:53:07 AM
Drove a little slower to work this morning, averaged 81mpg.

That's sweet @Ecky -- What are you driving?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on July 10, 2018, 04:16:19 PM
I remembered to bring a cloth napkin to work and use it!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on July 10, 2018, 11:53:16 PM
* Cargo biked to the grocery store just now with reusable bags.

* Made rolled/old-fashioned oats at home from whole groats using a grain flaker we ordered a couple of years ago. Cuts down on packaging waste and probably saves money. (I make overnight oats with the whole groats, but prefer rolled oats for baking.)

* Shopped at the thrift store as usual instead of buying new household goods; picked up a popover pan for baking and a fruit basket for the table.

* Composted dryer lint, baby poop, Tub Shroom discards, food waste, solarized Bermuda grass runners, dustpan leavings.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on July 11, 2018, 06:17:47 AM
Remembered to bring a ceramic coffee mug with me to work, because I'm at a different building than usual.  My desk has silverware, a coffee mug, a plate, and a nalgene, but I started my (6 am) work day at a different building and I usually end up with a styrofoam cup and feel like a dick about it.  Not enough of a dick to not drink coffee all day, though.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Ecky on July 11, 2018, 07:05:35 AM
Drove a little slower to work this morning, averaged 81mpg.

That's sweet @Ecky -- What are you driving?

First generation Honda Insight. It's around 250k miles now with no maintenance other than regular (oil, tires).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on July 11, 2018, 08:08:26 PM
Packed the kids' lunches in mostly second-hand thrifted reusables: thermos containers and ice packs from Goodwill, vintage Revereware stainless-steel covered containers from eBay, cloth napkins from an estate sale. (The insulated bags and the plastic sporks were bought new.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: FrugalFisherman10 on July 12, 2018, 08:22:02 AM
haven't read the whole thread so these may have been mentioned somewhere already, but I saw them yesterday and thought they looked pretty 'revolutionary'. Seriously.

and most of the things like this I see as gimmicky "...We REINVENTED the Shish-kabob skewer!! BAM"...who cares? "this company is disrupting the coffee mug industry"...they're fine already, thanks.

But not these. They seem pretty legit. Not cheap though

https://www.shopetee.com/

What do yall think?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on July 14, 2018, 05:52:24 PM
haven't read the whole thread so these may have been mentioned somewhere already, but I saw them yesterday and thought they looked pretty 'revolutionary'. Seriously.

and most of the things like this I see as gimmicky "...We REINVENTED the Shish-kabob skewer!! BAM"...who cares? "this company is disrupting the coffee mug industry"...they're fine already, thanks.

But not these. They seem pretty legit. Not cheap though

https://www.shopetee.com/

What do yall think?

They look like pretty standard beeswax wraps? Beeswax wraps are useful, lots of people like them for avoiding glad wrap (cling film).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on July 14, 2018, 08:06:21 PM
Bought some picture frames and quart sized mason jars at a yard sale today. The jars will be for canning applesauce this fall. I don’t have an immediate use for the frames but we have a lot of empty wall space so I’m sure they’ll get used.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on July 15, 2018, 07:36:35 AM
Made fancy breakfast overnight oats jars with DH, and showed him how to make them. He added choc chips to his. This should reduce him buying breakfast (and associated rubbish)

We rearranged our shed to access our bikes, so we can fix them up and start riding again!

And I used my (mostly) wooden hairbrush. It seems to be nicer on my hair than plastic ones.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: greengardens on July 15, 2018, 01:43:31 PM
Started using cloth diapers during the day on le bebe.

Ordered toilet paper made from 100% recycled paper that comes in plastic free packaging
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on July 15, 2018, 02:08:35 PM
* Bike and transit to meet my mom for a cooking class on Friday.

* Brought reusable Lunchbots in a personal Coleman cooler to bring home leftovers.

* Cargo bike with the baby 2.5m each away to and from the farmer's market this morning.

* Brought reusable coffee mugs with us to the market.

* Line dried a load of laundry.

* Replaced lithium batteries in bike lights, fountain pen cartridge, and gasket from stovetop espresso maker, rather than replacing the whole gizmos.

* Been reading about how to find and prepare foraged foods in hopes of expanding our low-carbon, less-miles food sourcing. (I found a couple of morels earlier this year and it's currently purslane season.)

* Everybody except the baby and DH is currently using a bamboo-handle toothbrush.

Ordered toilet paper made from 100% recycled paper that comes in plastic free packaging

YES! This is all compostable too, so I often just stick the paper wrapper in the old tube and throw into our compost bin.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on July 15, 2018, 06:21:02 PM
Today:
Using public transport and my legs to get me where I need to go.
Washing in cold water and line drying.
Vegan breakfast and vegan nearly vegan lunch (just remembered I put oyster sauce on the tofu!).
The baby is with his Grammy today, which means disposable nappies, but when he gets home he'll be back in cloth.
We hosted friends for lunch on Saturday, and they took it as a matter of course that we used cloth napkins. We've had a few people question the cloth napkins lately so it was a nice change not to have someone ask for paper instead.

Recently I was diagnosed with a borderline allergy to dairy (borderline as in not quite officially an allergy - for those familiar with the prick test for allergies the reaction was just under the size required for a diagnosis - but the immunologist said that it would definitely be affecting me and could possibly be the cause of some health issues I've been dealing with). A nice side effect of this is that I have finally broken my milky coffee habit, and am consuming considerably less dairy overall (not NONE, because I find I'm okay with a moderate volume of hard cheese or butter). This is a good thing - I have been wanting to cut down my dairy consumption for environmental and ethical reasons for a long time :-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on July 16, 2018, 06:22:00 AM
Rode my bike to work, with my old helmet.  The whole inside of the padding was peeling off and the foam was leaving black schmutz all over my head, and when my husband saw it he was aghast that I hadn't already thrown it out and bought a new one.  Subsequently, I've used school glue to paste the lining back inside and the helmet is perfectly comfortable again :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on July 16, 2018, 10:19:07 AM
Rode my bike to work, with my old helmet.  The whole inside of the padding was peeling off and the foam was leaving black schmutz all over my head, and when my husband saw it he was aghast that I hadn't already thrown it out and bought a new one.  Subsequently, I've used school glue to paste the lining back inside and the helmet is perfectly comfortable again :)

Small word of caution . . . bike helmets do go bad, even if they haven't been crashed.  Most manufacturers recommend replacing them every three to five years.  I think that replacing every seven at the most is prudent.  If the padding on your helmet is just falling off, no real worries.  If you're helmet is from the 90s or something, it's probably a good idea to try out a new one.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on July 16, 2018, 10:23:42 AM
Rode my bike to work, with my old helmet.  The whole inside of the padding was peeling off and the foam was leaving black schmutz all over my head, and when my husband saw it he was aghast that I hadn't already thrown it out and bought a new one.  Subsequently, I've used school glue to paste the lining back inside and the helmet is perfectly comfortable again :)

Small word of caution . . . bike helmets do go bad, even if they haven't been crashed.  Most manufacturers recommend replacing them every three to five years.  I think that replacing every seven at the most is prudent.  If the padding on your helmet is just falling off, no real worries.  If you're helmet is from the 90s or something, it's probably a good idea to try out a new one.

It's pretty old, so I should probably get a new one.  Oh well.  At least I wasn't forced into doing it immediately and without research by the threat of black grime on my forehead at work :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on July 16, 2018, 10:39:43 AM
Rode my bike to work, with my old helmet.  The whole inside of the padding was peeling off and the foam was leaving black schmutz all over my head, and when my husband saw it he was aghast that I hadn't already thrown it out and bought a new one.  Subsequently, I've used school glue to paste the lining back inside and the helmet is perfectly comfortable again :)

Small word of caution . . . bike helmets do go bad, even if they haven't been crashed.  Most manufacturers recommend replacing them every three to five years.  I think that replacing every seven at the most is prudent.  If the padding on your helmet is just falling off, no real worries.  If you're helmet is from the 90s or something, it's probably a good idea to try out a new one.

That's good to know... glad I didn't listen to all the people here berating me for being unmustachian because I was replacing my 15-year-old-and-full-of-spiders helmet with a new one.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on July 16, 2018, 12:59:31 PM
I guess this was actually last week--encouraged my boys to wash their hair with bar soap. My beloved does this and his hair is fine. I personally use shampoo and conditioner (2-3 times per week at least, not daily), but if the kids are happy with bar soap, think of the lifetime bottle savings!

If they were to ask for shampoo, I would probably buy it for them, but given how they seem to feel about soap in general, this seems highly unlikely.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on July 22, 2018, 06:05:35 PM
Ordered a bulk supply of bamboo toothbrushes.
Researching more environmentally friendly cosmetics, from an online retailer who accepts returned packaging to recycle.
Using cloth pads.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: bacchi on July 22, 2018, 07:06:22 PM
I guess this was actually last week--encouraged my boys to wash their hair with bar soap. My beloved does this and his hair is fine. I personally use shampoo and conditioner (2-3 times per week at least, not daily), but if the kids are happy with bar soap, think of the lifetime bottle savings!

If they were to ask for shampoo, I would probably buy it for them, but given how they seem to feel about soap in general, this seems highly unlikely.

The co-op near me has byob(ottle) shampoo (and honey, and maple syrup, and vinegar, and peanut butter....)

It's really reduced the buying of new bottles.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on July 22, 2018, 10:59:58 PM
Replaced the ink cartridge in my fountain pen rather than buying a whole new plastic pen.

Replaced a Maglite lens that my kid had damaged, rather than replacing the whole flashlight.

Cloth diapers.

Peed in the backyard to accelerate the soil food web/mulch decomposition in a new bed with pomegranate, goji berry, two kinds of sweet potato, turmeric and ginger.

Decanted two bottles of citrus vinegar cleaner and composted the used peels.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: bacchi on July 24, 2018, 01:32:12 PM
The AC condensation line broke some time ago and it's been dripping water into the crawl space.

1) repaired the line and routed it through the crawl space wall and near a tree desperate for water.
2) put some poly down where the leak was as the start of enclosing the entire crawl space. The hygrometer read around 70% -- outside is currently 30% so there's some efficiency gains to be had there.

I routed the back unit's condensation line into some native grasses and they're flourishing. Those grasses will reach ~6 feet tall and shade the AC condensing unit.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on July 24, 2018, 11:40:11 PM
Made foaming hand soap using liquid Castile soap, a few drops of essential oils and water. This used up the last of the Castile soap, so I have washed out the container to be refilled when we next get to the bulk shop.
Washed out the plastic bags from frozen veges, to put in the special soft plastics recycling bin at the supermarket.
Set aside paper and cardboard recycling, to get added to the worm farm.
Talked through plans to switch to more expensive, but more environmentally friendly, options in a few areas. Got husband's buy in, which is vital.
Bought bigger inserts for cloth nappies. We have been struggling to make cloth nappies work (had a wet-through in under an hour this morning...). I don't know what we will try next if the bigger inserts don't work, but I HATE creating so much landfill waste by using disposables.
Still using cloth pads.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on July 25, 2018, 01:35:14 AM
What do people use to collect their compost scraps?

We've been using takeaway containers which are stored in the fridge but it's not really working, partly because we have a small fridge/freezer. I don't really want to buy a bin new but don't have anything to repurpose that has a lid to discourage the fruit flies. Maybe it's time to visit an op shop (thrift store)? Or ask someone that buys icecream in nice big tubs?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on July 25, 2018, 01:37:05 AM
What do people use to collect their compost scraps?

We've been using takeaway containers which are stored in the fridge but it's not really working, partly because we have a small fridge/freezer. I don't really want to buy a bin new but don't have anything to repurpose that has a lid to discourage the fruit flies. Maybe it's time to visit an op shop (thrift store)? Or ask someone that buys icecream in nice big tubs?

We use icecream tubs (2L ones). Mr Happier was SO SAD when I explained I needed him to eat icecream so I could collect the tubs ;-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on July 25, 2018, 04:59:24 AM
What do people use to collect their compost scraps?

We've been using takeaway containers which are stored in the fridge but it's not really working, partly because we have a small fridge/freezer. I don't really want to buy a bin new but don't have anything to repurpose that has a lid to discourage the fruit flies. Maybe it's time to visit an op shop (thrift store)? Or ask someone that buys icecream in nice big tubs?

We use icecream tubs (2L ones). Mr Happier was SO SAD when I explained I needed him to eat icecream so I could collect the tubs ;-)
I may need to tell Ponder to do the same.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on July 25, 2018, 05:29:35 AM
What do people use to collect their compost scraps?

We've been using takeaway containers which are stored in the fridge but it's not really working, partly because we have a small fridge/freezer. I don't really want to buy a bin new but don't have anything to repurpose that has a lid to discourage the fruit flies. Maybe it's time to visit an op shop (thrift store)? Or ask someone that buys icecream in nice big tubs?

We use icecream tubs (2L ones). Mr Happier was SO SAD when I explained I needed him to eat icecream so I could collect the tubs ;-)
I may need to tell Ponder to do the same.

Or buy dairy-free icecream and you can do it ;-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on July 25, 2018, 06:27:13 AM
What do people use to collect their compost scraps?

We've been using takeaway containers which are stored in the fridge but it's not really working, partly because we have a small fridge/freezer. I don't really want to buy a bin new but don't have anything to repurpose that has a lid to discourage the fruit flies. Maybe it's time to visit an op shop (thrift store)? Or ask someone that buys icecream in nice big tubs?

We use icecream tubs (2L ones). Mr Happier was SO SAD when I explained I needed him to eat icecream so I could collect the tubs ;-)
I may need to tell Ponder to do the same.

Or buy dairy-free icecream and you can do it ;-)

That's what my parents use too!  It's a good idea :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on July 25, 2018, 11:39:05 AM
For a long time we used an old dishwasher-pods tub in the freezer; freezer is by far the best for preventing flies.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on July 27, 2018, 02:53:29 AM
Today, we walked to the local fish & chip store for dinner, dried clothes on the line and made a delicious garden salad from the greens I've been growing!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on July 27, 2018, 02:54:34 AM
What do people use to collect their compost scraps?

We've been using takeaway containers which are stored in the fridge but it's not really working, partly because we have a small fridge/freezer. I don't really want to buy a bin new but don't have anything to repurpose that has a lid to discourage the fruit flies. Maybe it's time to visit an op shop (thrift store)? Or ask someone that buys icecream in nice big tubs?

We use icecream tubs (2L ones). Mr Happier was SO SAD when I explained I needed him to eat icecream so I could collect the tubs ;-)
I may need to tell Ponder to do the same.

Or buy dairy-free icecream and you can do it ;-)

That's what my parents use too!  It's a good idea :)
I would, but the tubs are not as good! The size and ease of using the lid is just not the same
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on July 27, 2018, 03:46:37 AM
What do people use to collect their compost scraps?

We've been using takeaway containers which are stored in the fridge but it's not really working, partly because we have a small fridge/freezer. I don't really want to buy a bin new but don't have anything to repurpose that has a lid to discourage the fruit flies. Maybe it's time to visit an op shop (thrift store)? Or ask someone that buys icecream in nice big tubs?

We use icecream tubs (2L ones). Mr Happier was SO SAD when I explained I needed him to eat icecream so I could collect the tubs ;-)
I may need to tell Ponder to do the same.

Or buy dairy-free icecream and you can do it ;-)

That's what my parents use too!  It's a good idea :)
I would, but the tubs are not as good! The size and ease of using the lid is just not the same

Today I bought a 4kg laundry powder bucket which will become our compost bucket. It will be fine through winter but might not work in summer, we'll see. If not, I will convert it into an in-ground compost near the backdoor!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on July 28, 2018, 07:24:46 PM
I put weather stripping around our front door, laundry door that leads to the outside, and the baby's room. I'll be putting some on all the other internal doors as well, as we heat rooms individually. Next up is making some sausage toys to go along the bottoms of the doors!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on July 28, 2018, 10:16:14 PM
I put weather stripping around our front door, laundry door that leads to the outside, and the baby's room. I'll be putting some on all the other internal doors as well, as we heat rooms individually. Next up is making some sausage toys to go along the bottoms of the doors!

Can you share a link to the weather stripping you used? Because we need to do this!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on July 28, 2018, 10:18:09 PM
Started plants from seed, and reused plastic pots from plants I'd previously bought.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on July 28, 2018, 11:40:31 PM
I put weather stripping around our front door, laundry door that leads to the outside, and the baby's room. I'll be putting some on all the other internal doors as well, as we heat rooms individually. Next up is making some sausage toys to go along the bottoms of the doors!

Can you share a link to the weather stripping you used? Because we need to do this!
This one:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/raven-5m-superior-white-door-and-window-weather-strip-rp59-white_p3961089
DH agrees that it's also reduced the sound transfer between rooms. One box did one door, and read the instructions because you don't put it on the same surface of the frame all the way around - it's different for the part where the hinge is (I mucked one up).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on July 29, 2018, 12:47:14 AM
I put weather stripping around our front door, laundry door that leads to the outside, and the baby's room. I'll be putting some on all the other internal doors as well, as we heat rooms individually. Next up is making some sausage toys to go along the bottoms of the doors!

Can you share a link to the weather stripping you used? Because we need to do this!
This one:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/raven-5m-superior-white-door-and-window-weather-strip-rp59-white_p3961089
DH agrees that it's also reduced the sound transfer between rooms. One box did one door, and read the instructions because you don't put it on the same surface of the frame all the way around - it's different for the part where the hinge is (I mucked one up).

Thank you!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on July 29, 2018, 03:44:16 PM
We've been traveling by bicycle, cargo bike and public transit since Wednesday (Honda Fit is in the shop w a check-engine light).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on August 01, 2018, 12:42:41 PM
I put weather stripping around our front door, laundry door that leads to the outside, and the baby's room. I'll be putting some on all the other internal doors as well, as we heat rooms individually. Next up is making some sausage toys to go along the bottoms of the doors!

Can you share a link to the weather stripping you used? Because we need to do this!
This one:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/raven-5m-superior-white-door-and-window-weather-strip-rp59-white_p3961089
DH agrees that it's also reduced the sound transfer between rooms. One box did one door, and read the instructions because you don't put it on the same surface of the frame all the way around - it's different for the part where the hinge is (I mucked one up).

Thank you!
I did my toilet and laundry doors today. Then I realised the toilet door was pointless, because it is short and stops a full 2cm below the edge of the door frame! No wonder I have a draught - there's a window in the toilet that's permanently open for ventilation, doesn't have the ability to be closed. I guess we're buying a new door?!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on August 01, 2018, 01:01:58 PM
I put weather stripping around our front door, laundry door that leads to the outside, and the baby's room. I'll be putting some on all the other internal doors as well, as we heat rooms individually. Next up is making some sausage toys to go along the bottoms of the doors!

Can you share a link to the weather stripping you used? Because we need to do this!
This one:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/raven-5m-superior-white-door-and-window-weather-strip-rp59-white_p3961089
DH agrees that it's also reduced the sound transfer between rooms. One box did one door, and read the instructions because you don't put it on the same surface of the frame all the way around - it's different for the part where the hinge is (I mucked one up).

Thank you!
I did my toilet and laundry doors today. Then I realised the toilet door was pointless, because it is short and stops a full 2cm below the edge of the door frame! No wonder I have a draught - there's a window in the toilet that's permanently open for ventilation, doesn't have the ability to be closed. I guess we're buying a new door?!

Could you add a door shoe with a sweep on it? You can get some pretty good extra distance covered that way.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on August 01, 2018, 05:27:29 PM
I put weather stripping around our front door, laundry door that leads to the outside, and the baby's room. I'll be putting some on all the other internal doors as well, as we heat rooms individually. Next up is making some sausage toys to go along the bottoms of the doors!

Can you share a link to the weather stripping you used? Because we need to do this!
This one:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/raven-5m-superior-white-door-and-window-weather-strip-rp59-white_p3961089
DH agrees that it's also reduced the sound transfer between rooms. One box did one door, and read the instructions because you don't put it on the same surface of the frame all the way around - it's different for the part where the hinge is (I mucked one up).

Thank you!
I did my toilet and laundry doors today. Then I realised the toilet door was pointless, because it is short and stops a full 2cm below the edge of the door frame! No wonder I have a draught - there's a window in the toilet that's permanently open for ventilation, doesn't have the ability to be closed. I guess we're buying a new door?!

Could you add a door shoe with a sweep on it? You can get some pretty good extra distance covered that way.
Does that work on the top of the door? It's the top that's the problem, not the bottom.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on August 01, 2018, 05:56:18 PM
AV, maybe you could attached one of those brush excluders meant for the bottom of the door on the top of the door frame so it hangs down to cover the gap. It would not look pretty but if you are freezing now it might be a good temporary measure.

We have a mini curtain rail over our back door and a cheapo ikea curtain because the gaps are so awkward we can't sort the draughts. That would be annoying for the toilet door though! Maybe a little pelmet!!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on August 01, 2018, 06:45:58 PM
Started carrying a set of stainless steel flatware, chopsticks and straws with me. So far have saved a plastic straw and a plastic fork & knife; SO GRATIFYING. I swear the metal straw makes drinks taste colder too LOL.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on August 01, 2018, 09:23:33 PM
You guys are all very inspiring! 

For the last 7 months I've been transitioning to a vegan diet.  I write about it in detail in my journal.  At this point I have no plans to turn back.  I feel fantastic, I've lost weight and I'm super lean.  I fit into pants that are smaller than when I was 20 and I'm 44.  It's not all diet.  I exercise a lot more than the average person. 

There's a pretty simple formula for this transition (having your questions answered, gaining confidence etc.) and it generally takes people 3 months to change their palette. 

At work I am working on 3 initiatives - EV charging, hand dryers over paper towels and eliminating bottled water.  They each have challenges but I plan to be successful with every one of them.
the 3 months info is fascinating, I wonder if that's how long I took to stop whining about giving up dairy! I've moved from almond to soy milk and the creaminess is incredible.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on August 02, 2018, 08:39:29 AM
I put weather stripping around our front door, laundry door that leads to the outside, and the baby's room. I'll be putting some on all the other internal doors as well, as we heat rooms individually. Next up is making some sausage toys to go along the bottoms of the doors!

Can you share a link to the weather stripping you used? Because we need to do this!
This one:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/raven-5m-superior-white-door-and-window-weather-strip-rp59-white_p3961089
DH agrees that it's also reduced the sound transfer between rooms. One box did one door, and read the instructions because you don't put it on the same surface of the frame all the way around - it's different for the part where the hinge is (I mucked one up).

Thank you!
I did my toilet and laundry doors today. Then I realised the toilet door was pointless, because it is short and stops a full 2cm below the edge of the door frame! No wonder I have a draught - there's a window in the toilet that's permanently open for ventilation, doesn't have the ability to be closed. I guess we're buying a new door?!

Could you add a door shoe with a sweep on it? You can get some pretty good extra distance covered that way.
Does that work on the top of the door? It's the top that's the problem, not the bottom.

Why not remount the door?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on August 02, 2018, 04:05:05 PM
I put weather stripping around our front door, laundry door that leads to the outside, and the baby's room. I'll be putting some on all the other internal doors as well, as we heat rooms individually. Next up is making some sausage toys to go along the bottoms of the doors!

Can you share a link to the weather stripping you used? Because we need to do this!
This one:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/raven-5m-superior-white-door-and-window-weather-strip-rp59-white_p3961089
DH agrees that it's also reduced the sound transfer between rooms. One box did one door, and read the instructions because you don't put it on the same surface of the frame all the way around - it's different for the part where the hinge is (I mucked one up).

Thank you!
I did my toilet and laundry doors today. Then I realised the toilet door was pointless, because it is short and stops a full 2cm below the edge of the door frame! No wonder I have a draught - there's a window in the toilet that's permanently open for ventilation, doesn't have the ability to be closed. I guess we're buying a new door?!

Could you add a door shoe with a sweep on it? You can get some pretty good extra distance covered that way.
Does that work on the top of the door? It's the top that's the problem, not the bottom.

Why not remount the door?
I admit to zero diy experience with doors. Either way I'm gonna have to drill things and redo the handle, aren't I? Ok, I will investigate this.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: cats on August 05, 2018, 06:14:08 PM
Fairly US specific--I wrote to my senators about legislation. In a fit of especially deep climate change depression, I started googling on the various climate change solutions listed by the Drawdown project.  Number one on the list is "refrigerant management", phasing out HFCs (https://www.drawdown.org/solutions/materials/refrigerant-management).  I also discovered that there was actually legislation introduced in the Senate earlier this year that would support this phasing out in the US.  So I wrote each of my senators and asked them to support this legislation (S 2448, American Innovation and Manufacturing Act).  I also wrote my representative and asked her to introduce/support companion legislation in the House.  Then I emailed some close friends/family and asked them to do the same, fingers crossed at least one of them does.

I was also heartened to see that some of the other top 10 solutions (reducing food waste, adopting a plant rich diet) are ones that I can take action on myself.  These are already things my family and I work on but I am now inspired to increase our efforts.  Seeing how high on the list "tropical forests" is also has me inspired to look more closely into some of those carbon offset programs where you pay to have some trees planted.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: OtherJen on August 07, 2018, 07:52:39 PM
Walked to my polling place instead of driving.

Made a vinegar/salt/borax solution to clean the living room rug instead of using a heavily scented commercial cleaner.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on August 07, 2018, 08:19:55 PM
I put my compost scraps in a zipper bag in the freezer. When it's this hot out, I just dump the whole frozen brick in the compost when the bag gets full. When it's colder out, I let it thaw in the sink for a while before I take it out. No smell, and helps keep the freezer full and working at optimal levels.

I started a new job where I can walk/bike to work! There are 4 others who bike regularly out of about a 25 person staff, so pretty high percentage for here in the lower Midwest. I had to drive to a training today, but I made sure to carpool to our lunch portion.

I'm also still picking up cans for recycling as I walk my dog. I bring home plastic bags from work or ask friends who don't carry their own bags for their plastic bags. Haven't bought dog poop bags in almost two years!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: cats on August 07, 2018, 08:32:40 PM
I have been following up my letter writing over the weekend (I heard back from one friend that they wrote too!) and have decided I need to broaden my horizons beyond elected officials.  So I wrote to the customer service contact of several of the grocery store chains we occasionally frequent and asked about food waste and what they are doing to cut back on it.  I specifically mentioned that I've read that a lot of food gets wasted before it even gets to the store because it's perfectly good but doesn't meet appearance standards (i.e. irregular shape and color) and that I've noticed the produce at these stores is quite uniform.

Anyway, I actually heard back from a real person at one chain (Sprouts, if anyone would care to join me).  They told me all about their practices with giving edible but not saleable food to hunger relief, and inedible food to composting or animal feed, but nothing about the incoming end.  So I wrote back and thanked them for the response and reiterated that I was interested in their buying practices and said I would be more inclined to shop there if I saw them promoting things like "irregular" produce.  Will be interested to see if I hear more back.

Also sniffed the dress I wore today and decided it was good for one more day instead of tossing it in the wash.  Less laundry and less wear and tear on the dress.  My husband seems to go through way less clothing than I do and I need to start taking a bigger page out of his book on this one.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: OtherJen on August 07, 2018, 09:35:53 PM
I have been following up my letter writing over the weekend (I heard back from one friend that they wrote too!) and have decided I need to broaden my horizons beyond elected officials.  So I wrote to the customer service contact of several of the grocery store chains we occasionally frequent and asked about food waste and what they are doing to cut back on it.  I specifically mentioned that I've read that a lot of food gets wasted before it even gets to the store because it's perfectly good but doesn't meet appearance standards (i.e. irregular shape and color) and that I've noticed the produce at these stores is quite uniform.

Anyway, I actually heard back from a real person at one chain (Sprouts, if anyone would care to join me).  They told me all about their practices with giving edible but not saleable food to hunger relief, and inedible food to composting or animal feed, but nothing about the incoming end.  So I wrote back and thanked them for the response and reiterated that I was interested in their buying practices and said I would be more inclined to shop there if I saw them promoting things like "irregular" produce.  Will be interested to see if I hear more back.

Also sniffed the dress I wore today and decided it was good for one more day instead of tossing it in the wash.  Less laundry and less wear and tear on the dress.  My husband seems to go through way less clothing than I do and I need to start taking a bigger page out of his book on this one.

I don’t know where you live, but you might be interested in a program like Hungry Harvest (https://www.hungryharvest.net/), which is like a CSA for exactly the type of irregular and surplus produce you’re describing. We’ve been subscribers since it expanded to our area in early June, and we’ve been pleased with it. For about $20 per week (including a small delivery charge), we get a sturdy, reusable/recyclable cardboard box of several different types of irregular/surplus veggies delivered to our front porch every Friday (you can get mixed fruit/veg boxes too, but we tend to prefer veggies).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: cats on August 08, 2018, 07:33:16 AM
I have been following up my letter writing over the weekend (I heard back from one friend that they wrote too!) and have decided I need to broaden my horizons beyond elected officials.  So I wrote to the customer service contact of several of the grocery store chains we occasionally frequent and asked about food waste and what they are doing to cut back on it.  I specifically mentioned that I've read that a lot of food gets wasted before it even gets to the store because it's perfectly good but doesn't meet appearance standards (i.e. irregular shape and color) and that I've noticed the produce at these stores is quite uniform.

Anyway, I actually heard back from a real person at one chain (Sprouts, if anyone would care to join me).  They told me all about their practices with giving edible but not saleable food to hunger relief, and inedible food to composting or animal feed, but nothing about the incoming end.  So I wrote back and thanked them for the response and reiterated that I was interested in their buying practices and said I would be more inclined to shop there if I saw them promoting things like "irregular" produce.  Will be interested to see if I hear more back.

Also sniffed the dress I wore today and decided it was good for one more day instead of tossing it in the wash.  Less laundry and less wear and tear on the dress.  My husband seems to go through way less clothing than I do and I need to start taking a bigger page out of his book on this one.

I don’t know where you live, but you might be interested in a program like Hungry Harvest (https://www.hungryharvest.net/), which is like a CSA for exactly the type of irregular and surplus produce you’re describing. We’ve been subscribers since it expanded to our area in early June, and we’ve been pleased with it. For about $20 per week (including a small delivery charge), we get a sturdy, reusable/recyclable cardboard box of several different types of irregular/surplus veggies delivered to our front porch every Friday (you can get mixed fruit/veg boxes too, but we tend to prefer veggies).

Thanks for the suggestion!  I actually buy most of our produce at a local grocery that does sell more irregular produce and it also winds up being $20-25/week for our fruit/veggies, so I have a solution that is working well for me personally.  However, that's just 2 stores whereas Sprouts is a larger chain with a much bigger customer base, so I figure it's worth writing and asking if they'd consider doing something similar and actively promoting it to customers as a good thing.  I guess I'm lately feeling that while personal action is great and necessary, it's not enough. So I'm working on reducing impact also by reaching out and asking people (i.e. elected officials) and businesses with a larger impact than I have to do more also.  There are a lot of people in the US living a very carbon intensive lifestyle and I don't think they're going to change that unless they get bigger nudges than just their crazy hippy frugal neighbor or co-worker mentioning it :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on August 09, 2018, 07:28:25 PM
Tonight I bought $33 of thrift store clothes, mostly dresses, because I have discovered a great local thrift store and joined there rewards program.  I will maybe return one item and donate a bag of clothes on Saturday myself.  Reduce reuse recycle, or something like that, right.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: greengardens on August 11, 2018, 08:03:29 PM
If this is the inappropriate place for this let me know and I will delete but does anyone have any environmentally friendly ways to store breast milk? Right now we’re using these one time use plastic bags, which are very convenient and easy to store, but I hate one use plastic. We’re trying to be as green as possible with baby, using cloth diapers, hand me down clothes and toys, etc... but this has me stumped
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on August 11, 2018, 08:11:28 PM
If this is the inappropriate place for this let me know and I will delete but does anyone have any environmentally friendly ways to store breast milk? Right now we’re using these one time use plastic bags, which are very convenient and easy to store, but I hate one use plastic. We’re trying to be as green as possible with baby, using cloth diapers, hand me down clothes and toys, etc... but this has me stumped

What about glass jars? They're freezer safe as long as you leave room at the top for the milk to expand.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Mon€yp€nny on August 12, 2018, 02:31:33 AM
I realized we were doing a lot of things that did not fit in our goals. I really want to change a number of things to get back on track.

So I went to the organic farm just a bit over a mile from my home yesterday. Due to medical issues and yes, laziness, I had not been there for at least 6 months. Unfortunately, I drove there by car. I really have to see whether I can get a bike attachment for my wheelchair so I can cycle again.
It was really nice to go again, the atmosphere there is so relaxed, I enjoyed watching she sheep a bit with the fruit trees in the background. The lady that runs the store once a week writes your receipt on scap paper. She has a calculator but hardly uses it. I pay her with my bank app, I just transfer the money.
Got bio dynamic veggies, fruit, eggs and heavenly goat's yoghurt.  The BD eggs are a bit expensive, think we will buy organic from the supermarket next week.

I'm also cooking more vegetarian and vegan meals. Found nice lookings meals on Pintrest.

Also I'm working on more minimalism and zero waste. I have no idea what to do with the plastic straws, makeup cotton pads etc etc I don't need anymore. The unopened will go to the local charity for the poor but the others? Maybe I'll put everything in a box for a year, date on it and everything that I haven't used will go to the correct recycling bin after a year.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on August 12, 2018, 02:46:07 AM
Went for a daytrip with a friend using the train. She's vegan so we had organic fries with vegan mayo for lunch.

For dinner I ate some crackers and chutney that were about to go bad.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on August 12, 2018, 11:31:23 AM
If this is the inappropriate place for this let me know and I will delete but does anyone have any environmentally friendly ways to store breast milk? Right now we’re using these one time use plastic bags, which are very convenient and easy to store, but I hate one use plastic. We’re trying to be as green as possible with baby, using cloth diapers, hand me down clothes and toys, etc... but this has me stumped

What about glass jars? They're freezer safe as long as you leave room at the top for the milk to expand.

I did this and it works, just be sure you use straight-sided jars or the jars will crack with the expansion in the freezer. Jelly jars in the 4oz or 8oz sizes work well. You can also buy reusable plastic lids if you don't want to use the metal rings and lids.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on August 12, 2018, 12:48:05 PM
Also I'm working on more minimalism and zero waste. I have no idea what to do with the plastic straws, makeup cotton pads etc etc I don't need anymore. The unopened will go to the local charity for the poor but the others? Maybe I'll put everything in a box for a year, date on it and everything that I haven't used will go to the correct recycling bin after a year.

Depending on how strict you are on minimalism, I would just store them and use them up and don't buy new ones from now on. Cotton pads have many uses. If you're really certain you're never going to use them again, I would donate them to a friend / relative who doesn't mind that the packaging has been opened.

My mother always told me that we mend everything except for underwear, because we're not paupers. I bought some new pairs of underwear last week and the elastic came off one pair the very first time I washed it. I sewed it back on. I'm pretty good with mending and repurposing but this was a first for me. l also zig zagged around the edges of a towel that was starting to fray. Eventually, the towel will be cut up for cleaning rags, but I generally only do that when the first holes start to appear.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mxmoney on August 12, 2018, 03:42:05 PM
We've hardly turned the AC on all day!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Mon€yp€nny on August 13, 2018, 10:53:36 AM
@Imma, I would have returned that underwear without any shame. I'm replacing all my undies with Sloggi everlast. They come with lifetime warranty. I was so sick of low quality underwear, total waste of cotton etc.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: greengardens on August 13, 2018, 08:59:17 PM
If this is the inappropriate place for this let me know and I will delete but does anyone have any environmentally friendly ways to store breast milk? Right now we’re using these one time use plastic bags, which are very convenient and easy to store, but I hate one use plastic. We’re trying to be as green as possible with baby, using cloth diapers, hand me down clothes and toys, etc... but this has me stumped

What about glass jars? They're freezer safe as long as you leave room at the top for the milk to expand.

I did this and it works, just be sure you use straight-sided jars or the jars will crack with the expansion in the freezer. Jelly jars in the 4oz or 8oz sizes work well. You can also buy reusable plastic lids if you don't want to use the metal rings and lids.

Thanks! I’ll have to check with daycare to make sure they’ll accept the glass jars but at the very least I can use them for my at home stash
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on August 14, 2018, 04:55:25 AM
If this is the inappropriate place for this let me know and I will delete but does anyone have any environmentally friendly ways to store breast milk? Right now we’re using these one time use plastic bags, which are very convenient and easy to store, but I hate one use plastic. We’re trying to be as green as possible with baby, using cloth diapers, hand me down clothes and toys, etc... but this has me stumped

What about glass jars? They're freezer safe as long as you leave room at the top for the milk to expand.

I did this and it works, just be sure you use straight-sided jars or the jars will crack with the expansion in the freezer. Jelly jars in the 4oz or 8oz sizes work well. You can also buy reusable plastic lids if you don't want to use the metal rings and lids.

Thanks! I’ll have to check with daycare to make sure they’ll accept the glass jars but at the very least I can use them for my at home stash
I use plastic tubs that are made for my pump, unsure if you could find something similar? It means I don't have to worry about smashing something in a sleep deprived moment.
https://www.babybunting.com.au/avent-via-breast-milk-containers.html
Title: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on August 14, 2018, 10:47:23 AM
Took transit and back to my first ever mammogram. Kept a car off the road and didn’t have to pay for parking ($9 minimum).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on August 15, 2018, 01:09:08 AM
Walked to work and will walk back later today.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: OmahaSteph on August 15, 2018, 12:39:03 PM
Packed lunch using reusable containers, including a silicone envelope in place of a plastic sandwich bag. Continue to use a metal straw at work. Lunch consisted largely of produce I grew at home without pesticides (just neem oil).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: cats on August 15, 2018, 06:31:48 PM
Got hungry at work, contemplated buying a snack, but after reading about China turning away more and more “recycling” from the US I decided I could stand not to add another piece of packaging to the trash. Ate some oatmeal (purchased in bulk) that I keep at my desk for such occasions  instead.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on August 16, 2018, 12:50:10 AM
Walk to work again. Will not walk back, as my DH will come over here with the car for a repair.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: dashuk on August 16, 2018, 03:24:17 AM
At work I am working on 3 initiatives - EV charging, hand dryers over paper towels and eliminating bottled water.  They each have challenges but I plan to be successful with every one of them.

Interested by this one, because it doesn't appear as clear cut either way as, say, drinking tapwater. Fair amount of embodied energy in making a hand dryer, plus a kW or so of power when it's running. Paper towels could be made from pretty low-grade recycled paper, and will biodegrade pretty quickly. But then you're going to need a lot of them over the lifetime of the hand-dryer, they probably come wrapped in plastic, etc. Have you seen any sort of whole-life analysis of this?

In the spirit of the thread, while I was pondering this, rather than use the bathroom on my floor of the office, I walked downstairs to the changing rooms, because I've got a towel there for showering after the cycle commute anyway. No paper towels or hand dryers involved!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: cats on August 16, 2018, 09:20:05 AM
At work I am working on 3 initiatives - EV charging, hand dryers over paper towels and eliminating bottled water.  They each have challenges but I plan to be successful with every one of them.

Interested by this one, because it doesn't appear as clear cut either way as, say, drinking tapwater. Fair amount of embodied energy in making a hand dryer, plus a kW or so of power when it's running. Paper towels could be made from pretty low-grade recycled paper, and will biodegrade pretty quickly. But then you're going to need a lot of them over the lifetime of the hand-dryer, they probably come wrapped in plastic, etc. Have you seen any sort of whole-life analysis of this?

In the spirit of the thread, while I was pondering this, rather than use the bathroom on my floor of the office, I walked downstairs to the changing rooms, because I've got a towel there for showering after the cycle commute anyway. No paper towels or hand dryers involved!

There is life cycle analysis of this, the hand dryers appear to win: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969715001424.  From the abstract, it looks like the major impact of the hand dryer is the power it uses.  If your office building is powered by renewables, I imagine that might help to make the dryer even more attractive.

My dad used to tell us to just shake off our hands or wipe them on our pants rather than using a paper towel or dryer and I think I need to start doing that more often.  There's no real NEED for either paper towel or a dryer for me personally in most instances.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: RetiredAt63 on August 16, 2018, 10:53:48 AM

My dad used to tell us to just shake off our hands or wipe them on our pants rather than using a paper towel or dryer and I think I need to start doing that more often.  There's no real NEED for either paper towel or a dryer for me personally in most instances.

Aah, yes, the old "Be modern, drip dry" approach.   ;-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: dashuk on August 16, 2018, 12:11:41 PM
There is life cycle analysis of this, the hand dryers appear to win: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969715001424.  From the abstract, it looks like the major impact of the hand dryer is the power it uses.  If your office building is powered by renewables, I imagine that might help to make the dryer even more attractive.

My dad used to tell us to just shake off our hands or wipe them on our pants rather than using a paper towel or dryer and I think I need to start doing that more often.  There's no real NEED for either paper towel or a dryer for me personally in most instances.

Interesting, thanks @cats! Would be even more interesting to see the working, but I must admit, my devotion to the subject doesn't extend to buying access to paywalled journals. ;-)

Child #1 has a bit of a thing about the noise of hand dryers, so we do a fair amount of drying hands on clothes when we're out and about.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: cats on August 17, 2018, 03:27:32 PM
I have resolved to be less lazy and fully power down my workstation at the office before leaving each evening, resulting in less power use overnight.  Have done it every day this week so far.  I am actually finding it's good for me in another way--knowing I will have to shut everything down seems to also be nudging me to take 5-10 minutes to figure out where I am with all my tasks and what I need to prioritize doing the next day, rather than just leaving stuff open as a "reminder" to work on it.

Discovered that my city is proposing adding a 25 cent charge to all disposable food containers at restaurants (due to China turning away more US plastics).  Wrote my councilperson saying I thought this was a great idea.  Then wrote my state legislature representative and asked that they consider introducing similar legislation at the state level.  I am actually quite enjoying my new ongoing project of contacting elected officials as it is causing me to research a bit more about what rules/legislation are already being proposed.  For example, I discovered that not one, but two carbon taxes have actually been introduced in the US house, although neither of them are expected to pass or really even get out of committee.  However, I did write to my US representative and asked her to consider adding her support or co-sponsorship to the carbon tax that legislation that has been endorsed by the NRDC (https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/4926) (the other one is not expected to result in as large a reduction in emissions and would pretty much gut the Clean Air Act).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on August 17, 2018, 04:29:49 PM
Hand dryers: ewww. Am I the only one who read that article about them spreading fecal bacteria? I prefer to wipe my hands on my gym towel or my pants.

I had too many flyers printed for a library program. I just cut up a bunch of them to use as scratch paper. (We use a lot of little pieces of paper for writing Dewey numbers on, tagging items for transit, etc.).

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on August 19, 2018, 09:21:56 AM
Sad news: Sprouts will no longer let you use reusable bags for bulk items :( 

The cashier told me yesterday when I was checking out.  I'm assuming it is a liability thing, where they want to make sure that you don't get sick because your bags are filthy and then blame it on the store.  I'm so bummed.  I try to not even buy bulk items unless I have my bags with me, I hate using the stupid plastic bags.  Even if you reuse them, they don't last nearly as long as mesh bags.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: cats on August 19, 2018, 09:28:43 AM
How are they going to enforce that? Refuse to ring you up? Station people in the bulk section to put your items in plastic?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on August 19, 2018, 09:39:09 AM
How are they going to enforce that? Refuse to ring you up? Station people in the bulk section to put your items in plastic?

I have no idea, that's a good question.  If it really is a liability issue, it's not like they can put the bulk food back once it's in your reusable bags, and it would just get ridiculous making people transfer their goods from a reusable bag to a plastic one.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: cats on August 19, 2018, 12:34:21 PM
Honestly, I would wait for them to actually post in writing that it’s not allowed.  It seems like something rather out of sync with the image they try to project.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BuffaloStache on August 19, 2018, 01:45:21 PM
Posting mostly to follow, but I haven't yet read all of the great ideas in this thread.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on August 19, 2018, 03:03:40 PM
-Biked for our first grocery trip, walked for our second. (2.5 miles each way and 1.5mi each way, respectively).
-At the first store, knew I would use the bell pepper I was buying that day, so I bought one that was softening- seemed likely it'd get thrown out if no one bought it today, and it's being cooked anyway.
-Reusable grocery bags or paneers for the trips.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: pancakes on August 19, 2018, 09:24:56 PM
I purchased rice at the bulk food store. Eye wateringly expensive and I didn’t BYO container so used a paper bag BUT since we are living in a small space we have been buying small quantities of pantry goods at a time which means so much plastic waste.

I have also been doing my BYO coffee cup and walking to my local cafes while we work out how to repair our machine. It has been nice to get out and walk around different areas of the neighbourhood to try different cafes but I am keen to start making my own coffee again soon for the cost factor.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: magnet18 on August 20, 2018, 09:43:00 AM
I took a cup of coffee in a travel mug to work, instead of leaving the last of the pot to go cold and drinking the free coffee at work
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Mon€yp€nny on August 22, 2018, 11:27:50 AM
Bought bio cotton shirts where I wouldn't expect it. I read an article about C&A (Dutch chain, referred to by my husband as 'Cheap & Awful'), they sell a cradle to cradle gold certificate jeans. They are the first in Europe or the world I believe. I still have enough jeans but I did need long sleeved shirts.

My 8 yr daughter had seen a TV show where a headband was made from scraps of fabric and metal wire. She asked for fabric so I told her to look in the fabric recycle bag. I found metal wire in my grandfather's old toolbox and my daughter found a blouse with dirty spots. A bit of sewing and sewing lesson and she is thrilled. Ready for school. Grandpa is smiling from.heaven and probably looking slightly smug at my grandma 'see, I told you it was worth saving!'
She also got a new piece of clothing at the thrift store yesterday and is really happy with it.(Nothing in my size that I was looking for unfortunately). Saves new fabric too.
I don't have many clothes but I still found 'double bought items', planning to sell what's still very nice/ new, donate what's still good.
One of those items is a white blouse, I de-stained the short and long sleeved other two I had.
I needed something for an unexpected funeral and just bought something that matched, it was a emotionally and physically draining fortnight. I shopped for a wedding and the funeral in one day for the whole family and shopped for husband and the kids first and myself as last when I was tired. I also had a similar, but too warm, blazer at home. That one is going too.
And I learned to make sure we have something dark and nice in our closets to prevent blind last minute shopping. Something eco preferably
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on August 23, 2018, 01:15:07 AM
Walked to work this morning. I need to pick up a car from the repair shop in another town. I will probably get to sit with a colleague who drives in that direction. Or I will take the train.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: pancakes on August 25, 2018, 12:44:38 AM
We decided to sit at a cafe and drink coffee today so left without our reusable cups (except the baby took hers). To our surprise our cafe choice serves all their coffee in takeaway cups even though they have a huge dine-in area. We kept walking and found somewhere using normal cups.

As a bonus the baby ordered a babyccino (we might be those people but I can’t bring myself to actually order it using that word) and we got the 50c reusable cup discount off a $1 drink because she brought her own cup.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on August 25, 2018, 02:13:02 AM
Taking the train to the city. Meeting a friend who will cycle. Going to a festival where they encourage you to bring a reusable cup.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on August 25, 2018, 03:26:21 AM
We walked to the local shops to get our handful of required groceries. I've also been buying most of our meat from the local butcher, and trying to get more from the local greengrocer who stocks locally grown food.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Mon€yp€nny on August 25, 2018, 04:51:10 PM
Went to the organic farm nearby for our vegetables.

Collected rainwater. I'll be honest, cause I needed rainwater for a recipe to make dark laundry detergent with woodash and hedera.
I also use our rainbarrel for tapwater that I save from the kitchen so I needed fresh rainwater.
 When the new roof is on the shed, we can collect the biggest portion of rainwater from our roofs.

Will make dish detergent and start the laundry detergent tomorrow hopefully, from ash from our fireplace and leaves from hedera we have loads of in the garden.
I also have to take cutlings from the hedera and plant those in pots. We want a green privacy fence. Growing our own plants will save some co2 and petrol.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on August 26, 2018, 10:57:15 AM
My two-old-old has been on a nice streak of signaling “potty” during the day thanks to lots of messaging from Signing Time’s Potty Time video. She’s even able to wear underwear a few hours at a time. This is a nice part-time upgrade from either disposables or all the laundry of cloth.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: gaja on August 26, 2018, 12:48:15 PM
I haven't flown privately for years, but business travels are harder to cut. Before the summer, I tested the night train on a journey where it wouldn't be a problem to arrive a bit tired or late, and it worked quite well. So this past week, I got a return ticket with the night train, rather than going by plane. It is a bit more costly for my employer, but since the travel policy does emphazise environmental choices, they can't really protest. I did choose to give up some of my per diem, since the train took so much more time.

Only got 3-4 hour sleep on the trip north, but going home I was used to the starts and stops, and slept through 90% of the night. The extra hours in town was used registering at the local library, so I could use their free wifi and get access to the library outside opening hours.

If this is the inappropriate place for this let me know and I will delete but does anyone have any environmentally friendly ways to store breast milk? Right now we’re using these one time use plastic bags, which are very convenient and easy to store, but I hate one use plastic. We’re trying to be as green as possible with baby, using cloth diapers, hand me down clothes and toys, etc... but this has me stumped
I used multiuse plastic containers, or froze directly in the bottle. I seem to remember that you could get lids that fit the bottles? We got the bottles second hand, and re-sold them afterwards, so it wasn't really a big expense. Glass jars sounds like a good choice for hygiene, but less so for practicality.

Don't know why that would be an inappropriate subject?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: greengardens on August 29, 2018, 03:58:11 PM

If this is the inappropriate place for this let me know and I will delete but does anyone have any environmentally friendly ways to store breast milk? Right now we’re using these one time use plastic bags, which are very convenient and easy to store, but I hate one use plastic. We’re trying to be as green as possible with baby, using cloth diapers, hand me down clothes and toys, etc... but this has me stumped
I used multiuse plastic containers, or froze directly in the bottle. I seem to remember that you could get lids that fit the bottles? We got the bottles second hand, and re-sold them afterwards, so it wasn't really a big expense. Glass jars sounds like a good choice for hygiene, but less so for practicality.

Don't know why that would be an inappropriate subject?

doesn't look like daycare will accept glass jars. They seem to prefer the plastic bags, but will accept bottles so I'll have to find some more. Hopefully I can source them secondhand. I wasn't sure if this thread was strictly "share what you've done to be environmentally friendly" or if an occasional off topic question was allowed. Some threads seem to be more strict than others.

I'm slowly removing plastic from my beauty routine (emphasis on slowly). I've ordered plastic free dental floss, deodorant and facial moisturizer. These products are quite a bit more expensive than my normal products, which hurts the mustachian part of my brain. My goal is to eventually replace the "big offenders" such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, but I'm having a harder time making that jump.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on August 30, 2018, 01:10:37 AM
<...>

I'm slowly removing plastic from my beauty routine (emphasis on slowly). I've ordered plastic free dental floss, deodorant and facial moisturizer. These products are quite a bit more expensive than my normal products, which hurts the mustachian part of my brain. My goal is to eventually replace the "big offenders" such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, but I'm having a harder time making that jump.

Buying plastic free toothbrushes cannot be easy and cheap.
For shampoo, I have reduced the number of times I wash my hair. I think I now often go 5 days without a wash, while earlier I washed almost every other day.

Today I walked to work again and will walk back as well.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on August 30, 2018, 09:30:26 AM

If this is the inappropriate place for this let me know and I will delete but does anyone have any environmentally friendly ways to store breast milk? Right now we’re using these one time use plastic bags, which are very convenient and easy to store, but I hate one use plastic. We’re trying to be as green as possible with baby, using cloth diapers, hand me down clothes and toys, etc... but this has me stumped
I used multiuse plastic containers, or froze directly in the bottle. I seem to remember that you could get lids that fit the bottles? We got the bottles second hand, and re-sold them afterwards, so it wasn't really a big expense. Glass jars sounds like a good choice for hygiene, but less so for practicality.

Don't know why that would be an inappropriate subject?

doesn't look like daycare will accept glass jars. They seem to prefer the plastic bags, but will accept bottles so I'll have to find some more. Hopefully I can source them secondhand. I wasn't sure if this thread was strictly "share what you've done to be environmentally friendly" or if an occasional off topic question was allowed. Some threads seem to be more strict than others.

I'm slowly removing plastic from my beauty routine (emphasis on slowly). I've ordered plastic free dental floss, deodorant and facial moisturizer. These products are quite a bit more expensive than my normal products, which hurts the mustachian part of my brain. My goal is to eventually replace the "big offenders" such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, but I'm having a harder time making that jump.

Have you tried shampoo bars? I haven't yet (I use very small amounts of product and only wash my hair twice a week at most, so shampoo/conditioner routine has been a lower priority to address than other items), but I know a friend who really likes it. You can get it in the paper soap wrappers.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: greengardens on August 30, 2018, 10:59:39 AM

Have you tried shampoo bars? I haven't yet (I use very small amounts of product and only wash my hair twice a week at most, so shampoo/conditioner routine has been a lower priority to address than other items), but I know a friend who really likes it. You can get it in the paper soap wrappers.

I’ve thought about it but am leery to try them. It’s taken me years to find a product that works well with my hair but if I want to realize my plastic free beauty routine I will have to get over my misgivings
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on August 30, 2018, 11:12:36 AM

Have you tried shampoo bars? I haven't yet (I use very small amounts of product and only wash my hair twice a week at most, so shampoo/conditioner routine has been a lower priority to address than other items), but I know a friend who really likes it. You can get it in the paper soap wrappers.

I’ve thought about it but am leery to try them. It’s taken me years to find a product that works well with my hair but if I want to realize my plastic free beauty routine I will have to get over my misgivings

I definitely relate to this! I just try to give myself permission to go slow, and not try and change everything at once, so that I don't get frustrated and give up. Every change helps, even if you aren't being "perfect". Some changes that last forever have a much bigger impact than ALL the changes that only last a short time.
Title: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on September 07, 2018, 07:52:04 PM
* Cargo biked to groceries yesterday and cargo biked the school run today

* Line dried a load of clothes

* Lots of composting of fall leaves and vacuum-cleaner guts and the unrecoverable leftover bits from school lunches
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on September 09, 2018, 06:37:09 AM

Have you tried shampoo bars? I haven't yet (I use very small amounts of product and only wash my hair twice a week at most, so shampoo/conditioner routine has been a lower priority to address than other items), but I know a friend who really likes it. You can get it in the paper soap wrappers.

I’ve thought about it but am leery to try them. It’s taken me years to find a product that works well with my hair but if I want to realize my plastic free beauty routine I will have to get over my misgivings

I definitely relate to this! I just try to give myself permission to go slow, and not try and change everything at once, so that I don't get frustrated and give up. Every change helps, even if you aren't being "perfect". Some changes that last forever have a much bigger impact than ALL the changes that only last a short time.

I switched to using a shampoo bar a few months ago, and what's really made all the difference is using an apple cider vinegar rinse after I rinse my shampoo out with water. 

I haven't been using conditioner, and tbh I only wash my hair every 4 days or so, but I was getting a ton of build-up of what I assume was soap.  It felt super gross, even if it wasn't all that visible if you weren't running your hands through my hair.  I use a rinse of ~ 2 Tbs of apple cider vinegar in 1.5 - 2 cups water (it's a jam jar I repurposed, I'm not sure of the exact volume) every time I wash, and it's made my hair SO MUCH BETTER.  My hair is pretty thick and long enough to reach past my bra strap, so you may need more or less depending on how much hair you have. 

It was a little bit of a learning curve to figure out how to work the shampoo through my hair well enough, but I honestly feel like my hair is as good or better than it was when I was using normal shampoo and conditioner, and I feel infinitely better about the lack of plastic in my routine.  I switched to bar soap for my body, too, and it's just such a easy/sustainable change once you actually make it.  You're just like "Well, this is my soap, it's gonna last for another...6 months?  I guess I'll keep using it!" 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: gatortator on September 11, 2018, 02:08:14 PM

Have you tried shampoo bars? I haven't yet (I use very small amounts of product and only wash my hair twice a week at most, so shampoo/conditioner routine has been a lower priority to address than other items), but I know a friend who really likes it. You can get it in the paper soap wrappers.

I’ve thought about it but am leery to try them. It’s taken me years to find a product that works well with my hair but if I want to realize my plastic free beauty routine I will have to get over my misgivings

I definitely relate to this! I just try to give myself permission to go slow, and not try and change everything at once, so that I don't get frustrated and give up. Every change helps, even if you aren't being "perfect". Some changes that last forever have a much bigger impact than ALL the changes that only last a short time.

I switched to using a shampoo bar a few months ago, and what's really made all the difference is using an apple cider vinegar rinse after I rinse my shampoo out with water. 


I have been using a locally made bar shampoo for 2-3 years now.  I love it.  I have fine hair, medium length (but a lot of them) and really like the results with the bar.  I use the same bar as a body wash as well.  One bar last me 6-8 weeks.  cleaning the shower is easier as is packing my toiletries for travel-- only have to move/pack 1 thing.

here is the one I use.

https://www.mountainmadnesssoap.com/products/everything-bar-natural-vegan-gourmet-soap

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Sanne on September 17, 2018, 02:30:38 AM
I'm impressed by people here!

I started reading (the Dutch) book 'The Hidden Impact'. It's about the impacts for Dutch people but I think it can be replaced by any Western country.

It talks about the hidden impact of everything, buying and owning stuff, transport, housing, food. What's the impact and what is it that you can do about it. I like that it shows not only the impact by using but the complete impact, manufacturing, transporting, land use and deforestation, water etc. I really like the graphics as well as I'm a very visual person.

https://medium.com/inside-vbat/this-book-might-change-your-life-3229060f3226

(https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/1*JXyXLOg8pz89DbAUIOsx4w.png)

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on September 18, 2018, 11:44:58 AM
I cut a jarful of going-to-seed herbs and wildflowers from the community garden instead of buying fresh flowers. I did drive to get there, but combined it with other errands. Including recycling aluminum cans :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on September 18, 2018, 11:54:11 AM
Husband and I are selling and moving. We're heavily leaning moving into a modern eco apartment rather than a home. Smaller space to heat and cool, more walkable, greywater recycling and other building amenities, etc. New apartments around here are LEED gold at least, and substantially increasing the density of the city.

If we do this, I think it'll be a BIG change to our environmental impact.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: bacchi on September 18, 2018, 12:21:55 PM
I'm impressed by people here!

I started reading (the Dutch) book 'The Hidden Impact'. It's about the impacts for Dutch people but I think it can be replaced by any Western country.

It talks about the hidden impact of everything, buying and owning stuff, transport, housing, food. What's the impact and what is it that you can do about it. I like that it shows not only the impact by using but the complete impact, manufacturing, transporting, land use and deforestation, water etc. I really like the graphics as well as I'm a very visual person.

https://medium.com/inside-vbat/this-book-might-change-your-life-3229060f3226

(https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/1*JXyXLOg8pz89DbAUIOsx4w.png)

Great graphic!

1) Buy less shit
2) Become vegetarian.
3) Live in a smaller house and make it more energy efficient.


For US comparison's sake, the average (new) Dutch house is 1248 ft^2 for ~2 people and it's 2185 ft^2 in the US, which means that the US equivalent graphic might have housing equal to meat eating (though I bet Americans eat more meat than the Dutch, too).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: OtherJen on September 20, 2018, 08:23:41 AM
I turned a few pounds of mealy and slightly bruised apples (they looked good in the bag) into applesauce rather than tossing them. Bonus: free kitchen aromatherapy.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on September 22, 2018, 12:51:49 PM
I'm impressed by people here!

I started reading (the Dutch) book 'The Hidden Impact'. It's about the impacts for Dutch people but I think it can be replaced by any Western country.

It talks about the hidden impact of everything, buying and owning stuff, transport, housing, food. What's the impact and what is it that you can do about it. I like that it shows not only the impact by using but the complete impact, manufacturing, transporting, land use and deforestation, water etc. I really like the graphics as well as I'm a very visual person.

https://medium.com/inside-vbat/this-book-might-change-your-life-3229060f3226

(https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/1*JXyXLOg8pz89DbAUIOsx4w.png)

Getting children is not on that graph. It also surprises me that flying is some steps lower than car. I thought that even a trip within Europe would have about as much impact as driving in your own country for a whole year. And if you didn't get a child, you could fly and drive as much as you wanted. (Not that I do that).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on September 23, 2018, 05:13:24 AM
Linda, these are the numbers for the average Dutch person. That's why she recommends putting your own numbers in. The absolute impact of flying is definitely bigger than that of driving a car, but apparently the average Dutchie flies not that much (many people don't fly at all..) while using the car relatively more and this comes out worse for the cars in total average emission. Maybe also because cars get replaced more often and the non-current use part of it is higher? For me as a person the flying is definitely higher and the car at 0 so it's a very personal thing :).

I find the getting children one a tough one - do we count the kid as a full extra person to add to your impact (or half as shared with other parent)? And from what age not anymore? Because in that case you wouldn't have to count the impact of the child itself anymore if it's already counted with the parents.. I think saying you can fly and drive as much as you want when not having a child is bullshit. When I put in a calculator my footprint is already blows up to 2.5x the earth with a childless life (average Dutch person is at 3.6x I think), so adding a child would make it worse but not having the child doesn't make me an environmental saint.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BuffaloStache on September 23, 2018, 02:06:18 PM
Went grocery shopping today and noticed the person in line ahead of me had a small amount of produce (3 apples) in a plastic bag, that they then put into a double-layer-plastic bag.

Unless it's green beans or other small/loose produce, I never put my apples/oranges/peppers in a bag and bring reusable shopping bags ~90% of the time (I'm not perfect, but I remember them more than not).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: OtherJen on September 23, 2018, 02:21:38 PM
Went grocery shopping today and noticed the person in line ahead of me had a small amount of produce (3 apples) in a plastic bag, that they then put into a double-layer-plastic bag.

Unless it's green beans or other small/loose produce, I never put my apples/oranges/peppers in a bag and bring reusable shopping bags ~90% of the time (I'm not perfect, but I remember them more than not).

I've wondered about reusable mesh produce bags (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005E2QRPG/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_8?smid=A6XTBI41XN268&psc=1). Have you tried them? I love my reusable shopping bags and wonder if there's any resistance to the produce bags at grocery store checkouts.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: bacchi on September 23, 2018, 02:37:17 PM
Went grocery shopping today and noticed the person in line ahead of me had a small amount of produce (3 apples) in a plastic bag, that they then put into a double-layer-plastic bag.

Unless it's green beans or other small/loose produce, I never put my apples/oranges/peppers in a bag and bring reusable shopping bags ~90% of the time (I'm not perfect, but I remember them more than not).

I've wondered about reusable mesh produce bags (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005E2QRPG/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_8?smid=A6XTBI41XN268&psc=1). Have you tried them? I love my reusable shopping bags and wonder if there's any resistance to the produce bags at grocery store checkouts.

We use the mesh bags all the time. They need more washing (=soaking in a sink with oxy and soap) than shopping bags but no one has complained.

We use these for dry bulk items like rice and lentils: https://www.amazon.com/Drawstring-Vegetables-Reusable-Household-Organizing/dp/B01IT37BPG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1537734990&sr=8-2&keywords=cloth+reusable+bulk+bags

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on September 24, 2018, 02:35:32 AM
Linda, these are the numbers for the average Dutch person. That's why she recommends putting your own numbers in. The absolute impact of flying is definitely bigger than that of driving a car, but apparently the average Dutchie flies not that much (many people don't fly at all..) while using the car relatively more and this comes out worse for the cars in total average emission. Maybe also because cars get replaced more often and the non-current use part of it is higher? For me as a person the flying is definitely higher and the car at 0 so it's a very personal thing :).

I find the getting children one a tough one - do we count the kid as a full extra person to add to your impact (or half as shared with other parent)? And from what age not anymore? Because in that case you wouldn't have to count the impact of the child itself anymore if it's already counted with the parents.. I think saying you can fly and drive as much as you want when not having a child is bullshit. When I put in a calculator my footprint is already blows up to 2.5x the earth with a childless life (average Dutch person is at 3.6x I think), so adding a child would make it worse but not having the child doesn't make me an environmental saint.

I couldn't figure out where to put in my own numbers, so I used another random calculator: http://footprint.wwf.org.uk/carbon/footprint.
My footprint is half of UK average.

My travel is high, because this year I made both a domestic and a European flight and will probably make one more European flight later this year. I also made my commuting car use a bit higher than actual, because we use the car quit a bit on weekends when we travel away. I do try to walk to work once or twice a week, but that is not in my results.

Buying stuff scored quite good this year, because exactly this year we didn't buy any big and electronic stuff. But we did in the previous 3 years. :-( For buying clothes in a typical month I chose 0, because the next step was way higher than those very few items I bought this year.

I guess my home scores quite good, because I checked off for renewable energy, as Norway in general has water powered energy. This clean energy is by the way also sold on paper to Europeans to give them good conscience, the same energy sold twice. I also use wood for warming up, but couldn't register a combination of wood and electricity.

For food, I am making an effort to eat less meat and less red meat. We eat vegetarian maybe once a week on average. But I still eat meat in most meals and had to choose that option. Even though we have been eating quite a bit of self-caught fish this year, it was not enough to make a major impact on our eating footprint. I also answered that I eat quite a bit of non local food, as I am not very aware of that when I buy stuff. And I regularly eat stuff like kiwi's. I think even a lot of wheat used in Norwegian bread comes from Brazil, because we have a dangerous fungus in our wheat.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on September 24, 2018, 02:46:43 AM
My 4 year old smartphone wasn't working properly and I started thinking about having to buy a new one. Whatever I did', it was complaining about lack of memory. Deleting files didn't help. Then I found out it was using 4,5 GB in temporary data from apps. I used the button to delete the temporary data. Now it works fine again.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on September 24, 2018, 03:36:45 AM
We use mesh bags for fruit and veges, calico bags for dried beans etc. Never had an issue so far, and we just chuck ours in the wash.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Sanne on September 24, 2018, 05:00:22 AM
Linda, these are the numbers for the average Dutch person. That's why she recommends putting your own numbers in. The absolute impact of flying is definitely bigger than that of driving a car, but apparently the average Dutchie flies not that much (many people don't fly at all..) while using the car relatively more and this comes out worse for the cars in total average emission. Maybe also because cars get replaced more often and the non-current use part of it is higher? For me as a person the flying is definitely higher and the car at 0 so it's a very personal thing :).

I find the getting children one a tough one - do we count the kid as a full extra person to add to your impact (or half as shared with other parent)? And from what age not anymore? Because in that case you wouldn't have to count the impact of the child itself anymore if it's already counted with the parents.. I think saying you can fly and drive as much as you want when not having a child is bullshit. When I put in a calculator my footprint is already blows up to 2.5x the earth with a childless life (average Dutch person is at 3.6x I think), so adding a child would make it worse but not having the child doesn't make me an environmental saint.

Exactly, these numbers are for an average Dutch person and like the article said, very scalable for flying and car use. But also for house and stuff.

We eat vegan, so the food impact is very low. The book also mentions dairy having a really big impact. The only reason fish doesn't have a impact  on this scale is that Dutch people don't eat a lot, so substituting meat with dairy and/or fish wouldn't help.

For me personally, the flying has a bigger impact than food, house, car.. We eat vegan, don't have a car, don't have a lot appliances (1 tv, no dryer, no clothes dryer, no dishwasher). We do however travel to other cities and countries. We try to limit it to once or twice a year but that shit adds up.

Our footprint is also something like 2 - 2.5 x the earth. Still a lot!!!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BuffaloStache on September 25, 2018, 08:54:40 AM
Went grocery shopping today and noticed the person in line ahead of me had a small amount of produce (3 apples) in a plastic bag, that they then put into a double-layer-plastic bag.

Unless it's green beans or other small/loose produce, I never put my apples/oranges/peppers in a bag and bring reusable shopping bags ~90% of the time (I'm not perfect, but I remember them more than not).

I've wondered about reusable mesh produce bags (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005E2QRPG/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_8?smid=A6XTBI41XN268&psc=1). Have you tried them? I love my reusable shopping bags and wonder if there's any resistance to the produce bags at grocery store checkouts.

I don't have the mesh bags, but those do seem good! But I think i still might just not use bags unless I have a lot of produce and/or they are small and numerous items (like green beans)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: coldestcat on September 25, 2018, 10:54:37 AM
started more actively monitoring the local Craigslist>free section along with freecycle.org, and nextdoor.com to see whats going on.
2 weekends ago someone was giving away huge agave plant as long as we dug it (took about an hour), as well as 30 cans of wet cat food, a bag of dry food, and a bunch of snacks (the owner's cat had passed and wanted to get rid of it as it was causing grief).
Also starting to use the library more as it is right next to my wife's job and she can pick up books for us on her lunch break.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on September 25, 2018, 11:23:21 AM
Hand Dryers

There were questions about how hygienic hand dryers are compared to paper towels.

https://youtu.be/YKxT1k1cmXc

^here is an explanation of the study that garnered so much media attention.  People love to hear about bacteria and viruses that are literally everywhere.  In my workplace we have many towel dispensers that require you to push a handle to get a towel.  These are much less hygienic than placing your hands under a stream of air run through a hepa filter.

Here are some other facts about paper towels:

Paper towels have a high impact on the environment.
They need constant restocking and disposal, ending
up in landfill. Dyson Airblade™ hand dryers produce
up to 79% less CO2 than some other hand dryers
and up to 76% less than paper towels.

Credit for this stat to General Motors and Dyson.

I didn't know that. I just find that some hand dryers make so much noise that I don't tolerate them. Then I rather shake my hands off and wipe the rest off on my t-shirt.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on September 26, 2018, 09:15:50 PM
My 4 year old smartphone wasn't working properly and I started thinking about having to buy a new one. Whatever I did', it was complaining about lack of memory. Deleting files didn't help. Then I found out it was using 4,5 GB in temporary data from apps. I used the button to delete the temporary data. Now it works fine again.

What did you do to delete the temporary app data? I spent over an hour last night trying to back up my iphone, but there wasn't enough space. I deleted a lot of pictures and some unnecessary apps, but I'd like to try what you did.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on September 27, 2018, 02:29:09 AM
My 4 year old smartphone wasn't working properly and I started thinking about having to buy a new one. Whatever I did', it was complaining about lack of memory. Deleting files didn't help. Then I found out it was using 4,5 GB in temporary data from apps. I used the button to delete the temporary data. Now it works fine again.

What did you do to delete the temporary app data? I spent over an hour last night trying to back up my iphone, but there wasn't enough space. I deleted a lot of pictures and some unnecessary apps, but I'd like to try what you did.

My phone has norwegian language, so I'll need to take a guess at what the functions are called in English. Try to find a synonym if it isn't there.
Samsung Galaxy S4 Active
Android
Settings, More, Storage/Memory.
Here I have a overview of use system memory, used storage space, intermediate/temporary data, various files.
I clicked on intermediate/temporary data and got the question whether I wanted to delete them. That did the trick.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: coldestcat on September 27, 2018, 10:50:11 AM
I went to a zero waste class yesterday and my wife was one of the speakers at the event. It was interesting seeing so many people who try to live with reduced waste production all in one place.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on September 28, 2018, 08:24:15 PM
My 4 year old smartphone wasn't working properly and I started thinking about having to buy a new one. Whatever I did', it was complaining about lack of memory. Deleting files didn't help. Then I found out it was using 4,5 GB in temporary data from apps. I used the button to delete the temporary data. Now it works fine again.

Thank you! I was able to get some unneeded items off my phone
What did you do to delete the temporary app data? I spent over an hour last night trying to back up my iphone, but there wasn't enough space. I deleted a lot of pictures and some unnecessary apps, but I'd like to try what you did.

My phone has norwegian language, so I'll need to take a guess at what the functions are called in English. Try to find a synonym if it isn't there.
Samsung Galaxy S4 Active
Android
Settings, More, Storage/Memory.
Here I have a overview of use system memory, used storage space, intermediate/temporary data, various files.
I clicked on intermediate/temporary data and got the question whether I wanted to delete them. That did the trick.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BuildingFrugalHabits on September 29, 2018, 03:01:16 PM

I just find that some hand dryers make so much noise that I don't tolerate them. Then I rather shake my hands off and wipe the rest off on my t-shirt.

Amen! There's a business opportunity for someone to create a sanitary zero waste, silent or low noise dryer!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on September 29, 2018, 08:05:59 PM
Knew I had to drive to a birthday party across town today. (Very frugal fun with homemade potluck and decade-old swingset:).Last night I made The Grand List of Errands so that I'd go in a continuous loop and not waste gas driving. I got some weekly things crossed off the list, and something I'd been meaning to get off the list for a few months. It took a while, but I came home with groceries and a sense of accomplishment.

Plus I brought my own bags to the store :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on September 30, 2018, 12:08:30 PM
Went grocery shopping today and noticed the person in line ahead of me had a small amount of produce (3 apples) in a plastic bag, that they then put into a double-layer-plastic bag.

Unless it's green beans or other small/loose produce, I never put my apples/oranges/peppers in a bag and bring reusable shopping bags ~90% of the time (I'm not perfect, but I remember them more than not).

I've wondered about reusable mesh produce bags (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005E2QRPG/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_8?smid=A6XTBI41XN268&psc=1). Have you tried them? I love my reusable shopping bags and wonder if there's any resistance to the produce bags at grocery store checkouts.

My grocery store just started selling those mesh bags! Previously there was some resistance if you weren't using plastic bags at the checkout, but I assume that now they sell them, the checkout girls will have to adopt this new policy and stop complaining.

I patched a sheet that had a hole in it (from used fabric) and also line-dried my laundry. Probably one of the last weeks of the year the laundry will dry properly outside. Autumn is pretty rainy where I live. In the middle of the winter when it's dry and cold, it starts to get easier to line dry again.

I cooked a vegan meal today - butternut squash, zucchini, spinach, olive oil and pasta.

We have resisted turning on the heating so far, although it's getting colder and colder inside. I did some laundry and used the oven, which helped a bit. As it will be quite cold the next couple of days, I'm afraid we're not going to be able to hold out much longer. It's around 17.5 -18 C (63-64F) in the living room during the day, but the bedrooms are colder.
Title: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on October 01, 2018, 02:10:46 AM
I am using my refillable fountain pen (rather than a disposable plastic-barrel ballpoint pen) to take notes at a two-week sustainability course.

Collecting seed (with permission) from the resource center I’m visiting for my gardens and neighbors at home.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on October 01, 2018, 04:32:26 AM

I just find that some hand dryers make so much noise that I don't tolerate them. Then I rather shake my hands off and wipe the rest off on my t-shirt.

Amen! There's a business opportunity for someone to create a sanitary zero waste, silent or low noise dryer!

What about the old fashion cloth towel? If everybody washes his/her hands well enough, it shouldn't be too unhygienic. But I guess in this case, I would also dry my hands on the air and my shirt.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BuffaloStache on October 05, 2018, 02:04:19 PM

What about the old fashion cloth towel? If everybody washes his/her hands well enough, it shouldn't be too unhygienic. But I guess in this case, I would also dry my hands on the air and my shirt.

I doubt they are very hygenic, but the old-school towel-loop dryers seem to still exist: http://www.darmanco.com/endura2/ (http://www.darmanco.com/endura2/)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on October 05, 2018, 02:37:09 PM
Why wouldn't that be hygenic?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Latestarter73 on October 06, 2018, 12:02:07 PM
I sold my BMW M3 today! I have been trialling using the train to get to work over the last few weeks (involves 3.5 miles of walking per day) and even with the cramped, expensive and unreliable train network in Manchester I'm finding myself really positive about it.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: dashuk on October 07, 2018, 03:18:43 AM
Managed to bring home all the component parts of an IKEA Kura kids' mid-sleeper bunk bed that some friends were giving away in our double kids' bike trailer rather than drive the car somewhere that's only a few streets away.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on October 07, 2018, 08:58:03 PM
We visited the farmers market on Saturday. The food looked amazing, so we're doing our grocery shopping there next week. Supporting local growers and local patisserie and bakers (bought breakfast there, yum!)

We've also been doing our midweek shopping by for at the local shop.

Got a dishwasher so we'll bulk cook and make less food waste and eat out less. Really loving it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: dashuk on October 09, 2018, 07:22:07 AM
Managed to bring home all the component parts of an IKEA Kura kids' mid-sleeper bunk bed that some friends were giving away in our double kids' bike trailer rather than drive the car somewhere that's only a few streets away.

Follow up...

Friends had bought bed second-hand for their child. Wanted to paint it as it looked a bit tired and was going into a newly decorated bedroom. Unfortunately when they tried the paint reacted with the original varnish. At this point, with a load of other home renovation stuff going on they decided to give up and sourced a different bed.

Yesterday I sat down for a couple of hours and sanded back all the affected bits. Is probably now shabbier than before they tried to paint it, but our aesthetic standards for kids furniture are... not that high.

Upshot, we will (when I actually put it together) have gained a piece of furniture which we will use for several years, and which helps solve the question of sticking two kids into one room once #2 gets a bit bigger, from someone else's junk, without anything else being manufactured and without burning any fuel to get it to our house.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on October 13, 2018, 11:48:32 PM
Jumping in here because I want to get some ideas to do more after the upsetting climate reports lately. :-/

This week: refused bags a couple of times when buying something at the drugstore. Didn't buy meat at the grocery store and decided to do a big vegan batch cook instead, with black beans I already had in the cupboard. 100% public transit/walking and suggested to friends not to share a taxi but take the subway with me instead since we were all going the same way.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on October 14, 2018, 01:39:27 AM
Brought a vegan dish to a potlock dinner with friends. None of us is a real vegetarian or vegan, but only 1 out of the 3 main dishes contained meat/dairy!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: OtherJen on October 14, 2018, 05:39:32 AM
We haven't turned on our furnace, despite frost advisories the past couple of nights. Hopefully, husband will tolerate extra layers and blankets for a bit longer because once the furnace is on, it will be on for at least 6 months.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BuildingFrugalHabits on October 14, 2018, 10:07:07 AM
Why wouldn't that be hygenic?

In an ideal world it could work but in a public restroom setting I have my doubts about hygene and I don't really trust the old school loop things either.  Maybe they are fine but I'd prefer to shake my hands off and let them dry naturally.  I'm trying to do that vs taking paper towels every time. 

Edit: I've seen a few places that have individual small towels that you use and throw in a basket to be washed.  Even with single-use washing, that has to be way greener than disposable paper towels right? 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BuildingFrugalHabits on October 14, 2018, 10:11:21 AM
You guys rock.  I keep coming back to this thread for inspiration.  This is going to be a tough pill to swallow but I am embarking on a personal challenge to avoid discretionary airplane trips.  I'm also eating less meat.  I hope we figure out a carbon neutral mode of air travel soon because there are lots of places I'd like to see.  Maybe sailing is an option instead of flying. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on October 14, 2018, 10:16:06 AM
Today while cleaning the bathroom with my trusty old rag and vinegar/water mixture I realized that it has been years since I've purchased any other chemical cleaning product for use around the house.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Ducknald Don on October 14, 2018, 10:23:08 AM
I hope we figure out a carbon neutral mode of air travel soon because there are lots of places I'd like to see. 

I'd guess air travel is the technology least likely to be made carbon neutral.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on October 14, 2018, 10:31:18 AM
I hope we figure out a carbon neutral mode of air travel soon because there are lots of places I'd like to see. 

I'd guess air travel is the technology least likely to be made carbon neutral.

Unless governments would wake up and finally start taxing kerosine. It's still baffling me that air travel doesn't pay VAT tax and that kerosine is tax-free too. For me a flight to the other side of Europe is cheaper than the train to get to the airport...

@BuildingFrugalHabits great job on making changes re less meat and air travel. I know how tough the air travel one can be. But if you're on the way to FIRE there's many ways to slow travel, which requires less to no air travel (depending on places). Also don't forget how many amazing spots there might be nearby your place that can be reached by car/train/bus/bike. Many people are so busy crossing of the "big things" that they forget the amazing stuff around them.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: gatortator on October 14, 2018, 11:07:01 AM
we went to the harvest festival for the end of our CSA(community supported agriculture) season.

 In recent years,  there has been a hand cranked apple press that makes fresh cider from the apples the kids pick from the trees.  My kids spend the entire party (3+hrs) climbing trees, picking apples and drinking cider.  In true community spirit, the older kids watch out for the younger kids.  This year was the first year my kids have been considered in the older kids-- it was amazing to watch the transition from younger to older.  I am grateful they get to have this childhood memory.  The head CSA farmer is moving on to other projects next year and I am already becoming nostalgic that this was our last harvest festival with this group.

Almost everyone brings their own dishes, utensils and cups to the festival as well as a vegetarian dish to pass. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on October 14, 2018, 01:14:58 PM
I put air in my tires because the sudden cold snap made my TPMS low pressure light come on.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Monocle Money Mouth on October 14, 2018, 04:20:44 PM
I put air in my tires because the sudden cold snap made my TPMS low pressure light come on.

I did the same thing yesterday morning. I check mine every two weeks. Not only does it help with your fuel economy, it helps with ride, handling, and ensuring you get as much life out of your tires as possible.

I also check my spare tire pressure too. A couple of years ago when I had to put the spare tire on my wife's car after she picked up a screw, the spare was almost as low as the damaged tire. The spare was at 20psi when it was supposed to be at 60psi. I don't think anyone had checked the spare tire pressure and it was 4.5 years old at that point.

My public safety announcement is over :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Mrs.Piano on October 14, 2018, 09:03:18 PM
Attended a local swap for clothing and household items. Got rid of 16 items that I didn’t need, got a pair of swim trunks and some t-shirts for hubby, a storage cube, materials for some of my charity sewing, and some books which I will soon recycle at another such event.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frooglepoodle on October 15, 2018, 05:11:31 AM
Had a "what options do we have to significant reduce our carbon footprint" meeting with DH. Eating local food and buying secondhand doesn't begin to make up for the emissions we create by living in a semi-rural area across the country from our families. Larger lifestyle changes will be a longer term project and will take a few years to implement, but it's good to have a plan. In the meantime, we're eliminating at least one plane trip in the next year.

We plan on keeping our heat pump off as long as possible.

I've been making an effort to plan my cooking around getting as much use out of the oven as I can while it's on. Last night I roasted a chicken and beets for dinner, then immediately put bread and a frittata in the oven when those came out. Then I stuck my cast iron pans in the still-warm oven to make sure they dried thoroughly after washing.

Used the chicken carcass and veggie scraps for broth (which will make soup with the leftover chicken). I'm going to resurrect my bokashi composting bucket so I can compost the carcass.

Cloth diapers for the baby.

Went secondhand shopping for the kids last week. My older boy now has a red and green plaid shirt for Christmas, regular church clothes, and fleece jackets for this winter and next.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on October 15, 2018, 08:07:21 AM
Big life changes, some of which should reduce enviro impact substantially. We're selling and moving!
New place: apartment vs the house we have now. ~500sqft smaller. And 15 years newer and concrete built, so should be extra energy efficient. New building has composting. And best of all, location- we'll be able to (have to, haha) walk for groceries! I've actually missed this a ton since moving from the city. Husband's main hobby will be biking/walking distance too. And his main client he commutes to about once per week is now less than an hour away, rather than over 3 hours away. So it should set us up to only need the car for work. Depending on what shakes out with my work, we may even be able to go down to one car. (Although that would only be a change cost wise, we hardly use the second right now, but it's been needed). I'll have a southeast facing balcony, so I should still be able to garden a bit, but without a lawn to maintain. Downside cost wise, upside green wise: will be much further from a costco, so it will become a once a month bulk visit. Meaning less of a price 'win' to buy non-local veg and eggs and meat, making it an easier choice. Benefit of the move is also way better access to CSAs and similar, so hopefully I'll be able to offset some of the cost that way.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BookLoverL on October 15, 2018, 09:59:06 AM
I went litter-picking around our local area today again, after having forgotten to do it for the last month or so.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on October 15, 2018, 11:54:21 AM
On thursday and friday driving with a 3 other colleagues in one car to a job event.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on October 15, 2018, 12:02:30 PM
Big life changes, some of which should reduce enviro impact substantially. We're selling and moving!
New place: apartment vs the house we have now. ~500sqft smaller. And 15 years newer and concrete built, so should be extra energy efficient. New building has composting. And best of all, location- we'll be able to (have to, haha) walk for groceries! I've actually missed this a ton since moving from the city. Husband's main hobby will be biking/walking distance too. And his main client he commutes to about once per week is now less than an hour away, rather than over 3 hours away. So it should set us up to only need the car for work. Depending on what shakes out with my work, we may even be able to go down to one car. (Although that would only be a change cost wise, we hardly use the second right now, but it's been needed). I'll have a southeast facing balcony, so I should still be able to garden a bit, but without a lawn to maintain. Downside cost wise, upside green wise: will be much further from a costco, so it will become a once a month bulk visit. Meaning less of a price 'win' to buy non-local veg and eggs and meat, making it an easier choice. Benefit of the move is also way better access to CSAs and similar, so hopefully I'll be able to offset some of the cost that way.

Sounds like a great move. I also hope to luve in a place where you can walk/bike everywhere. Now I can walk for groceries, but it's a 40 minute walk one way. Too time consuming on a working day.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on October 15, 2018, 12:36:27 PM
I’m about to do some anti-mustachian outsourcing but I’m going to do it in unbleached cotton reusables instead of disposable petroleum-based plastic! (Yes I know there are major environmental consequences to cotton agriculture but at least it’s ultimately biodegradable.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on October 15, 2018, 12:41:47 PM
- All meals vegan
- Skipped take-out morning coffee that contains milk and comes in a non-recycable cup
- Turned off all lights that my flatmates leave on continuously. Sigh.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on October 17, 2018, 05:09:58 PM
I saw that a toiletry item I use was newly available in a much larger size, which appears to use significantly less plastic per ounce of product. The manufacturer had a great sale going on their website, so I ordered a ton of it at once (to minimize shipping/packaging waste) and when they asked me to fill out a survey I wrote a paragraph about how I was specifically ordering this product to minimize plastic and packaging waste and how that was important to me. Hopefully that will help encourage them to think critically about their packaging/plastic use in the future, since they are hearing from customers about it.

Took the bus instead of a rideshare taxi when going someplace that was near a subway station that is closed for maintenance.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Monocle Money Mouth on October 19, 2018, 05:04:03 AM
I pieced together a dozen eggs from a few cartons that had broken ones. It helped avoid making a trip to a different store for eggs, and it also helped keep a carton of eggs out of the landfill.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on October 23, 2018, 03:18:28 PM
I’ve made an effort to refuse paper receipts whenever possible. It’s easiest at ATMs and gas stations but some stores now allow it as well.

I used my own reusable metal chopsticks and washable cloth napkin today at lunch rather than single-use disposables.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on October 23, 2018, 03:39:43 PM
I’ve made an effort to refuse paper receipts whenever possible. It’s easiest at ATMs and gas stations but some stores now allow it as well.

I got a receipt at the drugstore the other day (from a sub-$5 single item purchase) that was, no exaggeration, over five feet long. It was within a couple of inches of my height when I held it up. So wasteful!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: hegemony on October 23, 2018, 03:44:23 PM
I had to travel to another (close-by) city for work anyway, so I combined a bunch of errands that had to be done anyway.  It made for a long day, but I think it was worth it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Monocle Money Mouth on October 23, 2018, 03:47:23 PM
I’ve made an effort to refuse paper receipts whenever possible. It’s easiest at ATMs and gas stations but some stores now allow it as well.

I got a receipt at the drugstore the other day (from a sub-$5 single item purchase) that was, no exaggeration, over five feet long. It was within a couple of inches of my height when I held it up. So wasteful!

Was it a CVS?  The CVS near me does the same thing. It's usually coupons, but I don't think I have ever used one. Sears does the same thing.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on October 23, 2018, 03:51:33 PM
Was it a CVS?  The CVS near me does the same thing. It's usually coupons, but I don't think I have ever used one. Sears does the same thing.

Yep. I think there are other chains that do the coupon thing, but this was the longest one I've ever seen.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on October 23, 2018, 04:12:15 PM
I’ve made an effort to refuse paper receipts whenever possible. It’s easiest at ATMs and gas stations but some stores now allow it as well.

I got a receipt at the drugstore the other day (from a sub-$5 single item purchase) that was, no exaggeration, over five feet long. It was within a couple of inches of my height when I held it up. So wasteful!

That's crazy. I believe receipts aren't recyclable either due to the special paper? There needs to be a no coupons button on the till!

Here in Australia in most places the cashier will ask if you'd like a receipt. On some older machines it seems to automatically spit them out and they throw it in the bin but for the most part it does save waste. At one supermarket self service checkout it asks you if you want a receipt if the total is less than $30 (don't qualify for the fuel coupon) but above that it spits it out. Whereas the other supermarket puts the fuel coupon on your loyalty card, so is paperless. Some places email you a receipt (Officeworks, my local co-op) but for the most part if I'm buying a product that might need returning or might break, I still need to take the receipt. Hopefully that will change. It's the little things!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on October 23, 2018, 04:22:10 PM
That's crazy. I believe receipts aren't recyclable either due to the special paper?

Oh no, I didn't know that! I've been recycling them all this time :-(  That makes it so much worse if they're not even recyclable...
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on October 23, 2018, 04:29:29 PM
That's crazy. I believe receipts aren't recyclable either due to the special paper?

Oh no, I didn't know that! I've been recycling them all this time :-(  That makes it so much worse if they're not even recyclable...

Well I'm not 100%, it's just something I saw on a zero waste group. It's still a pointless use of resources either way!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on October 23, 2018, 05:42:34 PM
That's crazy. I believe receipts aren't recyclable either due to the special paper?

Oh no, I didn't know that! I've been recycling them all this time :-(  That makes it so much worse if they're not even recyclable...

At the library where I work, we were told that our receipts are recyclable.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on October 23, 2018, 05:50:38 PM
I looked it up. Where I live you can recycle them and they (the local paper recycling plant) make an effort to filter out the chemicals that are in that paper. So I guess I'm ok. But other places may have different processes that would make it better to throw it away and keep the chemical out of the water supply. (And some receipts are printed with ink on plain paper and those would be ok everywhere.)

Thanks for bringing it to my attention, though! Better off knowing the full impact of our actions.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on October 23, 2018, 08:09:19 PM
My understanding (from one of the anti-plastic documentaries on Netflix) is that the shiny thermal paper likely contains BPA and when it's recycled it contaminates the paper recycling stream.

Pro tip re CVS: If you have the CVS app installed on your phone, you can select "digital receipt" as one of your settings and permanently avoid paper receipts from them.

Other eco things today:

* Line dried one load of laundry
* Cargo biked two trips for about 6 m (9 km) total.
* Bought only previously owned/used household goods thanks to my friends at Goodwill.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on October 24, 2018, 01:53:30 AM
That's crazy. I believe receipts aren't recyclable either due to the special paper?

Oh no, I didn't know that! I've been recycling them all this time :-(  That makes it so much worse if they're not even recyclable...

I had no idea either...
In the shops where you scan your own goods without a cashing person, you often need a receipt to scan at the porch to slip out.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on October 25, 2018, 08:45:03 AM
- Had a vegan lunch today of stale bread that was toasted in the oven, vegan pesto, tomato and vegan mozzarella. Will have a vegetarian dinner: mashed potatoes and kale and vegetarian meatballs. Mashed potatoes and vegetables (stamppot) are a traditional Dutch food that we eat almost every week during the winter. It's cheap, filling and vegan and also easy to prepare and to freeze. Plus there are many modern variations possible.
- Bought a single loose tomato for lunch, no packaging
- Put on an extra sweater in the morning when it was a bit cold instead of turning on the heat
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on October 25, 2018, 09:39:49 AM
- Bought a single loose tomato for lunch, no packaging

22 calories (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/tomatoes][url]https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/tomatoes (http://[url)[/url]) for lunch sounds kinda short.  :(
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on October 26, 2018, 01:45:43 AM
Today I am going on a hike. No driving, but walking from my home.
Title: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on October 29, 2018, 01:17:17 PM
* Vacuumed the house today and added all the dust bunnies and goldfish crackers to the compost when I was done.

* Dried chicken bones in a low oven and then smashed them and added to the garden beds for calcium.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on October 29, 2018, 03:00:04 PM
- Bought a single loose tomato for lunch, no packaging

22 calories ([url]https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/tomatoes]https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/tomatoes][url]https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/tomatoes (http://[url=https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/tomatoes)[/url]) for lunch sounds kinda short.  :(

Obviously the tomato was part of this :)

-  Had a vegan lunch today of stale bread that was toasted in the oven, vegan pesto, tomato and vegan mozzarella.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: adventurestache on October 29, 2018, 05:47:51 PM
The tap water in my apartment can take quite a while to heat up, but when doing dishes I suck it up and wash with cold / lukewarm water. Definitely a small impact, but I imagine that the water I save adds up quite a bit over time and that makes me happy!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tom Bri on October 31, 2018, 10:39:42 AM
Deep-dug my garden and added layers of leaves and grass clippings. Little by little the dirt is getting better. My neighbors burn leaves. In years past, when I had better neighbors, they would give me their leaves too. Recent neighbors can't take the trouble.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on October 31, 2018, 08:13:21 PM
When going down a rabbit hole on the web one day, I stumbled across the idea that peeing before a flight saves fuel! Well I'm about to board a flight (it's rare for me but it's happening twice this year and I paid for the carbon offset your honour) so here goes :)

https://abcnews.go.com/Travel/airline-asks-passengers-empty-bladders-boarding-flights/story?id=8775226
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Abe on October 31, 2018, 10:36:00 PM
That's crazy. I believe receipts aren't recyclable either due to the special paper?

Oh no, I didn't know that! I've been recycling them all this time :-(  That makes it so much worse if they're not even recyclable...

I had no idea either...
In the shops where you scan your own goods without a cashing person, you often need a receipt to scan at the porch to slip out.

Receipt recycling varies from city to city. It is theoretically recyclable but some of the paper brands contain certain ink contaminants that degrade the value of the paper. Thus, some cities will not recycle them while others take the hit (which is probably quite small since receipt paper is a small fraction of all paper products).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on October 31, 2018, 10:51:03 PM
Biked to visit a pet-adoption space with a friend and then to lunch. No parking cost either!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on October 31, 2018, 10:58:52 PM
We're hoping to get into the new daycare being built near our house. Currently drive all 3 of us into the city and pay for parking. This will let us walk to daycare and then take the bus in or ride our bikes!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on November 01, 2018, 06:34:05 AM
My prescription changed so I needed new lenses for my sunglasses. I still love my current 5-year old pair and it's still in perfect condition so I kept the frame and only replaced the lenses.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on November 01, 2018, 06:36:46 AM
Walked to and from the pharmacy.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on November 03, 2018, 07:38:45 AM
Went on a hike in the local forest, walking from home, instead of driving to a place further away. Collected a little garbage on the way.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on November 11, 2018, 06:51:34 PM
Recommitting to reducing my food waste, which has been out of control for the past couple of months. Plus making an effort to get back to eating at least five serves of veges a day, which typically pushes my diet further towards plant-based meals.

For a while I was doing well at avoiding dairy, but fell off the wagon when life turned to crap (the TL;DR is that my Dad was diagnosed with a brain tumour and died following surgery, all within six weeks). It's time to recommit to that too.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on November 11, 2018, 07:35:53 PM
Forgot an important one - using cloth pads today. I love that I don't have to worry about buying pads or tampons, making sure I have them on hand before my period arrives, all of that crap.

I made sure I mentioned how much I love cloth pads to a friend who I know is interested in alternatives to plastic pads and tampons. You never know when a comment to the right person will help them make a positive change.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on November 11, 2018, 08:09:40 PM
After brunch with friends, I walked to a good local bike shop to get a new bike. I currently have a cruiser but I'm trying to bike "commute" more and for the longer distances I need real brakes and gears. I rode home on the new bike, about 4 miles (6 km).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on November 12, 2018, 01:21:47 AM
Walked to work (in the dark) and will walk back again this afternoon (in the dark).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: smalllife on November 12, 2018, 07:47:06 AM
Forgot an important one - using cloth pads today. I love that I don't have to worry about buying pads or tampons, making sure I have them on hand before my period arrives, all of that crap.

I made sure I mentioned how much I love cloth pads to a friend who I know is interested in alternatives to plastic pads and tampons. You never know when a comment to the right person will help them make a positive change.

Menstrual cups are fantastic for those who don't like pads. Ridiculous savings and they last YEARS.  I've spread the word as much as I tastefully can (every time someone asks for a tampon).

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on November 12, 2018, 07:48:16 AM
^oops, I guess we posted same thing at the same time!

Forgot an important one - using cloth pads today. I love that I don't have to worry about buying pads or tampons, making sure I have them on hand before my period arrives, all of that crap.

I made sure I mentioned how much I love cloth pads to a friend who I know is interested in alternatives to plastic pads and tampons. You never know when a comment to the right person will help them make a positive change.
Did you mention menstrual cups? The Diva cup is really great and has saved me much money (and waste) over a decade.  https://divacup.com/

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on November 12, 2018, 07:57:06 AM
Mulched the leaves into the lawn. Saved us time in raking, the town won't have to waste energy transporting, and hopefully will work like fertilizer!  I was concerned that all the acorns and nuts on our lawn would be a problem, but they didn't seem  to interfere with the mulching mower at all.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on November 12, 2018, 10:19:49 AM
^oops, I guess we posted same thing at the same time!

Forgot an important one - using cloth pads today. I love that I don't have to worry about buying pads or tampons, making sure I have them on hand before my period arrives, all of that crap.

I made sure I mentioned how much I love cloth pads to a friend who I know is interested in alternatives to plastic pads and tampons. You never know when a comment to the right person will help them make a positive change.
Did you mention menstrual cups? The Diva cup is really great and has saved me much money (and waste) over a decade.  https://divacup.com/

Yay, Diva cup!  Wash it well and it lasts forever.  I also try to mention it discreetly if the topic comes up :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on November 12, 2018, 06:12:25 PM
Yes - I'm a big advocate for menstrual cups. But this friend is much more interested in cloth pads :-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on November 12, 2018, 06:14:28 PM
Walked the toddler to a park this morning instead of driving anywhere (we really needed to get out of the house!).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on November 13, 2018, 03:27:21 PM
I'm combining errands today so I can do a bulky Buy Nothing pickup *and* return bulky borrowed items to friends, but only take the car out once.

I've opted out of my work secret santa. Whatever I receive usually ends up donated / passed on via Buy Nothing, and there's a real risk that whatever I give will end up in landfill. It's completely unnecessary consumption, so I'm just not doing it anymore.

Need to talk with Mr Happier about Christmas presents for his extended family, and how we can keep that obligation as low impact as possible.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: smalllife on November 13, 2018, 04:09:07 PM
Walked to work and brought my lunch.

One side of the family may be opting out of adult to adult presents at the holidays (yay!). We will find out next week for sure.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on November 13, 2018, 04:19:33 PM
One side of the family may be opting out of adult to adult presents at the holidays (yay!). We will find out next week for sure.

Oh, that's brilliant! My family no longer does gifts for adults; still does gifts for the kids (and there's seven kids including mine) but I have told my siblings that from now on I'm only buying books for their kids. The kids love books and I figure they have to be better for the environment than another piece of plastic crap.

The in-laws, particularly extended family, are slower to come around to fewer or no gifts. Possibly because there are very few kids on that side.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on November 13, 2018, 05:59:20 PM
I took a bunch of excess flyers, cut them up and punched holes in them, and put them in my planner instead of buying new pages!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on November 14, 2018, 07:12:42 AM
Signed up for imperfect produce. Got my first box, and I'm quite pleased- I was worried about the level of packaging, but it turns out they just put everything free for all inside the cardboard box.

I haven't taken the car out for several days. We walked for groceries over the weekend (half a mile) and that will be easily sustainable for us. Also walked for a little dinner date yesterday. I'm glad to be back to a walkable area.

We haven't needed to turn the heat on in our apartment a single time. There's a gym below us, so I'm assuming that generates enough heat? Plus the building is concrete construction, so I'm sure that serves as a heat sink. As long as I can suffer through a little morning cold, the huge south facing windows heat the place pretty quickly once the sun comes up. It's nice too, since it'll be so much higher in summer, the sunshine won't shine into the unit as directly for spring/summer, so that will help temper it (plus we have shades).

Now that we have to take the dog out on a leash for every potty trip, the poo bags we have matter far more. Glad I sprung for the best 'eco' option I could find at the time. Anyone want to help with research and make sure I have the most optimal solution though? Obvs when we had a yard, we used a scoop pan periodically and disposed that way.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on November 14, 2018, 01:18:11 PM
Now that we have to take the dog out on a leash for every potty trip, the poo bags we have matter far more. Glad I sprung for the best 'eco' option I could find at the time. Anyone want to help with research and make sure I have the most optimal solution though? Obvs when we had a yard, we used a scoop pan periodically and disposed that way.

So, the thing is, every time you put something compostable in landfill it will rot in sealed conditions and create the greenhouse gas methane. So using composting bags and putting them in landfill could be equally as bad as using plastic bags. I think if you need to use a bin and bags, the best thing to do is repurpose bags eg from bread, frozen veg etc.

There are solutions like a worm farm but then you've got to find somewhere to put the output (can't be on edibles plants)!

For people with yards the best thing to do is make an in-ground worm farm (a hole or sunken bottomless bucket with a lid).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: smalllife on November 14, 2018, 01:47:09 PM
Now that we have to take the dog out on a leash for every potty trip, the poo bags we have matter far more. Glad I sprung for the best 'eco' option I could find at the time. Anyone want to help with research and make sure I have the most optimal solution though? Obvs when we had a yard, we used a scoop pan periodically and disposed that way.

Find someone who gets a physical newspaper and become buddies.  The newspaper bags are perfect doggie bags, and are already produced and likely to be thrown away (and recycling that plastic isn't all that effective).   Mine come from two degrees of separation - a coworkers' spouse's coworker.

Pro tip: fold them to save space ;-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BlueMR2 on November 17, 2018, 10:12:31 AM
Insulated the garage door windows.  Then installed casing and caulked around the garage (wall) window.  Next replaced the old translucent plastic curtain from that window with a tighter fitting light blocking blind. 

Should give us a little better thermal insulation overall and I've already confirmed it *dramatically* reduces our light pollution when I'm working in the garage at night!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on November 20, 2018, 05:49:18 AM
Now that we have to take the dog out on a leash for every potty trip, the poo bags we have matter far more. Glad I sprung for the best 'eco' option I could find at the time. Anyone want to help with research and make sure I have the most optimal solution though? Obvs when we had a yard, we used a scoop pan periodically and disposed that way.

So, the thing is, every time you put something compostable in landfill it will rot in sealed conditions and create the greenhouse gas methane. So using composting bags and putting them in landfill could be equally as bad as using plastic bags. I think if you need to use a bin and bags, the best thing to do is repurpose bags eg from bread, frozen veg etc.

There are solutions like a worm farm but then you've got to find somewhere to put the output (can't be on edibles plants)!

For people with yards the best thing to do is make an in-ground worm farm (a hole or sunken bottomless bucket with a lid).
Unless your landfill burns off the methane to generate power? That will depend on the landfill, of course.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on November 20, 2018, 05:50:27 AM
Today we ate a vegan meal for dinner, soy garlic tofu with rice. Started up meal/eating planning again this week to reduce our food waste.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on November 20, 2018, 06:05:54 AM
Skipped my morning coffee and drank tea instead. Also didn't get take-out coffee when I had a long commute yesterday morning (traveled to a collaborator). Also commuted by train ofcourse :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on November 24, 2018, 09:56:18 PM
Got the kids to enjoy some veggie burgers. I've been trying to introduce more meatless dishes into our menus; hard when all the kids are nasty little carnivores but we've been making slow progress.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on November 24, 2018, 10:42:13 PM
Meal planned for next week. Our food waste this week was far lower than it has been for a while, so I'm hoping next week works well too.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fishindude on November 25, 2018, 10:47:19 AM
I think we are going to get a replantable Christmas tree, rather than a cut tree.   I'll plant it in the yard somewhere after the holidays.
For the cost of the stupid thing I could probably buy 100 seedlings and plant them but ...........
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on November 25, 2018, 11:00:11 AM
Our apartment building has compost! Ordered a bin and liners. A substantial amount of our trash on a day to day basis is coffee grounds and veg scraps, so this will be excellent.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on November 25, 2018, 01:23:19 PM
I forgot my lunch at home. Turns out the work fridge is full of leftovers and I can save my lunch for another day(it was in the freezer), while today I can help reduce food waste!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on November 25, 2018, 05:08:44 PM
Walked to church this morning.  Used up a bunch of leftovers in a soup that was our dinner.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on November 25, 2018, 10:16:57 PM
* cargo biked to the grocery store and back

* harvested tangerines from our tree for a snack

* composted eggshells, coffee grounds, yard pruning, fallen leaves, etc.

* spread free wood chips on our parking strip, this will ultimately prevent erosion and will slowly fertilize our big street tree
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BlueMR2 on November 26, 2018, 04:52:00 PM
Biked to the bike shop to pick up parts for my spare bike.  :-)  It was a little awkward riding home carrying the tires though...
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on November 27, 2018, 05:49:00 AM
Walk to work and will walk back in the afternoon. Both in the dark (darkest time of the year).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: OtherJen on November 29, 2018, 07:23:17 PM
Managed to work a couple pounds of sprouting potatoes, a slightly wilted bell pepper and the last of a carton of heavy cream into tonight's dinner. I hate wasting food, so this was a win.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on November 29, 2018, 08:55:58 PM
I took a chance and ordered from a new service that delivers odd shaped and imperfect produce that would otherwise be thrown away, or so they say.  The produce was very nice and there was plenty of it!  I think it was a good deal: with coupon I paid only $30 for a full box of organic produce, which seems to be comparable or better to what I'd pay in a farmer's market, plus it was delivered.  I usually don't feel I can afford organic, so this was a chance for me to get in on that action too.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on November 29, 2018, 08:58:01 PM
I took a chance and ordered from a new service that delivers odd shaped and imperfect produce that would otherwise be thrown away, or so they say.  The produce was very nice and there was plenty of it!  I think it was a good deal: with coupon I paid only $30 for a full box of organic produce, which seems to be comparable or better to what I'd pay in a farmer's market, plus it was delivered.  I usually don't feel I can afford organic, so this was a chance for me to get in on that action too.

This sounds great. Here in Australia there is a new app called farm to foodie which might help farm waste by selling fruit & veg the supermarkets won't take. Must remember to look into it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on December 06, 2018, 08:32:15 PM
Yes, it's a great idea for such as me... We don't eat enough vegetables, we're too cheap to buy organic often, we don't belong to a CSA already, and we seldom go to farmers markets.  But if you already buy from small farmers/CSAs, it's better to support them.  Expecting my next box tomorrow... can't believe I'm looking forward to a box of vegetable seconds but I am!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on December 07, 2018, 04:25:19 AM
Cleaned the snow manually instead of using the noisy snowblower.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on December 11, 2018, 09:25:29 AM
signed up for the one tonne challenge on 1 million women. 

making beeswax infused cotton wraps for my large lidless casserole dishes and all my various sized bowls.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on December 12, 2018, 05:34:06 AM
Cut up 1 old sheet for cleaning rags, got 2 to go.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on December 12, 2018, 06:24:00 AM
signed up for the one tonne challenge on 1 million women. 

making beeswax infused cotton wraps for my large lidless casserole dishes and all my various sized bowls.

Oh, how did the wraps turn out?  I want some more of these, but I've managed the one I have poorly and it's kind of just sad cotton now.  I'd love to know how to make them from scratch!

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on December 15, 2018, 11:11:08 PM
I cut up 3 old sheets with pinking shears for kitchen and household rags. They've been waiting to be chopped up for months! Now we'll be able to use less paper towels as well.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on December 16, 2018, 04:50:33 AM
I chopped some more wood from the garden for the wood stove. Then we can keep our basic electric floor wamer lower.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: kenaces on December 16, 2018, 10:06:59 AM
I have been a Vegan for about a year now, and ride my bike to work 3-4 days per week.

I started and continued both of these habits for health reasons not environmental reasons, but I do get some small satisfaction when I see threads like this and feel like I am doing something good.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: KathrinS on December 16, 2018, 11:22:13 AM
I always packed my lunch a few times a week, but after reading MMM, I've started packing it every day, including weekends. I can make a decent lunch including fruit for about £0.50, whereas food from the supermarket might cost £3-5. Plus, I've been vegetarian for about 16 years now.

I only use public transportation, and today I took buses and trains to get to work, then to a social event.

I rarely shop for new clothes, beauty products and gadgets - this is an important one that is sometimes overlooked. In the weeks leading up to Christmas I've been given enough lotions, creams and body wash to last for the entire year or longer. Strangely, I've also been given jeans, a summer dress and converse, which have been sitting unused in someone's closet. Makes me think that we should do 'closet trade' type events more often, instead of buying new!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on December 16, 2018, 07:40:52 PM
I watched another movie on the environment.  It's called the True Cost and it's about fast fashion.  It talks about the environmental and human impact of the fashion industry and really opens your eyes to what is really involved.  It is available on Netflix.

Thanks for the recommendation! I read Overdressed this year, and it taught me a lot about the environmental cost of fast fashion.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on December 16, 2018, 07:54:42 PM
I put curtain rails up in my bedroom over the weekend! It gets hit with a lot of sun during summer. Unfortunately we forgot the bits to attach the curtain to the rail, so need another trip to the shop...

I gave away a blow up pool on our local buynothing. Wins for everyone!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Linea_Norway on December 18, 2018, 06:27:02 AM
Walked to work and will walk back again when the working day is over.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on December 21, 2018, 09:48:26 PM
I made a very good eggplant parmesan, which finally persuaded a hungry husband and oldest son that they like eggplant! Now, if the two youngest in the family would give it a try, we'd have one more vegetarian dish in our menu.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on December 21, 2018, 11:06:07 PM
Went out for dinner with coworkers, took one of the few vegetarian pizzas that were available.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on December 27, 2018, 06:55:21 PM
Walked to pick up pre-loved books from a neighbour after they posted on Buy Nothing.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on December 27, 2018, 09:16:55 PM
Walked to pick up pre-loved books from a neighbour after they posted on Buy Nothing.

I'm doing that exact thing this afternoon :-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on December 28, 2018, 03:39:38 AM
Bought a baby thing second hand! I had to drive to pick this one up, but hoping it's offset by one less electronic in landfill.

We also finally finished putting up blockouts in the master bedroom. Massive difference in light already, and it will be great during the next heatwave.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: gaja on December 28, 2018, 01:01:34 PM
Now that we have to take the dog out on a leash for every potty trip, the poo bags we have matter far more. Glad I sprung for the best 'eco' option I could find at the time. Anyone want to help with research and make sure I have the most optimal solution though? Obvs when we had a yard, we used a scoop pan periodically and disposed that way.

So, the thing is, every time you put something compostable in landfill it will rot in sealed conditions and create the greenhouse gas methane. So using composting bags and putting them in landfill could be equally as bad as using plastic bags. I think if you need to use a bin and bags, the best thing to do is repurpose bags eg from bread, frozen veg etc.

There are solutions like a worm farm but then you've got to find somewhere to put the output (can't be on edibles plants)!

For people with yards the best thing to do is make an in-ground worm farm (a hole or sunken bottomless bucket with a lid).
Unless your landfill burns off the methane to generate power? That will depend on the landfill, of course.

It is illegal in Norway to put organic waste in a landfill. Our waste is currently burned for district heating. But the municipality is planning to start sorting organic waste and make biogas. They are already making some from industrial waste and sewage, but that is used for the industrial processes. If they increase the biogas production, it can be used for fuel in trucks and vans. The leftovers from the gas production is used as fertilizer for farmers.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 01, 2019, 08:26:31 PM
Today:
Walked to and from the park for the toddler's outing.
Eating leftovers.
Making a big pot of tofu and vege curry to use up odds and ends in the fridge and get low-impact meals for days.
Food scraps are going into the worm farm.
Later today, walking to and from my medical appointment.

Edited to fix autocorrect fail.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 01, 2019, 11:05:20 PM
Turning food waste into food: I used spring onions yesterday in a salad. Popped the scraps in water and they've already grown so much overnight! I have the perfect self-watering pot for them once I'm ready to plant them out. I don't use spring onions a lot, but I'm excited about never having to buy them in plastic again.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on January 01, 2019, 11:12:48 PM
I've done that with carrots, lettuce, silverbeet and celery - great for getting a bit more out of your dollar too.

I bought some spring onion seedlings marked down for 99c this and last year. It's great because you get loads of plants in a tiny punnet and they are not hard to grow and not affected by pests. We always have a couple on hand without having to buy a whole bunch. Ditto herbs in plastic - most are easy to keep alive and safe from pests.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 01, 2019, 11:16:41 PM
I've done that with carrots, lettuce, silverbeet and celery - great for getting a bit more out of your dollar too.

I bought some spring onion seedlings marked down for 99c this and last year. It's great because you get loads of plants in a tiny punnet and they are not hard to grow and not affected by pests. We always have a couple on hand without having to buy a whole bunch. Ditto herbs in plastic - most are easy to keep alive and safe from pests.

Do you regrow carrots from the tops?

I have good luck with basil and parsley; not great luck with any other herbs!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on January 02, 2019, 12:13:54 AM
I've done that with carrots, lettuce, silverbeet and celery - great for getting a bit more out of your dollar too.

I bought some spring onion seedlings marked down for 99c this and last year. It's great because you get loads of plants in a tiny punnet and they are not hard to grow and not affected by pests. We always have a couple on hand without having to buy a whole bunch. Ditto herbs in plastic - most are easy to keep alive and safe from pests.

Do you regrow carrots from the tops?

I have good luck with basil and parsley; not great luck with any other herbs!

Carrots regrow about an inch long but it's a fun project. And I've never had any take from seed. My creeping thyme and lemongrass are really happy and oregano and mint die back and are reborn on a regular basis. My basil & mint get leafhoppers but recover and the basil also gets caterpillars but seems ok. I've just gone ahead and planted some mint in the ground in a lonely corner, it won't matter if it spreads. Thai basil also seems hardy. Then there's also a kaffir lime tree which isn't the healthiest but I need two leaves once a month or so, so good enough.

ETA: carrots - place tops in water until head grows leaves then plant and wait.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: aetherie on January 02, 2019, 09:47:48 AM
Our heating at home is natural gas, and today I signed up for a program through our gas company to pay a bit extra for Renewable Natural Gas. They get it from capturing methane produced from a landfill.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on January 02, 2019, 12:21:07 PM
Noticed my neighbor gets their Imperfect Produce box on opposing weeks as me. Contacted customer care for something else (referral code page is broken), but while we were waiting for my screenshot to go through, I asked if it was possible for her to check if anyone else in my building gets boxes, and if not, to move me to the same weeks as Neighbor. May as well save them one stop and the associated fuel!

My usual small ones: walked to yoga as always. Keeping heat low and bundling up instead. Etc.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on January 02, 2019, 01:29:33 PM
* Got out the reel mower and shredded a big pile of fallen leaves; these will compost down over the course of the next year and feed the soil and plants, as well as sequestering carbon.

* Crumbled some dried eggshells and spread them under fruit trees.

* Used a salt-vinegar solution to clean an old pan and then poured out the solution on a sidewalk crack to kill crab grass (homemade “weed killer”)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 02, 2019, 09:46:01 PM
Today:
Eating vegan breakfast, lunch and snacks. Dinner will be vegetarian.
Combination of public transport and walking for my commute.
After work, will walk (with the pram) to a chemist to stock up on sunscreen.
Who Gives a Crap toilet paper (no plastic packaging, some profits go to charity) will be delivered today or tomorrow.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on January 08, 2019, 07:34:56 AM
signed up for the one tonne challenge on 1 million women. 

making beeswax infused cotton wraps for my large lidless casserole dishes and all my various sized bowls.

Oh, how did the wraps turn out?  I want some more of these, but I've managed the one I have poorly and it's kind of just sad cotton now.  I'd love to know how to make them from scratch!
It took a little trial and error but my best result was using the warming tray lined with aluminum foil, melting some beeswax and a dash of coconut oil on the warm surface.  Then I put the cotton cloth in the warm wax.  I did this a couple of times to get the cloth quite saturated.  Then flipped it over.  Repeated the multiple infusions of wax.  The next step was to cover the cloth with a parchment paper and with a warm iron pushed the excess wax out.  Some of them don't have enough wax so I will remelt some wax and top them up when I make some new ones. 

My friend made hers with resin and some essential oils in addition to the beeswax to make them unique and more durable.  She is estimating hers will last a year.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: krmit on January 08, 2019, 02:34:35 PM
Installed some weather stripping on our interior door into the garage to reduce heat leak.
Turned the thermostat down to 60 and am keeping warm with a blanket and wool socks.
Yesterday I chopped up our Christmas tree to save for backyard fires this summer.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mm1970 on January 08, 2019, 02:44:22 PM
Came in to work late today (instead of coming in on time, driving back to near home for a doctor's appointment, and back into work)
Brought my water bottle with me for our free work lunch today, instead of taking a disposable bottle.
Yesterday bought rice and sunflower seeds in my own reusable containers.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 08, 2019, 09:31:55 PM
I am SUPER EXCITED! because this morning my pregnant friend asked me questions about making it work with just one car for the household once she has her baby. We're doing great with only one car so I reassured her that yes, of course she can make it work.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on January 08, 2019, 10:11:23 PM
That's awesome about your friend - eliminating the need for a whole car is huge! :-)

I stopped at the grocery store shortly before they closed tonight and made some choices with an eye on high-environmental-impact foods they might throw out if it didn't get sold in the next 10 minutes (e.g., the last bit of ground pork in the meat display case, some roast beef in the salad bar that looked like it was already being repurposed from somewhere else). I'm not sure if that technically reduces my environmental impact, but I feel better if those things don't get wasted after they used up so many resources in their creation.

I also chose vegetables with an eye towards minimizing use of plastic packaging.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on January 09, 2019, 06:12:54 PM
Found out that I can crisp up my soft corn tortillas in the toaster oven.  Then I can use them like little tostadas.  Yummy and cheap.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on January 09, 2019, 06:44:19 PM
-Downloaded an app, "think dirty". While it isn't overtly about environmental choices, but personal health ones, these obviously overlap a ton on personal care items. It's been handy, as it has a search and a scanner, so it's a pretty quick look up on ingredients and so on.

-Recently priced out who gives a crap TP. It ends up being $1/roll for the largest order size ($1.25/roll with the smaller size order) for their 'economical' option. Costco's TP ends up being less than $0.60/roll, and the rolls have more sheets. How do people balance stuff like this? I want to reduce my plastics use, but it's so hard to find things that aren't 2x or more over the options I go for now =\
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 09, 2019, 07:54:54 PM
-Recently priced out who gives a crap TP. It ends up being $1/roll for the largest order size ($1.25/roll with the smaller size order) for their 'economical' option. Costco's TP ends up being less than $0.60/roll, and the rolls have more sheets. How do people balance stuff like this? I want to reduce my plastics use, but it's so hard to find things that aren't 2x or more over the options I go for now =\

When I worked it out for WGAC here in Aus, it was the same price as the cheaper range at the supermarket anyway. So that made it easy. That was before we had Aldi, mind.

But to address the question you're actually asking: I try to make the switch where it isn't too much more, or where it's relatively convenient to make the switch (because time and energy are always in short supply for me, more so than money). Eventually I'll run out of low hanging fruit and have to push further out of my comfort zone, financially and convenience-wise. I do think that I, personally, should be willing to pay quite a bit more for the non-plastic options, because I have a good household income and a high savings rate and can afford it. If not me, who?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 09, 2019, 08:07:09 PM
It has occurred to me (again) just how convenient it is not having to worry about buying pads or tampons - with reusable options they're already on-hand, ready to go, when you need them.

I've also been thinking about how great the sharing economy is for reducing consumption (and thus, production) of products we only need for a limited time. I include Buy Nothing in the sharing economy because I tend to receive items as I need them and just post them back on the group when I'm done. Kid stuff is an obvious example, but we also have a heap of novels cycling through the group too.

I received some 'eco' Christmas presents that I don't need (e.g. produce bags - we already own more than enough). So I'm going to list them on Buy Nothing and help someone else make the switch from single use plastic :-)

A friend shared photos with me of her retractable window shades, so now I'm going to investigate those for the windows that get too much summer sun. Anything that reduces our use of air con in summer is a very, very environmental choice for us, living in a hot climate.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on January 09, 2019, 08:50:39 PM
It has occurred to me (again) just how convenient it is not having to worry about buying pads or tampons - with reusable options they're already on-hand, ready to go, when you need them.

I've also been thinking about how great the sharing economy is for reducing consumption (and thus, production) of products we only need for a limited time. I include Buy Nothing in the sharing economy because I tend to receive items as I need them and just post them back on the group when I'm done. Kid stuff is an obvious example, but we also have a heap of novels cycling through the group too.

I received some 'eco' Christmas presents that I don't need (e.g. produce bags - we already own more than enough). So I'm going to list them on Buy Nothing and help someone else make the switch from single use plastic :-)

A friend shared photos with me of her retractable window shades, so now I'm going to investigate those for the windows that get too much summer sun. Anything that reduces our use of air con in summer is a very, very environmental choice for us, living in a hot climate.

Oh that reminds me of something cool I did! I got reusable straws for Christmas. But, we don't really use straws. We don't buy drinks out and we don't use them at home. So I gifted them on to some friends- they do get drinks out pretty often, and were super excited- my friend said she's been looking at them and was overwhelmed by the choices/none of the ones she found had the cleaner brushes, which this pack did. Made me happy to avoid something coming in I wouldn't use, and pass a nice eco friendly gift onto a friend!

-Recently priced out who gives a crap TP. It ends up being $1/roll for the largest order size ($1.25/roll with the smaller size order) for their 'economical' option. Costco's TP ends up being less than $0.60/roll, and the rolls have more sheets. How do people balance stuff like this? I want to reduce my plastics use, but it's so hard to find things that aren't 2x or more over the options I go for now =\

When I worked it out for WGAC here in Aus, it was the same price as the cheaper range at the supermarket anyway. So that made it easy. That was before we had Aldi, mind.

But to address the question you're actually asking: I try to make the switch where it isn't too much more, or where it's relatively convenient to make the switch (because time and energy are always in short supply for me, more so than money). Eventually I'll run out of low hanging fruit and have to push further out of my comfort zone, financially and convenience-wise. I do think that I, personally, should be willing to pay quite a bit more for the non-plastic options, because I have a good household income and a high savings rate and can afford it. If not me, who?

Sigh. No easy answers are there? I definitely have made the 'right' choices already on the low hanging fruit, and I'm getting quickly into the much more time/effort/cost/etc territory. It's hard when you get the to point where health, frugality, and eco friendliness diverge! Up to a point they all very much walk the same path. =\
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 10, 2019, 01:14:34 AM
Convinced a friend that she should try on the very fancy dress I've bought for my sister's wedding, to see if she wants to borrow it for an upcoming wedding she's attending. I am SO HAPPY about this because she tends to buy a lot of fast fashion.

I definitely have made the 'right' choices already on the low hanging fruit, and I'm getting quickly into the much more time/effort/cost/etc territory. It's hard when you get the to point where health, frugality, and eco friendliness diverge! Up to a point they all very much walk the same path. =\

Yup :-/
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: screwit on January 10, 2019, 03:20:59 AM
Just joining in this now so I hope my attempts fit the thread!

I just made my first batch of Apple Scraps Vinegar out of the the cores and peel my daughters don't eat. The recipe/ instructions were from the new Simplicious Flow cookbook which is really focused on reducing waste.

The vinegar seems pretty good so far and I'll be happy if I don't need to buy Apple cider vinegar in the future. All the bottles here are collected, washed and reused by companies but this will reduce the transport impact... one bottle at a time.  That counts,  right?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on January 10, 2019, 04:30:22 AM
Just joining in this now so I hope my attempts fit the thread!

I just made my first batch of Apple Scraps Vinegar out of the the cores and peel my daughters don't eat. The recipe/ instructions were from the new Simplicious Flow cookbook which is really focused on reducing waste.

The vinegar seems pretty good so far and I'll be happy if I don't need to buy Apple cider vinegar in the future. All the bottles here are collected, washed and reused by companies but this will reduce the transport impact... one bottle at a time.  That counts,  right?

It counts!  That is really interesting.  Also a good one for the 'What small things did you do today to save money?' thread.

Huge overlap between the two, as @Bracken_Joy and @HappierAtHome just pointed out.  Frugality and environmental friendliness, walking the same path.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Mountainbug on January 10, 2019, 07:03:53 AM
Successfully completed weekly grocery run without getting a single plastic bag. Not a huge accomplishment but a first for me as I never seem to have enough bags or produce bags, and I have to shop with a 2 year old in tow. Also said no to drive the coffee place, as I did not have my reusable mug.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 10, 2019, 06:58:52 PM
Successfully completed weekly grocery run without getting a single plastic bag. Not a huge accomplishment but a first for me as I never seem to have enough bags or produce bags, and I have to shop with a 2 year old in tow. Also said no to drive the coffee place, as I did not have my reusable mug.

That's awesome :D
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BuffaloStache on January 11, 2019, 01:35:41 PM
Since Jan 1 I've been committed to, and have actually followed through with working one day a week from home, on average. I'm an unfortunate (and admitted) member of the clown-car commuting society (I do it so that my wife has basically zero commute), so 1 day of working remotely saves ~30 miles (48km) of driving on my car. Plus, I've been trying to exercise/read/do productive things with the time I used to spend commuting!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 12, 2019, 09:50:32 PM
Stretched to five days between hair washes, which saves water. My hair is very thick, so washing it means a significantly longer shower.

Combined trips this morning to minimise use of the car.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on January 13, 2019, 08:44:21 AM
-Once per month, my book club gets together. We all live across a fairly large area and rotate where we host it. Next month, the furthest person from me is hosting. I already set up with another friend so that I'll drive half way to her house, then three of us will all carpool from there. May even pick up a fourth member on the way if she wants to meet at a center point.

-Neighbor saw my husband taking out our latest Imperfect Produce box to the recycling. Said he just got an email from them that they'll start collecting and reusing the boxes. So Husband brought the box back, and we'll hold onto it until we find out if they're taking ours back too, or whether it's some sort of pilot program the other guy is in. Should know by Thursday.

-While it's a budget loss for us, I realized not being near a Costco anymore definitely reduces our plastic use. Especially when we buy meat- at costco, not only is it not well sourced, it's in a lot of plastic (and prone to leaking, so ends up in MORE plastic). Whereas if we buy from the butcher counter, it gets paper wrapped. I don't know why it hadn't occurred to me before that buying the 'tray pack' meat by the butcher counter at the store uses a lot more plastic than the paper wrapped meat when you get it from the counter! But I'm going to start doing that. Fairly easy change to make, and it's not like the 'tray' wrapped meat can be frozen that way anyway! Or even prevents leaks well. There's also a plastic decrease for produce- cucumber are the example that come to mind. Costco wraps their 3 pack hothouse cucumbers individually in plastic sleeves, then puts all 3 in another sleeve. So many layers of plastic!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on January 13, 2019, 06:40:35 PM
* Cargo biked to the grocery store.

* Brought my own bags to the grocery store.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on January 14, 2019, 10:23:17 PM
Did a big shop and used all my own bags. We've also been having a problem with remembering them. Next step is to remember the lightweight produce bags.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Monocle Money Mouth on January 16, 2019, 05:11:15 AM
I finally replaced a fluorescent fixture that was dying in our kitchen with one that can take LED bulbs. The old fixture took two circline fluorescent and produced 2950 lumens and consumed 54W. The new setup produces 3000 lumens and only uses 26W. Even though the new setup is only producing 50 more lumens, it is much brighter since the new fixture doesn’t block as much light as the old one.

I’m pretty close to eliminating all the incandescent and CFL lights in my house :) All of my old CFL bulbs get used for exterior lighting or the garage. Since we don’t leave lights on all night and we aren’t in the garage that often, I figure I can use them up in those applications before they die. The interior lighting is finally all LED and those are the lights that get used the most. As the CFL bulbs die, I’ll swap them out for LEDs.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Mountainbug on January 16, 2019, 07:54:26 AM
Someone on our neighborhood fb group was giving away LED bulbs for our recessed lighting because they were the wrong hue. Picked them up and installed them in our most used areas.

Cutting up a bag of T-shirt’s for rags instead of dumping them at goodwill. They are old plain white tshirts, and while I don’t want or need more rags I can’t bear to just dump them.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trying2bFrugal on January 16, 2019, 01:06:07 PM
We use cloths to clean kitchen tops/water and just hand wash them and keep using them. Six kitchen paper towel individual roles were just completed after almost an 5 months span.
Thats after 100+ guests visited our house in that time span.

The plastic cover is our trash disposal cover. The Costco trash bags were still sitting in the box last 1.5 years.

We always use glass tumblers instead of plastic cups, we just dont have it in our house.

We never bought any frozen foods, always cook fresh.

We buy in bulk (4 month supply) on non-perishable and having long expiration dates.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on January 16, 2019, 01:40:47 PM
I took the train to work today and then the bus home and walk the last 1.2km. And I brought my lunch.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: gatortator on January 17, 2019, 08:25:27 PM
made my own hard sugar wax and waxed my underarms.  had a few previous missteps with the wax making before and am so happy it worked today...  so close to being able to give up razors!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on January 18, 2019, 07:58:10 AM
Instead of vacuuming - I dusted with an old towel and mop. 
Made mint tea with mint that I dried this fall and it is delicious and fresh.  I will probably need to dry double the amount next year.  At the rate that I am drinking it, it is going to be gone by the end of the month.  I have almost eliminated all tea bag purchases, replaced herbals with my own harvested ones, and switched to one pound bags of loose tea. 

I have also gotten totally into making my own yogurt.  The only plastic is from the four liter bags of milk.  We are sweetening it with honey from my neighbour or maple syrup that I made in 2017.  Or berry jam that I made in 2018. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on January 20, 2019, 06:52:51 AM
...

I have also gotten totally into making my own yogurt.  The only plastic is from the four liter bags of milk.  We are sweetening it with honey from my neighbour or maple syrup that I made in 2017.  Or berry jam that I made in 2018.

I love making my own yogurt :)  It's a tiny bit time consuming, but so worth it - we eat it sweetened with jam I made too.  Side bonus, our toddler loves eating his yogurt from a "little tiny jar" that I portion it into for him, he thinks it's super fun.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on January 20, 2019, 07:03:06 AM
...

I have also gotten totally into making my own yogurt.  The only plastic is from the four liter bags of milk.  We are sweetening it with honey from my neighbour or maple syrup that I made in 2017.  Or berry jam that I made in 2018.

I love making my own yogurt :)  It's a tiny bit time consuming, but so worth it - we eat it sweetened with jam I made too.  Side bonus, our toddler loves eating his yogurt from a "little tiny jar" that I portion it into for him, he thinks it's super fun.
I have found that making it in the instant pot in a huge quantity takes exactly the same amount of effort as making smaller quantities so I make up 2.6L at a time.  My guys know not to touch the small jar that says yogurt starter on it. 

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on January 20, 2019, 07:11:03 AM
...

I have also gotten totally into making my own yogurt.  The only plastic is from the four liter bags of milk.  We are sweetening it with honey from my neighbour or maple syrup that I made in 2017.  Or berry jam that I made in 2018.

I love making my own yogurt :)  It's a tiny bit time consuming, but so worth it - we eat it sweetened with jam I made too.  Side bonus, our toddler loves eating his yogurt from a "little tiny jar" that I portion it into for him, he thinks it's super fun.
I have found that making it in the instant pot in a huge quantity takes exactly the same amount of effort as making smaller quantities so I make up 2.6L at a time.  My guys know not to touch the small jar that says yogurt starter on it.

Haha, I have a little mason jar labeled "starter" in the fridge too :)

I just tried yogurt in the instant pot for the first time a week or two ago.  Usually I just portion it out into jars after I add the starter and put them in my oven with the light on for ~6 hours, but it's nice to be able to actually USE the oven for that time, especially in the winter.  Also there's no chance of my husband turning off the oven light and letting everything cool off too early.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on January 20, 2019, 07:15:29 AM
...

I have also gotten totally into making my own yogurt.  The only plastic is from the four liter bags of milk.  We are sweetening it with honey from my neighbour or maple syrup that I made in 2017.  Or berry jam that I made in 2018.

I love making my own yogurt :)  It's a tiny bit time consuming, but so worth it - we eat it sweetened with jam I made too.  Side bonus, our toddler loves eating his yogurt from a "little tiny jar" that I portion it into for him, he thinks it's super fun.
I have found that making it in the instant pot in a huge quantity takes exactly the same amount of effort as making smaller quantities so I make up 2.6L at a time.  My guys know not to touch the small jar that says yogurt starter on it.

Haha, I have a little mason jar labeled "starter" in the fridge too :)

I just tried yogurt in the instant pot for the first time a week or two ago.  Usually I just portion it out into jars after I add the starter and put them in my oven with the light on for ~6 hours, but it's nice to be able to actually USE the oven for that time, especially in the winter.  Also there's no chance of my husband turning off the oven light and letting everything cool off too early.
  I like really thick tangy yogurt so we have been doing 10 hours overnight in the IP - seems downright crazy - but when you add thawed runny blue berries....
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on January 20, 2019, 01:24:35 PM
...

I have also gotten totally into making my own yogurt.  The only plastic is from the four liter bags of milk.  We are sweetening it with honey from my neighbour or maple syrup that I made in 2017.  Or berry jam that I made in 2018.

I love making my own yogurt :)  It's a tiny bit time consuming, but so worth it - we eat it sweetened with jam I made too.  Side bonus, our toddler loves eating his yogurt from a "little tiny jar" that I portion it into for him, he thinks it's super fun.
I have found that making it in the instant pot in a huge quantity takes exactly the same amount of effort as making smaller quantities so I make up 2.6L at a time.  My guys know not to touch the small jar that says yogurt starter on it.

Haha, I have a little mason jar labeled "starter" in the fridge too :)

I just tried yogurt in the instant pot for the first time a week or two ago.  Usually I just portion it out into jars after I add the starter and put them in my oven with the light on for ~6 hours, but it's nice to be able to actually USE the oven for that time, especially in the winter.  Also there's no chance of my husband turning off the oven light and letting everything cool off too early.
  I like really thick tangy yogurt so we have been doing 10 hours overnight in the IP - seems downright crazy - but when you add thawed runny blue berries....

I always do 10 hours in the IP!

I buy a new mini-carton of Fage for every other batch. If anyone has a better idea, please share. (NOT going longer without fresh starter. I have tried that and I am not happy with the results.)

BUT I do make my yogurt primarily with milk sold in reusable cartons. Win!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on January 20, 2019, 06:01:20 PM
...

I have also gotten totally into making my own yogurt.  The only plastic is from the four liter bags of milk.  We are sweetening it with honey from my neighbour or maple syrup that I made in 2017.  Or berry jam that I made in 2018.

I love making my own yogurt :)  It's a tiny bit time consuming, but so worth it - we eat it sweetened with jam I made too.  Side bonus, our toddler loves eating his yogurt from a "little tiny jar" that I portion it into for him, he thinks it's super fun.
I have found that making it in the instant pot in a huge quantity takes exactly the same amount of effort as making smaller quantities so I make up 2.6L at a time.  My guys know not to touch the small jar that says yogurt starter on it.

Haha, I have a little mason jar labeled "starter" in the fridge too :)

I just tried yogurt in the instant pot for the first time a week or two ago.  Usually I just portion it out into jars after I add the starter and put them in my oven with the light on for ~6 hours, but it's nice to be able to actually USE the oven for that time, especially in the winter.  Also there's no chance of my husband turning off the oven light and letting everything cool off too early.
  I like really thick tangy yogurt so we have been doing 10 hours overnight in the IP - seems downright crazy - but when you add thawed runny blue berries....

I always do 10 hours in the IP!

I buy a new mini-carton of Fage for every other batch. If anyone has a better idea, please share. (NOT going longer without fresh starter. I have tried that and I am not happy with the results.)

BUT I do make my yogurt primarily with milk sold in reusable cartons. Win!
I have only made four batches of yogurt so far - really new to this.  I have reserved some from each batch to make the next batch.  Does something happen that the previous batch doesn't make good yogurt?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on January 20, 2019, 09:01:37 PM
I used my own coffee cup for my green tea at work today, and am now keeping a "keep cup" here as well for buying hot chocolates if I need a break or am meeting up with others.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: cl_noll on January 21, 2019, 11:00:26 AM
For a whopping $3.02/month, I purchased a 100% offset of my electricity consumption with renewable energy from my energy utility. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on January 21, 2019, 11:54:20 AM
For a whopping $3.02/month, I purchased a 100% offset of my electricity consumption with renewable energy from my energy utility.

I just sent in my form to update to 100% too!  Ours is $5.30 per block of 200 kWh, and we use on average 400 kWh/mo, so more than $3, but not much AT ALL.  I'm stoked.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BuffaloStache on January 21, 2019, 09:00:57 PM
My team at work got lunch catered today- I opted to get a cookie (wrapped in a compostable paper sleeve) -vs- chips in a non-recyclable plastic bag. Also went grocery shopping on the way home from work, and brought my reusable bags.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on January 22, 2019, 04:14:36 AM
For a whopping $3.02/month, I purchased a 100% offset of my electricity consumption with renewable energy from my energy utility.

I just sent in my form to update to 100% too!  Ours is $5.30 per block of 200 kWh, and we use on average 400 kWh/mo, so more than $3, but not much AT ALL.  I'm stoked.
Mine would be $30/ month extra for 400kWh, which are our high use months. Ouch. We might start at 25%.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BuffaloStache on January 22, 2019, 07:57:08 AM
For a whopping $3.02/month, I purchased a 100% offset of my electricity consumption with renewable energy from my energy utility.

I just sent in my form to update to 100% too!  Ours is $5.30 per block of 200 kWh, and we use on average 400 kWh/mo, so more than $3, but not much AT ALL.  I'm stoked.
Mine would be $30/ month extra for 400kWh, which are our high use months. Ouch. We might start at 25%.

This is something I need to look into. I know it's not super expensive here in Colorado, but I also need to get a better understanding of how much kWh we use each month (my wife pays that bill, so I usually never look at it).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 24, 2019, 11:52:35 PM
Husband cleaned out the filter for the air con, now it runs far more efficiently. It would be even better not to have air con, but this is summer in Australia.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on January 25, 2019, 12:39:34 AM
Husband cleaned out the filter for the air con, now it runs far more efficiently. It would be even better not to have air con, but this is summer in Australia.
This is a good reminder that I need to work out how to do this on ours. At least we've gotten away without using ours the past week with the very unseasonably cool weather.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on January 25, 2019, 07:17:55 AM
I've been working on easy sauces that I can make from scratch, so that I'm not using something that comes in packaging. Given my current dietary goals, I'm also looking for dairy free ones. The taco salad dressing was a win (uses hemp hearts as the base!), but the peanut sauce I tried wasn't quite "it". Hoping this reduces things like BBQ sauce (although we buy ours in glass containers already).

Husband has switched from coffee to green tea for days he's home. Anyone know the relative footprints and ethical considerations on the two crops? Either way, his green tea is all paper packaging, whereas coffee bags are often plastic lined, so that's a bit of plastic waste cut out/down.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on January 25, 2019, 10:47:54 AM
I've been working on easy sauces that I can make from scratch, so that I'm not using something that comes in packaging. Given my current dietary goals, I'm also looking for dairy free ones. The taco salad dressing was a win (uses hemp hearts as the base!), but the peanut sauce I tried wasn't quite "it". Hoping this reduces things like BBQ sauce (although we buy ours in glass containers already).

Husband has switched from coffee to green tea for days he's home. Anyone know the relative footprints and ethical considerations on the two crops? Either way, his green tea is all paper packaging, whereas coffee bags are often plastic lined, so that's a bit of plastic waste cut out/down.

I made teriyaki sauce from scratch once, it was relatively easy and very tasty - I liked the ability to tune the sweetness, too.  I've been meaning to make it again, just haven't actually made stir-fry recently.  I've also made a cranberry ketchup that we really like as a chicken marinade, or to put on homemade fries, but I wouldn't call that an easy recipe.

What kinds of cuisine do you tend to eat?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on January 25, 2019, 11:13:37 AM

Husband has switched from coffee to green tea for days he's home. Anyone know the relative footprints and ethical considerations on the two crops? Either way, his green tea is all paper packaging, whereas coffee bags are often plastic lined, so that's a bit of plastic waste cut out/down.

As far as I know tea is more environmentally friendly than coffee. Not sure why and by how much, but it's one of the things i remember from a carbon footprint calculator i used ages ago.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 26, 2019, 08:25:06 PM
Convinced husband to fix the cheap, crappy desk our toddler damaged, so we can find it a new home rather than it ending up in landfill. (Trying NOT to complain about him letting the toddler damage furniture...)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 27, 2019, 02:21:30 AM
Discovered an open tube of superglue. These seem to dry up within a week or two of being opened, so I figured I'd better take my chance: fixed a laundry basket, a toy and a handful of books.

If I have the energy, tomorrow will be mending loose and missing buttons day.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on January 28, 2019, 03:43:23 AM
Got a whole pile of work clothes from a friend who was going to throw them away. She buys a lot of fast fashion, but she's also losing a lot of weight (which I really admire her for! She's doing great!) so after a few wears she's done with them. By now, half of my wardrobe consists of items I get from her.

I don't keep everything she gives me, what I don't keep I recycle. I'd rather have her stop buying alltogether, but this is the best alternative in the current circumstances. She has a much better sense of style than I do and she loves shopping while I hate it, so it's pretty convenient for me too. It's just a shame that many of those fast fashion items are poor quality that don't last very long.

We also had vegan food all weekend and I'm going to do some mending / tailoring of clothes tomorrow.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Monocle Money Mouth on January 28, 2019, 05:08:30 AM
I continued the process of eliminating fluorescent and incandescent bulbs in my house. I decided to switch all my E25 garage lights from CFL to LED. That will cut my energy use out there in half. Originally, I was just going to leave the garage with the CFL bulbs, but the prices are low enough on LED bulbs, I figured why not. I still need to convert some old T8 tubes to LED in the garage, but I’m deciding whether to just buy LED tubes that work with the ballast or convert the fixture to use nonshunted LED tubes. There are also some halogen flood lights on the outside of the garage I need to convert. We don’t use that much at all, but I still want to convert them for the sake of completeness and consistency.

I also recycled all the CFL bulbs and some old burned out UV tubes my wife uses for her reptile. Sadly, there doesn’t seem to be anyplace that will recycle fluorescent tubes for free. There’s a store called Batteries+Bulbs that will recycle them, but they charge $0.86 per tube. Disposal is another reason I want to get away from fluorescent bulbs and tubes.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fishindude on January 29, 2019, 12:24:09 PM
Burning wood to heat the house last few days, it's 10 F today and supposed to be below zero tomorrow.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on January 29, 2019, 02:07:50 PM
My heating was broken over the weekend. 2 days of no heating and hot water costs. Let's look at the bright side and say I helped save the environment?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on January 29, 2019, 06:14:45 PM
Used bird seed for traction on the ice instead of salt.  Shoveled by hand the driveway instead of hiring a guy with a plow.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on January 31, 2019, 01:07:13 PM
This is small indeed but I used my daughter's bathwater to mop.  And instead of draining it immediately, I let the heat dissipate and warm our house (she's old enough that I don't have to worry much about her drowning in an undrained tub)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: krmit on January 31, 2019, 01:24:30 PM
My 5-year-old iphone 5s battery life severely declined over the past few months, to the point where it would die in 5-6 hours.
Last week I ordered an Ifixit battery replacement kit and committed successful phone surgery! My battery life still isn't AMAZING (thanks, bulky iOS updates) but is definitely improved - I can actually leave it unplugged overnight.

I feel like a total badass and it cost me $30 and maybe 2 hours of time.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on January 31, 2019, 04:04:28 PM
My 5-year-old iphone 5s battery life severely declined over the past few months, to the point where it would die in 5-6 hours.
Last week I ordered an Ifixit battery replacement kit and committed successful phone surgery! My battery life still isn't AMAZING (thanks, bulky iOS updates) but is definitely improved - I can actually leave it unplugged overnight.

I feel like a total badass and it cost me $30 and maybe 2 hours of time.

Awesome @krmit!  We did that too on my iPhone 5s.  It was a bit nerve wracking, but it worked!
 
Title: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on January 31, 2019, 07:28:16 PM
We replaced 22 bulbs with LEDs today.

(Saved all the old bulbs that still work and will try to rehome them. If that doesn’t work will take them to the e-waste collection site at the local university.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on January 31, 2019, 08:24:20 PM
Today:
Eating mostly vegan, entirely vegetarian.
Not driving anywhere.
Doing all the usual things to avoid single-use products (using hankies, cloth napkins etc).
Toddler is now super into his Duplo. Instead of buying more new in packaging at the shops, we're finding some secondhand on Gumtree.
Working with a teammate to get more environmental charities on the roster for the weekly collection at our office.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on January 31, 2019, 11:41:20 PM
Cloth pads for me, cloth nappy for toddler, practiced taking the train with him so we can do combined car/train trips, and cancelled a trip this afternoon as it was too hot and we napped for too long to miss traffic.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on February 01, 2019, 02:12:51 PM
I am experimenting with using a cereal bag inside a reusable container instead of a single-use, specially freezer bag for freezing ground beef. Seems like it could possibly prevent freezer burn better than the container alone... will report back if it's successful. It's just for tacos anyway, so it's not a huge risk.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on February 01, 2019, 02:21:34 PM
No coffee at work (avoided reusable cup + environmental impact of the coffee and the milk).

Vegan dinner and breakfast, vegetarian lunch.

Wear a sweater at home rather than turning up the heat.

Paid CO2 compensation for a flight for me plus the friend I travel with (it was only $2.50 total so I'll pay extra voluntarily as I think the amount is too low).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on February 01, 2019, 03:33:42 PM
Joining in to see if I can learn some new tricks. So far today I:

Biked to work (as per usual).

Brought the plastic bags and batteries our recycle service won't pickup to the recycle depot near my office.

Vegan lunch packed in reusable containers.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mountain mustache on February 01, 2019, 08:42:02 PM
biked to work, biked to the store to pick up a few groceries on the way home.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 01, 2019, 11:36:59 PM
As part of my commitment to avoid the 'fast fashion' trap, today I cleared out the mending pile. Fixed up two cardigans and a dress and they're back in my wardrobe.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Monocle Money Mouth on February 02, 2019, 06:59:22 AM
I finally eliminated all incandescent and fluorescent bulbs with an E26 base in my house today :D I finally had a chance to get into the attic after the cold snap this week and swap out the ancient 100W incandescent lamp up there for a 13W LED.

I also eliminated a halogen motion sensor security light on my house. The bulb died years ago but you could still here the click of the motion sensor whenever you walked past it. I know it used a negligible amount of energy, but at least it's no longer there consuming energy for the benefit of no one.

The final phase of my project will be swapping out lamps and maybe fixtures in the garage. The previous home owner installed 3 halogen flood lights on the garage and there is still a fixture that takes 4 fluorescent tubes inside the garage. Fortunately those barely get used, so the urgency for swapping those out isn't as high as it was for the actual house.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on February 02, 2019, 10:37:55 AM
It occurred to me that maybe I could use one of our 937 reusable grocery sacks (one keeps getting them for free), one of the ones that stands up pretty well, to hold recycling instead of using a paper grocery sack. I had forgotten to get a paper sack at TJ.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on February 02, 2019, 12:54:26 PM
I got all sorts of unusual vegetables in my misfits box but instead of letting them go bad, I actually cooked most of them today. Two soups and a bowl of roasted vegetables.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on February 02, 2019, 02:56:25 PM
Sewed some produce bags out of an old sheet.

Finished making reusable maxi pads for my daughter. They're made from leftover scraps from previous sewing projects. Hopefully, starting her this young will prevent her from ever throwing one of those out.

Later today, I'll patch the holey knee in my other daughter's pants.

Our guinea pigs are currently outside "mowing" the lawn. I love having pets that live mostly off grass, weeds and produce scraps that would otherwise go in the compost.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mountain mustache on February 02, 2019, 03:07:49 PM
- rode my town bike to the trails, went for a hike and rode back home.
- actually remembered my cloth bags for a visit to the health food store. I usually carry everything out without a bag because I forget cloth ones, and won't take a plastic/paper one.
 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on February 02, 2019, 09:00:15 PM
* Composted contents of two vacuums

* Kept food scraps out of the sink drain as usual and composted those as well

* Created a carbon-holding hugelkulture bed with some dead tree limbs and the woodchip compost; placed it in such a way as to hopefully keep water on the property rather than draining away
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on February 03, 2019, 08:58:04 AM
Huh. I always assumed my vacuum accumulation couldn't be composted. Can it?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on February 03, 2019, 04:59:09 PM
Huh. I always assumed my vacuum accumulation couldn't be composted. Can it?

We have hardwood floors; I've read that most carpet is synthetic fiber so you wouldn't want those micro plastics in your compost, but YMMV. Occasionally we'll get some little piece of non-biodegradable material but I just pluck that out when I spread out the finished compost, same as I do with produce stickers or other junk that gets in there.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 03, 2019, 05:39:02 PM
Huh. I always assumed my vacuum accumulation couldn't be composted. Can it?

We have hardwood floors; I've read that most carpet is synthetic fiber so you wouldn't want those micro plastics in your compost, but YMMV. Occasionally we'll get some little piece of non-biodegradable material but I just pluck that out when I spread out the finished compost, same as I do with produce stickers or other junk that gets in there.

Hmmm - I have hardwood floors but synthetic rugs. I guess from here on out I should only buy rugs made of natural fibres (for many, many reasons, not just compostable vacuum contents!) - time to start researching.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: debtfreejess on February 03, 2019, 08:11:53 PM
I like to share how I use our freezer to reduce food waste :)

* We freeze veggie scraps (onion skins, garlic skins, celery leaves, carrot peels, bits of herbs, green bean ends, etc.) in a glass bowl. When it's full, we make veggie broth by bringing the scraps to a boil in a pot of water, then simmering for an hour. Whatever we don't use immediately for soup, we freeze in an ice cub tray (found that freezing directly in jars, even with lots of space, led to broken jars :( )
 
* Whenever I burn toast (which happens more than I'd like to admit), I throw it into the blender and save the breadcrumbs in a jar in the freezer. Use to bind broccoli fritters and top mac n cheese

* Freeze fresh pesto (we usually have a basic plant) in ice cube trays! It's perfectly portioned for a bowl of pasta. I'll also freeze extra herbs (particularly thyme) in olive oil.

* We buy parmesan in blocks; I'll freeze the rinds and throw them in soups for a really nice flavor

* Whenever I make beans in the slow cooker, I'll double it and freeze the leftovers

* In late summer, I'll buy a lot of tomatoes, roast them, blend them and freeze them. They taste better than canned and help us avoid the sad winter tomatoes

* Overripe bananas! I don't really like banana bread, but they would be good for that. But personally, I blend them with a little peanut butter to make a summer treat for my dog
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on February 04, 2019, 06:59:38 AM
Today I picked up two toddler outdoor chairs to clean up and paint from a neighbour. They're clearly well used but still sturdy, and will be good practice for me with painting things!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 06, 2019, 01:31:44 AM
Today I picked up two toddler outdoor chairs to clean up and paint from a neighbour. They're clearly well used but still sturdy, and will be good practice for me with painting things!

Are they the IKEA ones? Those are so sturdy. I think they're rated to 100kg!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 06, 2019, 01:35:08 AM
Today:
Cold wash for laundry, and line drying.
Cloth pads for me, mostly cloth nappies for the toddler, cloth napkins and hankies for all.
Walked to a playdate.
Walked to buy treats to take to the playdate.
Used up veges before they went bad.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mountain mustache on February 06, 2019, 05:10:34 AM
- walked to the hiking trails, hiked, and then walked to work.
- brought lunch in reusable glass containers (as always)
- walked home from work in the admittedly very windy/cold dark. Bike would have been better today!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on February 06, 2019, 10:48:18 AM
Biked to work. Borrowed my DD's rain paints to layer over my regular bike tights so I wouldn't freeze like yesterday.

Packed vegan lunch.

Started some bean sprouts. In 5 days we'll be able to eat them.

There's a stack of free t shirts at work. They're not terribly attractive and I don't think they'll all be claimed (supposed to be one/employee). I'll grab a couple later in the week for my kids to use as PJ/painting shirts.

Read some of the Zero Waste Home blog and picked up a few new ideas.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on February 07, 2019, 04:08:33 AM
No car usage for the past two days.  (We're making a concerted effort to combine trips).  Talked to DD about switching to reusable pads, and she is going to give it a try. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on February 07, 2019, 04:15:43 AM
Cooked the food we had instead of picking up tasty kebabs at the butcher.

Practiced tofu stir fry and am getting the hang of it, so more vegan meals in our future!

Read a book on reducing waste and I'm now keen to set up our worm farm and get a tumbling composter, as our next step to both improve our garden's soil and reduce waste leaving the house.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on February 08, 2019, 03:37:22 AM
No car usage for the past two days.  (We're making a concerted effort to combine trips).  Talked to DD about switching to reusable pads, and she is going to give it a try.

Has she considered a cup yet? Much cleaner than reusable pads IMO!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on February 08, 2019, 10:13:38 AM
No car usage for the past two days.  (We're making a concerted effort to combine trips).  Talked to DD about switching to reusable pads, and she is going to give it a try.

Has she considered a cup yet? Much cleaner than reusable pads IMO!

I agree!  Cups are the best and I've told her about them, but she doesn't want to try one quite yet
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on February 08, 2019, 02:41:58 PM
There was an estate sale going on next door to my local Goodwill.

I picked up 16 cloth napkins to add to our collection of reusable linens, as well as mechanical pencils for my son, Crayola crayons for my little daughter and some pretty blank cards to use for schoolroom Valentines. Loving buying “used”!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on February 08, 2019, 02:59:02 PM
 - Remembered my cloth grocery bags for my grocery store trip today
 - Had chicken on the list but decided not to buy it, we can have lentils instead
 - Will serve only vegetarian options at the gathering we're hosting tomorrow (I'm counting it for today because I'm doing the food prep)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on February 08, 2019, 03:20:45 PM
Made scrap fabric into extra cloth napkins for the kiddos. Bonus: it is novelty fabric and what little boy doesn't prefer an Avengers/Batman/Harry Potter napkin to a plain one?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 08, 2019, 03:54:39 PM
Made scrap fabric into extra cloth napkins for the kiddos. Bonus: it is novelty fabric and what little boy doesn't prefer an Avengers/Batman/Harry Potter napkin to a plain one?

Ooooh that's an excellent gift idea for my nephlings...
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on February 08, 2019, 04:07:26 PM
Made scrap fabric into extra cloth napkins for the kiddos. Bonus: it is novelty fabric and what little boy doesn't prefer an Avengers/Batman/Harry Potter napkin to a plain one?

Ooooh that's an excellent gift idea for my nephlings...

More ideas: the scraps were leftover from making a Batman apron (I made that for LB) and a Harry Potter tote bag (BB made for himself) :-).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 09, 2019, 11:21:37 PM
My new hippy deodorant works better than the supermarket aerosol stuff. I am astonished and pleased by this.

Made scrap fabric into extra cloth napkins for the kiddos. Bonus: it is novelty fabric and what little boy doesn't prefer an Avengers/Batman/Harry Potter napkin to a plain one?

Ooooh that's an excellent gift idea for my nephlings...

More ideas: the scraps were leftover from making a Batman apron (I made that for LB) and a Harry Potter tote bag (BB made for himself) :-).

This is awesome.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on February 09, 2019, 11:26:45 PM
What brand is your deo? I developed an allergy to mine (after months!). Also, it doesn't work that well.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 09, 2019, 11:29:04 PM
What brand is your deo? I developed an allergy to mine (after months!). Also, it doesn't work that well.

Black Chicken Axilla deodorant paste. It's in plastic, but you can return the packaging if you buy it from Flora and Fauna. However, if your reaction was to the bicarb, this one contains bicarb too. They have a sensitive option which might not?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on February 09, 2019, 11:38:05 PM
I might test myself with plain bicarb.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mountain mustache on February 10, 2019, 06:22:39 AM
ordered a bunch of kitchen towels/rags and cloth scrubbies so I can stop my ridiculous paper towel and sponge usage. Paper towels are one of those things I've had a hard time not using, because they are so convenient, but I think if I just have an ample supply of towels and rags around all of the time, I can create a new habit!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 10, 2019, 05:55:08 PM
I need to vent:

Some friends of mine are theoretically on board with minimising their environmental impact, and are doing all the small, instagrammable things like buying stainless steel straws. But they've just told me they're planning to buy a second, larger car (likely a mid to large 4wd / SUV) so that they can both drive to work every day instead of catching public transport. They live close to the city and public transport for their location is extremely convenient, quick and cheap.

I know that it's completely normal to have two cars - but I also know it's 100% possible to be a one-car household. I'd like to think I set a good example - we have two jobs and a kid and still manage to not just stick to one car, but to use it only 3-4 days a week.

If I get a good opportunity, I will gently encourage them to think further about only having one car, buuuut... that's unlikely to sway them. I think I'm just finding it extra depressing because even the people who seem to care about climate change, don't actually care enough to not buy whatever they want and live however they want.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on February 10, 2019, 06:40:39 PM
It's rather like mustachianism - it's the big things like where you live, the size of house, that matter much more than whether you buy a coffee out.

The only thing I can think to suggest is saying that it's a real shame that public transport isn't working for them anymore and if they ask why you can say because.... And send an ad for a second hand version of the car, maybe they can cut down on the embodied energy of a new one? Most of my friends are entirely clueless/ too busy to stop and think/ don't have time to notice any environmental messages eg in media.  Gentle prods are doing little. We will see what headway I can make when I see them this weekend.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on February 10, 2019, 08:33:45 PM
I think I'm just finding it extra depressing because even the people who seem to care about climate change, don't actually care enough to not buy whatever they want and live however they want.

Yeah :-(  My family is like this. I'm not perfect by any means, but I do pretty well (small 1BR apartment, no car, cut way back on meat, no air travel, etc.). But the rest of my family - if you asked them they would say the environment is really important. But they are living in oversized homes, take multiple airplane vacations a year, eat meat daily, have two cars including SUVs, are generally very consumery and love to shop, etc. etc. But they have an *electric* SUV, and they turn the thermostat down a little in winter, so it's all good. (eyeroll) I keep doing what I'm doing because my conscience wouldn't let me do otherwise, but it sure feels futile when surrounded by people like that.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on February 11, 2019, 02:58:00 AM
I have been diligently using my keep cup for my treat hot drink at the cafe. Next is to help DH get in the same habit, and make some slices & muffins for the freezer so I stop buying a treat to go with it.

We bought diced kangaroo to try. Plan is to have a go at a few different recipes with it and see what we like it best in, and move more of our meat use to that while also decreasing meat in our diet in general.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: pancakes on February 11, 2019, 04:36:36 AM
I used my keepcup and did a plastic free shop for dinner (though it did use some plasticy ingredients we already had at home).

Three out of six of my T-shirt have started to develop holes all over them. Past the point of repair, the fabric is giving out all over the place. Yay for me buying clothing in 2015 that I have continued to enjoy wearing week in and out. I really should have started looking for replacements before it got to this point though as my wardrobe is very limited with half the shirts out of commission and I don’t want to make any poor rushed purchases just to tide me over.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on February 11, 2019, 07:32:53 AM
 - Walked to the store for last minute food needed
 - Used no paper products at our party on Saturday - only washable plates, cloth napkins, etc.
 - Took public transit to the city on Sunday
 - Currently, trying to plan if I can work from home tomorrow.  Mostly because of the snow, but it would also save me driving for the day
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on February 12, 2019, 07:34:01 AM
Was going to buy ground meat, but didn't because I got some frozen soy crumblies to try out the other day.
Was going to buy a case of prepackaged snacks, but abstained.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on February 15, 2019, 04:01:15 AM
We're currently doing a DIY major to-the-studs kitchen remodel in the old house we bought, and we kept and repaired the existing appliances.  The dishwasher was leaking and the door hinge was broken, and the gas cooktop would not light, was missing gaskets, and needed a new gas supply line.  My DH has great fix-it skills, and he took both of them to pieces, diagnosed the problems, got parts at the local appliance repair store, and put them back together.  Voila -- both working great now. 

I feel like many (most?) people in our situation would have bought new appliances and trashed these.  I feel really, really good that we instead gave them a new life and kept them out of the landfill.   
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 16, 2019, 01:44:09 AM
A friend told me that she's been thinking more about the environmental impact of flying as a result of conversations with me, and is going to donate the cost of her upcoming international flight to an offset charity. I don't have words for how happy this makes me.

I have started keeping a spare jug by the kitchen sink, and when I'm running the tap waiting for warm water I fill that jug. Then we use the jug of water later to fill up the kettle and anything else we need room temperature water for.

I am buying clothes from sources that make at least some effort towards ethical production (secondhand would be better, but I don't have much luck with finding anything that fits and is suitable. Looking forward to having more time for op shopping post-FIRE!).

Hosting family tomorrow and I'm making bread, dips and treats from scratch to minimise packaging.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on February 16, 2019, 06:58:37 AM
I set up 3 bins in our kitchen yesterday, to help us sort our waste: compost, thin plastics and "general". When I set up our worm farm I'll add a fourth bin for that. They all live on our bench so it might feel a bit crowded, but I'll work out a nicer solution later - building the habits first!

I also rearranged our laundry to make the recycling bin and other tubs more accessible. We should be able to keep on top of the cloth nappy washing better now. I also ordered more cloth nappies last week, and have a date with a friend coming up to learn to put new elastic in some of my secondhand ones, as it's the part that goes bad first!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on February 16, 2019, 11:46:12 AM
Ran the laundry machine on 'eco' mode. No clue why I don't do that more often tbh.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on February 16, 2019, 10:14:10 PM
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on February 17, 2019, 04:51:45 AM
  • Participated in a beach cleanup with friends and our two older kids; picked up masses of styrofoam and packaging and cup lids and plenty of weird stuff too, including pregnancy tests, flip-flops, plastic hangers, and so on.
  • Bottled my first batch of homemade apple-cider vinegar. It was oddly easy, it's tasty, and all the containers were acquired secondhand.

Totally the kinda thing I'd use on a beach... Like, how?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on February 17, 2019, 05:35:13 AM
  • Participated in a beach cleanup with friends and our two older kids; picked up masses of styrofoam and packaging and cup lids and plenty of weird stuff too, including pregnancy tests, flip-flops, plastic hangers, and so on.
  • Bottled my first batch of homemade apple-cider vinegar. It was oddly easy, it's tasty, and all the containers were acquired secondhand.


Totally the kinda thing I'd use on a beach... Like, how?

I think they probably wash ashore from garbage dumped in the ocean. :(
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BookLoverL on February 18, 2019, 09:46:01 AM
Picked up a bag of litter from my local neighbourhood for the first time since the autumn - I had been going out a lot in the summer to do it, but for some reason I'd stopped over winter while the nights were longer. Going to try to properly restart the habit.

Got the train back from visiting my long distance boyfriend instead of taking the car.

Walked to the train station from his house instead of letting him drive me.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on February 18, 2019, 09:42:49 PM
I got a notice today that my apartment building is going to have a "brown bin" for compostables going forward - so I can put food scraps and food-soiled paper there. This is awesome :-)  Does anyone have a good idea for how to store compostables in a very tiny kitchen in a way that won't attract pests? I was thinking I might just put them in a paper bag in the freezer or something, although I hate to give up freezer space. I really don't know what else to do with it.

The city is also promoting a "zero waste pledge" to go with it, and if you sign up they will give you a free reusable bag or a cutting board. I don't need those things, so I'm going to skip the freebie. If other New Yorkers want to take part, it's at nyc.gov/zerowastepledge.
Title: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on February 18, 2019, 09:53:14 PM
Does anyone have a good idea for how to store compostables in a very tiny kitchen in a way that won't attract pests? I was thinking I might just put them in a paper bag in the freezer or something, although I hate to give up freezer space.

We used a lidded plastic container (once held dishwasher pods) stored in the freezer for many years. We now use a small lidded trashcan (with a push pedal) and take the removable liner to the bins when we can.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on February 18, 2019, 10:10:58 PM
DH and I took lunch to work 2 days in a row, made by me. Turns out I love spinach smothered in hommus. Even better with a tin of tuna or tofu, very filling.

I brought my own cutlery and tea towel to work, to eat it with. I also purchased two glass keep cups for my and DH's offices, so we will both be more likely to use our Very Nice Treat Cups when we do purchase hot beverages. At home we already have reusable takeaway mugs we like taking to the park and using around the toddler, but I guessed correctly DH is much more likely to use one at work if it's a Fancy Cup.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Abe on February 18, 2019, 10:43:52 PM
I got a notice today that my apartment building is going to have a "brown bin" for compostables going forward - so I can put food scraps and food-soiled paper there. This is awesome :-)  Does anyone have a good idea for how to store compostables in a very tiny kitchen in a way that won't attract pests? I was thinking I might just put them in a paper bag in the freezer or something, although I hate to give up freezer space. I really don't know what else to do with it.

We bought one of those step-open waste bins, and use a compostable bag: https://www.amazon.com/UNNI-Compostable-European-Certified-Francisco/dp/B013XGQXVW
Double-check with your city that these can be processed, but most industrial composting methods can handle them. Have not had any issues with insects or rodents for the last 18 months (since we started).


Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on February 18, 2019, 10:52:58 PM
Thanks for the replies - but when I say "very tiny kitchen" I mean I do not have the floor space for a dedicated bin :-)  I have a trash can and it doesn't even really fit, the refrigerator door hits it and I can't use one of the drawers in the fridge because I can't open the door wide enough... :-/  The recycling goes in the livingroom, it looks terrible but I don't know what else to do with it. I really don't want a potentially-smelly food scraps bin in the livingroom.

A plastic lidded container in the freezer would probably work, though. I was thinking a paper bag because I usually drop recycle off on my way out of the building and I don't want to carry around a dirty container all day. But I could make more of an effort there...
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on February 19, 2019, 02:43:37 AM
I was going to take small child out for dinner because DH is out tonight at a cooking class with his sister. Instead I took us home and made baked tofu with broccolini and asparagus.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on February 19, 2019, 02:44:05 AM
@Dollar Slice -- when we lived in a small place with no room for a bigger bin we kept a smaller compost container under the sink.  At first we used an ice cream bucket with a lid, and then later we bought a stainless steel one that looked nice, and then it graduated up to the counter.  Like this one:  https://www.gardeners.com/buy/brushed-stainless-steel-compost-pail/38-560.html?utm_campaign=PLA&utm_medium=googleshopping&utm_source=google&SC=XNET9983&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpq3R_r_H4AIVko3ICh135wtYEAQYBSABEgIapPD_BwE

I would avoid the ones with openings in the lid if you're worried about odors, fruit flies, etc.  The downside of these countertop models is that they're small and you'll have to empty it more frequently.  But they do look nice, imo.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mountain mustache on February 19, 2019, 07:04:56 AM
I use a big plastic container with a lid, and keep it in the fridge. Then when it's full I bring it to my friends house to give to her chickens! I can't compost personally where I live, but recently found out she would love to take all of my fruit/veggie scraps, so this has been a great setup! It has reduced my regular waste a lot, because most of what I was throwing away was compostable matter.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on February 19, 2019, 11:27:45 AM
Yesterday I started sewing my oldest daughter a new swimsuit using fabric and a pattern I already own.

Bought groceries using the fabric bags I sewed up several weeks ago. So far I've only had either no comments at all from the grocery staff, or really positive comments.

Went to the bulk store for nuts, beans and the vanilla coffee mix ODD loves. I looked for the mix in the grocery store and it only comes in overpackaged single serving sizes.

Started fixing ODD's broken dresser drawer using some L brackets and a couple paint stirring sticks. I really, really hate this dresser and would love to replace it, except it's an odd size that works perfectly in her room and was free. Hopefully my fix will make it less annoying to use.

I use a big plastic container with a lid, and keep it in the fridge. Then when it's full I bring it to my friends house to give to her chickens! I can't compost personally where I live, but recently found out she would love to take all of my fruit/veggie scraps, so this has been a great setup! It has reduced my regular waste a lot, because most of what I was throwing away was compostable matter.

We use a plastic ice cream container (about 4L) for collecting compost. It sits on our counter unattractively. For our family of 4 I only need to empty it once every 5-7 days. If you pick a metal, or ceramic container (maybe a cookie jar? or small coffee can?) it won't hold smells like plastic does. I wash mine with hot soapy water periodically to help keep any smells down to a low level. In the summer, it tends to attract fruit flies, so I try to take it out more frequently. Maybe you've got room for the container in the fridge?

If you're able to recycle and compost a lot of things, you might be able to get away with a smaller garbage can. That might free up more space for recycling and composting containers.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on February 19, 2019, 05:04:35 PM
I went to the  gym that is half a mile from my work instead of the one that is like 5 miles out of the way.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on February 19, 2019, 10:01:57 PM
I used bike+train to go to a workshop. Cost me $9 in fares instead of much less in fuel, and it took 1 hour each way instead of 15 minutes. I got to be active, spend time chatting with my mum and enjoyed the sunshine. It will take a bit less time once I'm fitter, but the amount of lights I have to wait at was a lot as well!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: screwit on February 20, 2019, 02:16:17 AM
I've started a bunch of seeds in the plastic containers a lot of fruits come in. Today I'll be potting them up into yoghurt containers I've been collecting from friends (I now make my own yoghurt into recycled glass jars so don't have them).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on February 20, 2019, 05:02:13 AM
I used some spare shelves (flat, rectangular pieces of plywood meant as spare shelves in a bookcase) to create a bench over my washing machine, between my current bench and the sink. I used something I already had, so no new resources, the wood gets a new home, and it has the financial benefit of giving us longer to save for our laundry makeover. Hopefully when they're no longer of use in the laundry, I can use them in the shed or find another new purpose for them.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on February 20, 2019, 02:49:21 PM
Started fixing ODD's broken dresser drawer using some L brackets and a couple paint stirring sticks. I really, really hate this dresser and would love to replace it, except it's an odd size that works perfectly in her room and was free. Hopefully my fix will make it less annoying to use.


It's fixed! I can't believe how easy it was and how much better it works.

Biked to work today and yesterday.

Lunch was veggie pizza. Made with italian sausage flavoured seitan. Turns out my kids actually like this stuff, so that opens up a whole bunch of veggie meals for us.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on February 20, 2019, 08:23:46 PM
Took the cargo bike to pick up the kids from school. It's been raining almost continuously for a couple of weeks (and I'm 28 weeks pregnant and somewhat worn out) so it's been a while.

We also added an Organic Transit ELF (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_xDuHuk4_E) to our family. It's so much fun and will definitely open up some travel routes that aren't great with the cargo.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on February 21, 2019, 02:14:38 AM
We also added an Organic Transit ELF (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_xDuHuk4_E) to our family. It's so much fun and will definitely open up some travel routes that aren't great with the cargo.

WOW @jengod -- that's fantastic!  I hadn't heard of these, so thanks for the education!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on February 21, 2019, 02:53:58 AM
We also added an Organic Transit ELF (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_xDuHuk4_E) to our family. It's so much fun and will definitely open up some travel routes that aren't great with the cargo.

WOW @jengod -- that's fantastic!  I hadn't heard of these, so thanks for the education!
Oh my goodness that looks like so much FUN! Er, and, uh, good for the environment too...
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 23, 2019, 05:57:20 PM
Emailed a retail chain, asking them to consider adding an unpackaged option for customers who want to use their own containers.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: pancakes on February 25, 2019, 06:22:27 PM
We needed new toothbrushes so I purchased compostable ones for Pikelet and myself. The box says compostable in a home system (head removed) and since we will have one of those very soon, worth a try.

I suspect Pikelet, being a toddler, might have a hard time accepting a new tooth brush that isn’t bright yellow. Wish me luck.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on February 25, 2019, 06:59:02 PM
We needed new toothbrushes so I purchased compostable ones for Pikelet and myself. The box says compostable in a home system (head removed) and since we will have one of those very soon, worth a try.

I suspect Pikelet, being a toddler, might have a hard time accepting a new tooth brush that isn’t bright yellow. Wish me luck.

Good luck!!

I've seen a few people using the handles as plant labels. Just write on them with a sharpie and label your herbs and veges. I'm planning to do that with mine... And fully expecting Ewok to swap them all around :-P
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: pancakes on February 26, 2019, 12:02:59 AM
We needed new toothbrushes so I purchased compostable ones for Pikelet and myself. The box says compostable in a home system (head removed) and since we will have one of those very soon, worth a try.

I suspect Pikelet, being a toddler, might have a hard time accepting a new tooth brush that isn’t bright yellow. Wish me luck.

Good luck!!

I've seen a few people using the handles as plant labels. Just write on them with a sharpie and label your herbs and veges. I'm planning to do that with mine... And fully expecting Ewok to swap them all around :-P
Ohh I like that idea.

I gave her the toothbrush in the box and she opened it like a present. I think that might have made it “special” enough that it can replace the bright yellow plastic one without too much fuss.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on February 26, 2019, 06:47:17 AM
We needed new toothbrushes so I purchased compostable ones for Pikelet and myself. The box says compostable in a home system (head removed) and since we will have one of those very soon, worth a try.

I suspect Pikelet, being a toddler, might have a hard time accepting a new tooth brush that isn’t bright yellow. Wish me luck.

Good luck!!

I've seen a few people using the handles as plant labels. Just write on them with a sharpie and label your herbs and veges. I'm planning to do that with mine... And fully expecting Ewok to swap them all around :-P
Ohh I like that idea.

I gave her the toothbrush in the box and she opened it like a present. I think that might have made it “special” enough that it can replace the bright yellow plastic one without too much fuss.
this is an excellent idea once I run through the stash I bought of easy-grip plastic ones. Which brand did you choose?
Title: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on February 26, 2019, 06:11:17 PM
* Bought coriander, paprika and Darjeeling tea from the bulk spices section at Sprouts and filled glass containers I had at home. Saves the environmental toll of producing and transporting a new spice jar. Probably saves a little $$ too.
* Peed in the backyard to save the flush water and activate the mulch decomposition.
* Rode public transit back from a doc appointment.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: pancakes on February 26, 2019, 06:25:13 PM
We needed new toothbrushes so I purchased compostable ones for Pikelet and myself. The box says compostable in a home system (head removed) and since we will have one of those very soon, worth a try.

I suspect Pikelet, being a toddler, might have a hard time accepting a new tooth brush that isn’t bright yellow. Wish me luck.

Good luck!!

I've seen a few people using the handles as plant labels. Just write on them with a sharpie and label your herbs and veges. I'm planning to do that with mine... And fully expecting Ewok to swap them all around :-P
Ohh I like that idea.

I gave her the toothbrush in the box and she opened it like a present. I think that might have made it “special” enough that it can replace the bright yellow plastic one without too much fuss.
this is an excellent idea once I run through the stash I bought of easy-grip plastic ones. Which brand did you choose?
I went with an eco toothbrush for me and the biome home brand for Pikelet. The eco ones can have black or white bristles, I got black so when Mr Pancakes needs a new one we can tell them apart. I think they also had two styles of grip. .

So far it seems that Pikelet can chew the bristles off the biome one so I’ll probably try a different brand next time.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on February 27, 2019, 07:22:24 AM
Took public transit instead of a taxi even though I had really heavy grocery bags.

Decided to try and re-repair a broken phone charger instead of condemning it to a landfill - the first repair was failing and a piece totally snapped off and exposed some electronic-y bits, but it still works so I stuck it back together with duct tape and will see how long it holds.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on February 28, 2019, 01:33:48 AM
I received baby keep cups for my toddler and BFF's toddler for their "juice" and "coffee" when we're having drinks together. The toddlers were adorably taken with the idea.

I also noticed how much slower we're going through our cling wrap. Our stash of plastic containers (big for lunch, small for sauces and dips) is finally having a clear impact! Plus the dishwasher to keep it all clean so we can use it again ;)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on February 28, 2019, 03:05:56 PM
My other half is retrieving used moving boxes and packing supplies from his coworkers... for our move closer to our works!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on March 02, 2019, 04:13:00 AM
Went to a friend's birthday picnic today. I baked a cake to avoid bringing packaged treats to share, and reused a birthday candle and cake topper. Brought along picnic plates, cutlery and cloth napkins to reduce the use of disposable plates etc. The birthday girl is keen on sustainability so she was very pleased.

I need to keep adding to my stash of cloth napkins and picnic reusables so that next time we won't have to use any disposables at all.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on March 02, 2019, 04:10:30 PM
Went to a friend's birthday picnic today. I baked a cake to avoid bringing packaged treats to share, and reused a birthday candle and cake topper. Brought along picnic plates, cutlery and cloth napkins to reduce the use of disposable plates etc. The birthday girl is keen on sustainability so she was very pleased.

I need to keep adding to my stash of cloth napkins and picnic reusables so that next time we won't have to use any disposables at all.
Hmm this makes me think I should revisit my "picnic kit". It fell by the wayside as various things got "borrowed" to use elsewhere, but the weather and our lifestyle is perfect for picnicking right now. Maybe I'll do that tomorrow (hooray for public holiday!)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on March 02, 2019, 07:03:00 PM
Went to a friend's birthday picnic today. I baked a cake to avoid bringing packaged treats to share, and reused a birthday candle and cake topper. Brought along picnic plates, cutlery and cloth napkins to reduce the use of disposable plates etc. The birthday girl is keen on sustainability so she was very pleased.

I need to keep adding to my stash of cloth napkins and picnic reusables so that next time we won't have to use any disposables at all.

Hmm this makes me think I should revisit my "picnic kit". It fell by the wayside as various things got "borrowed" to use elsewhere, but the weather and our lifestyle is perfect for picnicking right now. Maybe I'll do that tomorrow (hooray for public holiday!)

All of ours does double duty as toddler cutlery and crockery, and cloth napkins we use everyday. But it's so handy having stuff you can just throw together when needed.

It was the kind of party where everyone was impressed that the picnic rug came from Buy Nothing: good people.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: retiredat58 on March 02, 2019, 07:32:15 PM
Jengod, I’d love to hear more about the Elf you purchased. I never knew about these and I live not far from where they’re manufactured. Plus, I’m in an ideal location for one. Now, if I can just get my husband on board.Would love to hear how and when you use it.


Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on March 02, 2019, 07:39:27 PM
HaH, I'd be thrilled if someone gave me a sustainable-picnic homemade-cake birthday party :-) Nice job!

I went to the store to buy eggs (not the one I usually go to) and almost all the eggs were in styrofoam (!!) or clear plastic containers. I managed to find one organic brand that cost $1 more that were in the usual recycled cardboard type of box. I didn't think of it till just now, but next time I go I'm going to take down the names of the companies using styrofoam containers and write to them about it. I can't believe anyone still does anything with fricking styrofoam in this day and age... literally no one wants that!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on March 02, 2019, 08:37:39 PM
I'm going to take down the names of the companies using styrofoam containers and write to them about it.

Yessssss!!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: The 585 on March 02, 2019, 09:04:01 PM
Biked to our local organic food store, filling mason jars with our bulk items. From there, biked to a brewery for some beers. Total round trip: 24 miles.

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on March 03, 2019, 03:28:02 AM
We forgot our reusable grocery bags AGAIN. After accepting that we're going to stuff up and think about where to put the bags so we remember them... Our store has cardboard boxes we could use! So no extra plastic bags!

Also, gotta pick a better spot or add reminders somewhere for the reusable bags...
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on March 03, 2019, 06:12:12 AM
We forgot our reusable grocery bags AGAIN. After accepting that we're going to stuff up and think about where to put the bags so we remember them... Our store has cardboard boxes we could use! So no extra plastic bags!

Also, gotta pick a better spot or add reminders somewhere for the reusable bags...

How do you usually do your groceries? For me it's usually when I come back from work and have my work backpack, so I always make sure to have an extra bag in my bag that I use when I get groceries. You could try to do the same thing (e.g. keep them in the car, a bag you often carry, etc).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on March 03, 2019, 06:32:08 AM
We forgot our reusable grocery bags AGAIN. After accepting that we're going to stuff up and think about where to put the bags so we remember them... Our store has cardboard boxes we could use! So no extra plastic bags!

Also, gotta pick a better spot or add reminders somewhere for the reusable bags...

How do you usually do your groceries? For me it's usually when I come back from work and have my work backpack, so I always make sure to have an extra bag in my bag that I use when I get groceries. You could try to do the same thing (e.g. keep them in the car, a bag you often carry, etc).
We usually get them at a random point during the weekend when the toddler needs to be entertained with people-watching from the trolley and one or both of us is rather tired. I've thought about putting the bags in the boot where the spare tyre is, so they won't get in the way during the week but also can't be forgotten? They're so bulky they get in the way if I tried to keep them in the main section of the boot all the time. We need about 6 big bags, generally.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on March 03, 2019, 07:12:17 AM
Made yogurt from some milk that had been sitting in the fridge longer than it should - saved wastage of the milk, as well as saving buying more yogurt.  This also avoids the new plastic containers for store-bought yogurt.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: RetiredAt63 on March 03, 2019, 07:31:15 AM
They're so bulky they get in the way if I tried to keep them in the main section of the boot all the time. We need about 6 big bags, generally.

I have big reusable bags, but I have to remember to take them with me.  I also have 2 nylon bags that fold into a small attached pouch.  They live in my purse, they take up very little room, and hold a lot of groceries.  If you can find some thin but strong fabric (nylon probably best) to make bags with, I can send you a description of the bags.
Title: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on March 03, 2019, 11:53:31 AM
Jengod, I’d love to hear more about the Elf you purchased. I never knew about these and I live not far from where they’re manufactured. Plus, I’m in an ideal location for one. Now, if I can just get my husband on board.Would love to hear how and when you use it.

Hi @retiredat58:

We have three little kids (with #4 due in May) and we live smack in the middle of a very car-dependent city, so if we want to do commuter bike stuff we think we need to do it a little differently. I just don’t feel safe with my babies on bikes alongside our large highways.

Our first try was a Babboe Curve 4-seat cargo bike. We love it and I use it a lot. This is best for grocery shopping or supply-run type errands, and the afternoon school run when I’m not in a rush.

Our second try at cycle-based commuter transport is the ELF (Electric Light Fun). The ELF we purchased has room for two little kids to squish in the back. There’s a little trunk but not too much storage so I haven’t used it for shopping yet. This is best for the morning school run when my husband can stay with our 2yo and we need a little speed.

School run in car (one-way): 8 mins
School run in ELF: 10-15 mins
School run in Babboe: 25 mins

I am 5’2” and not particularly fit so the ELF’s e-assist is great getting up hills and ramps, and when I am carrying lots of kids. It’s also great to use the throttle to kick off from a stoplight at basically regular traffic speed.

The ELF only has one seatbelt in the back. (I tried putting my daughter’s big car seat in there and it just tipped her forward and didn’t seem to fit right.) The Babboe has harness-like seatbelts for each passenger and a custom “toddler seat.”

In stop and go gridlock, the ELF is easily competitive with a car. On a surface street with no traffic, the 20-25mph top speed is slow compared to cars that are going 40-45.

The battery is trickle-charged by the solar but can/should also be recharged from a wall outlet.

It has headlights, turn signals, a horn, a bell and an onboard battery monitor.

The biggest problem so far was that I tried to take it in a big automated car parking structure and it’s so light that it couldn’t trigger the magnet sensors that turn on the gateway machines. I should have just left it parked on the grass but my 6yo complained that was weird.

So far we’ve really liked it. It’s technically a “solar-charged recumbent e-bike in a car-shaped kayak shell” or a “solar car/golf cart.” My husband wants a second one someday, in a less garish color than our current Mango Safety orange.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: retiredat58 on March 03, 2019, 12:28:48 PM
@jengod,

I’m fascinated by the Elf ! I’m one year into using my ebike and I’m familiar with how the electric bikes work .I’m 65, have had 4 joint replacements and the ebike is keeping me riding longer and easier.  Well worth the price.  The other reason for the Elf interest is that we’re about to purchase a golf cart, mostly to haul stuff from our house to the beach. ( chairs, umbrella, small cooler ) Husband is a big “no” to the Elf, still wants his motorized cart and is no where near as environmentally conscious as I am but it might not stop me. Thanks so much for your input and comments.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on March 04, 2019, 07:20:34 PM
I took a frozen hot dog bun, smeared it with garlic butter, toasted it in the toaster oven, and dunked it in soup so as to prevent it from going to waste.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on March 04, 2019, 11:31:07 PM
I started "fixing" our commute today. My portion post daycare dropoff is now taking the bus instead of driving the car. Giving myself a month to make this comfortable (IE do I need a book? Best bus stop to hop on? Etc) and practice taking the train and bus on non-critical trips with the toddler, then we'll try swapping half the trip into daycare for a train/ bus combo with the stroller.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on March 05, 2019, 06:25:49 AM
I downloaded an app against food waste, where you can buy leftover fresh products from several supermarkets, hotels and bakeries in the area. So far both yesterday and today everything seemed sold out in no-time though.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on March 05, 2019, 07:57:08 AM
I downloaded an app against food waste, where you can buy leftover fresh products from several supermarkets, hotels and bakeries in the area. So far both yesterday and today everything seemed sold out in no-time though.

What is the name of the app?  It sounds promising.

Too good to go.

Started in Denmark and it's now available in more countries, not sure if it's available in the US yet though!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on March 05, 2019, 03:13:38 PM
Finally bought my reusable produce bags. They’re unbleached organic cotton. Excited to go grocery shopping :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on March 05, 2019, 03:22:56 PM
Finally bought my reusable produce bags. They’re unbleached organic cotton. Excited to go grocery shopping :)
Whoo! Enjoy!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: The Keen Saver on March 07, 2019, 02:44:42 AM
All of my travel today and the last few days has been on foot.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mountain mustache on March 07, 2019, 05:30:25 AM
had to get my skis tuned yesterday, so walked to work with them strapped to my backpack. Awkward, but it worked! It did elicit several friends texting "did I see you walking through town with skis on your back?" (I live in a super small town). I live about a mile from work, and a mile from "downtown" and I've gotten in the bad habit of driving to run errands because "it's just a mile"...so I'm challenging myself to overcome the inconveniences of, say, carrying skis to the ski shop, and just deal with it and walk/ride my bike.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on March 07, 2019, 03:17:54 PM
* Clothesline instead of electric dryer (also saves $0.25)

* Turned off the irrigation sprinklers for the maximum nine days since we’ve had another great rain event
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BuffaloStache on March 08, 2019, 06:59:27 AM
I'm working remotely today, cutting out (my very clown car commuting :-/ ) ~30 mi round trip commute. I'm continuing on my commitment to work from home at least once per week as much as I can this year.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on March 08, 2019, 08:56:34 AM
Took toddler to the zoo by bus. Starting to get the hang of public transport with him.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fishindude on March 11, 2019, 09:25:35 AM
Went up and down my county road both sides and picked up all of the litter that had accumulated over the winter.
Pisses me off all the littering that people do.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nessness on March 11, 2019, 11:30:34 AM
Switched from liquid shampoo to a shampoo bar. So far I really like it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on March 11, 2019, 12:00:24 PM
Biked to work today after driving most days for the past 2 weeks. I was nearly assaulted by a crazy guy on my morning commute 2 weeks ago and it really spooked me, plus work has been stupidly busy with lots of very early morning meetings. It's been long enough since the crazy guy incident that I'm not completely panicked during the entire ride, plus I'm trying out a slightly safer route. It felt good to be back on the bike today.

Remembered to bring my reusable produce bags to the grocery store yesterday.

Pulled some big cedar branches out of the woods that I plan to use to make a bean trellis. It's still too cold to plant anything here, but I'm starting to get organized.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on March 11, 2019, 08:58:36 PM
I took the bus for the daycare -> office leg of my commute. End of this week I trial toddler taking the train, and the week after we try taking him in on Wednesday all the way to daycare. Driving will go down from 20+ minutes in traffic to 5 minutes of suburb driving, if it works for us.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on March 12, 2019, 04:02:16 PM
* Took the ELF to the hardware store and Big Lots and on one school run. (I now have the school access card hooked into the ELF so don’t have to remember to swap between it and the Honda, which opens up my parking options depending on circumstances.)

* Am using saved glass bottles to create a garden border rather than buying something new for that purpose.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on March 12, 2019, 04:41:12 PM
The glass bottle idea is genius. I'm going to think how I can incorporate it and what else I have. Were you going to bury them upside down?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on March 12, 2019, 11:12:08 PM
The glass bottle idea is genius. I'm going to think how I can incorporate it and what else I have. Were you going to bury them upside down?

Yep, nose down.

I can’t take credit for the idea—cribbing off the Urban Homestead here in Los Angeles. Google for “glass bottle garden border” for more ideas and images. As best I can tell it looks prettier if your glass size and color matches but it’s quite flexible overall.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on March 21, 2019, 05:05:32 PM
2 things in 2 days!

Yesterday I was looking for coffee to buy (I've been moving and am discombobulated) on my way to a meeting, and I brought my reusable mug! Not only was the lady at the donut shop I stopped in happy to use it, she didn't even charge me!

And today I rode my bike to work for the first time! It is biking distance from my new house. There are lots of issues around biking to work that I haven't solved yet--bad weather, darkness, needing to return library books, etc.--but none of them applied today, so I just went for it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappierAtHome on March 21, 2019, 06:50:45 PM
Vanuatu is banning disposable nappies! News article (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-22/vanuatu-to-ban-disposable-nappies/10924586) about it.

I don't actually think disposables should be banned, because I think there are circumstances where they are an absolute lifesaver (we still use them overnight). But it is deeply interesting to me and signals a real commitment to reducing landfill.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: londonbanker on March 21, 2019, 07:02:51 PM
Following
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on March 22, 2019, 11:54:20 AM
2 things in 2 days!

Yesterday I was looking for coffee to buy (I've been moving and am discombobulated) on my way to a meeting, and I brought my reusable mug! Not only was the lady at the donut shop I stopped in happy to use it, she didn't even charge me!

And today I rode my bike to work for the first time! It is biking distance from my new house. There are lots of issues around biking to work that I haven't solved yet--bad weather, darkness, needing to return library books, etc.--but none of them applied today, so I just went for it.

Awesome!  There are solutions to all those problems ;)

For sure! It helps that I don't wear makeup regularly or style my hair :-). I ordered another Wald basket for the other side of my bike, so that's a step in the right direction. Today I drove because I haven't thought out my rain strategy yet and it's supposed to storm, and also because those bones are sore AF. But I should be back on it tomorrow for going to the gym and maaaaybe the grocery store, depending on how much stuff I need to buy. (Need that other basket!)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: draco44 on March 22, 2019, 09:09:51 PM
Two things! First, I anticipated having leftovers from a lunch out with a few colleagues, and brought and used my own container to take the leftovers home. This was a big step for me, because I hadn't tried bringing a container into a restaurant before. The food was saved, and no one batted an eye.

Second, I dropped off four books at a little community library box that I pass on my commute.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on March 26, 2019, 03:43:23 PM
For sure! It helps that I don't wear makeup regularly or style my hair :-). I ordered another Wald basket for the other side of my bike, so that's a step in the right direction. Today I drove because I haven't thought out my rain strategy yet and it's supposed to storm, and also because those bones are sore AF. But I should be back on it tomorrow for going to the gym and maaaaybe the grocery store, depending on how much stuff I need to buy. (Need that other basket!)

Just know that you will get stronger every day you ride.  Get after it! :)

Thanks for the encouragement! I rode to the gym yesterday. My phone ran out of battery power after being used for turn-by-turn directions the whole way there, BUT the gym had bike maps and I found my way home! Today I drove to work because I haven't unearthed my bike lights yet and I have to work until 8 PM--and also I need to buy bread on the way home. BUT I did install my new second basket this AM so I am all set for next time! Friday and Saturday I should be able to bike to work if the weather cooperates.

Two things! First, I anticipated having leftovers from a lunch out with a few colleagues, and brought and used my own container to take the leftovers home. This was a big step for me, because I hadn't tried bringing a container into a restaurant before. The food was saved, and no one batted an eye.

Second, I dropped off four books at a little community library box that I pass on my commute.

Awesome! We need to normalize carrying around your own food containers!

Today I brought my own delicious homemade chocolate coffee in a repurposed jar instead of walking to 7-11 to buy iced coffee in a plastic cup. (I could probably bring my own cup to 7-11... but this is better :-) .)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on March 26, 2019, 03:58:27 PM
Yesterday, but I forgot to post.  I rescued a box of bagels that had been left at my work over the weekend.  Quite stale, but they'll make delicious bagel chips to have with dip or hummus - or by themselves!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on March 26, 2019, 10:35:39 PM
I bought a biodegradable/compostable phone cover for myself and DH, and I took my staple-less stapler to work so I get more use out of it. I may be buying a bunch as stocking stuffers for Christmas this year.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on March 27, 2019, 11:07:28 AM
Not my action, but it'll be my job to implement. My 12yo has decided to stop eating meat. She's been making noises about this for a while and I've resisted because she's such a picky eater. Left to her own devices she'd happily attempt to live off pastries, pasta and potatoes and I didn't want her to set herself up for all the metabolic issues that diet would cause her.

However, she seems to have matured enough now to realize she'll need to eat some things she's not super keen on and that vegetarianism doesn't mean she can just eat refined carbs all the time. This could be an adventure!

Biked to work today. It's now dry and light both to and from work. So much nicer to ride when I can easily see where I'm going :-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jps on March 27, 2019, 12:41:33 PM
This was yesterday, but we decided to have tofu pasta instead of pulled pork.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on April 03, 2019, 08:53:57 PM
- in an effort to be less fat and bloated, I have started to walk to pick up my son to school.  It's not a lot of exercise because I have to walk slow enough for my daughter's little legs to catch up, but it's something... and even better, I'm not towing an unnecessary ton of metal back and forth with me.

- I encouraged a friend who is feeling discouraged in her battle against leaf blowers in her community.  I hate the noise, but also just learned this year that
"To equal the hydrocarbon emissions of about a half-hour of yard work with this two-stroke leaf blower, you'd have to drive a Raptor for 3,887 miles, or the distance from Northern Texas to Anchorage, Alaska."
https://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/features/emissions-test-car-vs-truck-vs-leaf-blower.html

> and I didn't blow the leaves on my lawn today. I never do. I mulch them or make a kid rake them. Doesn't what we DON'T do count?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nnls on April 03, 2019, 09:06:17 PM
This was a few days ago but I havent been on the forum

- Made some beeswax wraps with my friends to us instead of containers/glad wrap

- Became an admin on a newly sprouted buy nothing group
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on April 03, 2019, 09:50:10 PM
Oh! It's nice seeing this thread because my husband and I just committed to becoming eco-friendly. So many great posts/recommendations! I'll take note of some and show it to him soon.

As for us... we just began monitoring our water usage. I want to cut down our water bill, of course, but I don't want to be wasteful with water too.

Welcome to the thread!

On the subject of water usage, I nearly forgot my great achievement of the weekend... installing a dual flush toilet conversion!  Used this kit-- very happy-- high recommend. https://www.water-saver.org/
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on April 03, 2019, 10:42:00 PM
We drove to the train instead of driving to the city this week. Toddler LOVED going on the train, it took an extra 20 minutes each way and dropped our carntravel from 19km round trip to 4km round trip. Cost was $10 for public transport tickets instead of $19.50 parking ticket. I think we'll do it once a week to start with.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on April 04, 2019, 09:29:25 AM
Currently pregnant (yay! 3 years later...) but I'm having some intense food aversions. Sadly, they're quite unpredictable and mean our veggies have suffered quite a bit of neglect. And we normally would put veg in the city compost, but even better, we're taken to feeding our dog homemade food, and it's easy enough to save up the veg going off in the freezer and cook it up into her food. Cost savings and eco friendly. Obviously I'm also trying to reduce the food waste, but it's a tough time for it right now! It gets to the point I can't even let my husband eat something, because I can't handle it cooking!

BIG win though: we've gotten successfully into the habit of going to a different grocery store that's a bit further away. And using our produce bags! So between walking to this one, and using the bags, we've been to Trader Joe's a *lot* less, which saves on a lot of plastic and the gas to get there. Plus this new store carries a lot of local products. Happy we successfully made the switch, Husband likes fancy stores and this one is a big rough around the edges, but he's been totally fine switching this time.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on April 04, 2019, 09:57:22 AM
I got my new balcony veggies garden mostly set up last weekend. Although I bought a few big plastic pots, I'm trying to make the setup as waste free and economical as possible. So the big arched bean trellis was made out of 4 huge cedar branches that fell in the winter winstorms. Two tall pots are partially filled with big chunks of styrofoam since the beans won't need that much dirt anyway. Instead of pot risers (little feet that lift the bottom of the pot off the deck so everything drains better) I just collected all the plastic lids from our recycling. Turns out the lids from all the almond milk and orange juice we drink work perfectly. And I was able to harvest about 25L of compost from our bin to use in the pots. Once the seedlings are ready to be planted, I'll mulch the pots with composted guinea pig bedding.

I've biked to work everyday this week. Probably will tomorrow too.

Our family's conversion to a more vegetarian diet is going well.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on April 05, 2019, 08:47:31 AM
Two tall pots are partially filled with big chunks of styrofoam since the beans won't need that much dirt anyway.

Have you ever considered making self watering planters out of those tall pots, to save yourself some work? (google "self watering planter diy")  I had a lot of success with pots like that when I had a container garden.

@Bracken_Joy, that is wonderful news!!! I will be praying that you will be holding a happy, healthy, bouncing baby of your own soon! (or sending good luck vibes, if you prefer)  Get lots of rest (I used to need 18 hours of sleep a day) and nibble whatever you can handle, constantly.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on April 06, 2019, 08:29:11 AM
@Bracken_Joy, that is wonderful news!!! I will be praying that you will be holding a happy, healthy, bouncing baby of your own soon! (or sending good luck vibes, if you prefer)  Get lots of rest (I used to need 18 hours of sleep a day) and nibble whatever you can handle, constantly.

Thank you so much! <3 I'll gladly take well wishes in any form. Rest seems to happen whether I want it to or not... yesterday after my 'gentle yoga' class I fell asleep *sitting up* on the couch. Lol!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on April 06, 2019, 09:33:07 AM
Went to the market and got all(!!) my veggies without any plastic packaging. Yay!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on April 06, 2019, 03:00:01 PM
@Buffalo Chip, welcome! Just wondering what you mean when you call yourself a non/anti-environmental person?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on April 08, 2019, 01:06:24 AM
I am using my new "compostable" phone case (made by Pela, if anyone's interested). I like it so far, will be interested in seeing how durable it is.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Buffaloski Boris on April 08, 2019, 06:27:35 AM
@Buffalo Chip, welcome! Just wondering what you mean when you call yourself a non/anti-environmental person?

Thanks for the welcome!  In answer to your question, I’m about getting rid of waste and come from the Christian perspective of stewardship and love for creation. That said, I’m not a fan of “environmentalism” as a social and political philosophy. So I don’t identify with it. In some cases like say composting or biking to work or taking action to not pollute unnecessarily or minimizing one’s consumption then I agree with those aspects of “environmentalism”and we’re getting to more or less the same place.  With other issues such as Global warming or avoiding/ eliminating children to minimize resource impact I disagree. Generally speaking I find myself disagreeing more with contemporary environmentalism than agreeing these days. And I really dislike the politicization. So, non/anti environmental.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on April 09, 2019, 10:58:20 PM
Finally found a heavy-duty bag for my compost in the freezer--a zipper dog treat bag! I was gifted some dog treats. I toss all of my compostables in the bag, which lives in the freezer. When it's full, I take it to the city garden site with a compost pile. In the past, I would just use a regular plastic zipper bags, but they always leaked (ewwww) in transport as the scraps started to thaw so I'd have to toss them after one compost run. I'm wasting fewer bags, and I took the compost to the city site on the way to run another errand. The sturdy zipper bag is back in the freezer, waiting to keep more biodegradable waste out of the landfill.
Combined all the errands today, so that I used as little gas as possible. I refused plastic bags, even when I ended up juggling items in my hands a bit to get them to the car.
Went to a friend's house to help them with a new hobby I'm good at, and she gave me a vintage outfit that no longer fit her in exchange for the lessons.
Rescued some wine corks for crafts and reuse. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on April 10, 2019, 10:15:01 AM
I've been pretty good about cooking one more vegetarian dinner a week (making it two a week).   I also have been doing things like using fake chicken to supplement real chicken in a casserole... kids ate it up until I made the mistake of telling them, at which point they started fishing it out and saying no wonder why it tasted funny.  But at least they ate a serving and a half before they stopped.

One more vegetarian dinner a week for six people is almost like a single person going vegetarian all the time!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on April 10, 2019, 05:25:51 PM
Even though it was exhausting, I batched multiple far away errands so I just took one trip in the car. (Excuse me while I go collapse now...)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on April 11, 2019, 12:01:06 AM
@Buffalo Chip, welcome! Just wondering what you mean when you call yourself a non/anti-environmental person?

Thanks for the welcome!  In answer to your question, I’m about getting rid of waste and come from the Christian perspective of stewardship and love for creation. That said, I’m not a fan of “environmentalism” as a social and political philosophy. So I don’t identify with it. In some cases like say composting or biking to work or taking action to not pollute unnecessarily or minimizing one’s consumption then I agree with those aspects of “environmentalism”and we’re getting to more or less the same place.  With other issues such as Global warming or avoiding/ eliminating children to minimize resource impact I disagree. Generally speaking I find myself disagreeing more with contemporary environmentalism than agreeing these days. And I really dislike the politicization. So, non/anti environmental.

Ah got it! I wouldn't call that anti as anti to me means that you're actively against it. Like I'm non-religious, yet definitely not anti-religious (see the difference?). I cannot imagine anyone being against reducing plastic waste anyways, so yeah I'm glad you're joining in.

As I'm interested, why do you disagree on the points about global warming and lower birth rates? I get that the Christian standpoint is to get children and let them be good for the world and all that (was raised wishy washy catholic) but do you think our human population can grow endlessly or that we're just not even close to a problem yet?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nessness on April 11, 2019, 10:38:22 AM
I organized my cubicle at work today, and saved all the paper that was blank on one side for my kids to color on.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nessness on April 11, 2019, 10:53:51 AM
@Buffalo Chip, welcome! Just wondering what you mean when you call yourself a non/anti-environmental person?
Ah got it! I wouldn't call that anti as anti to me means that you're actively against it. Like I'm non-religious, yet definitely not anti-religious (see the difference?). I cannot imagine anyone being against reducing plastic waste anyways, so yeah I'm glad you're joining in.

As I'm interested, why do you disagree on the points about global warming and lower birth rates? I get that the Christian standpoint is to get children and let them be good for the world and all that (was raised wishy washy catholic) but do you think our human population can grow endlessly or that we're just not even close to a problem yet?

Sure. I agree with the premise that climate change happens over time as we of course know there were ice ages and other times when the polar ice caps weren’t in evidence. Where I part ways with the contemporary environmentalism is in whether western industrial and transportation practices have all that much impact. It is not “settled science” as much as some would like it to be. And in any case, even if you do accept that we humans have a disproportionate impact, and I don’t, we’re probably looking at the wrong issues. Overconsumption of resources (gluttony) is probably more to the point. There is a reason why tropical forests get put to the torch: end the demand for the resources that are being sought and you take away the incentive for destruction.

As for kids, it’s the same sort of issue. Yes, children have an impact. But that is a consumption issue for the most part. If the parents are clueful and minimize consumption it isn’t that big of a deal. Further, larger families are more efficient families as consumption per person tends to be decreased. For clueful parents, larger families can be weaponized low consumption social units. And those kids will be the leaders of tomorrow. As for total population I don’t think it’s a problem. As societies become more industrialized and economically wealthy, births drop. The birth rates in western countries are crashing. The infrastructure is already there in most western countries to support more children.

The recurring theme is consumption and avoidance of overconsumption (gluttony) on a macro scale. A very mustachian concept from what I can tell.
The science of climate change being caused by humans, and particularly by burning fossil fuels, is absolutely settled. The well-regarded intergovernmental panel on climate change puts it at greater than 95% likelihood, and if you're familiar with observational sciences, they never say anything is 100% true - greater than 95% is as confident as you're going to get on anything. I'd encourage you to read this link and the report linked in its first reference.
https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/

I agree at least in part with point on large families. The population exploded largely because there was a lag between declining child mortality and declining birth rates, but birth rates are declining now too, and a lot of people think the population will eventually stabilize.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nessness on April 11, 2019, 10:03:38 PM
@Buffalo Chip I know this isn't a thread for debating so I won't press the issue any further. Welcome to the thread!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on April 12, 2019, 07:08:14 PM
This week I've been doing some in-depth price comparisons on things at different grocery stores that seem environmentally better (organic/post-consumer packaging/sustainable etc.) to see if I can find some improvements in my shopping habits that are not outrageously overpriced. (I've already done this with most things I buy frequently, but these are items I buy only occasionally, so I haven't done the legwork yet.)

So far I found popcorn that is only 5 cents more per ounce than the mass-market brand for a more sustainable/pesticide-free/organic product from a company that donates some of their profits to charity. And I found cookies that are organic and use post-consumer recycled packaging that was cheaper than the regular mass-market brand. I'm also hoping the food will be better quality, but I haven't eaten any of it yet :-)

I also resisted the siren call of taking a taxi on a rainy night when my transit pass wasn't working. Would have been 6 miles of driving each way.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: heiding on April 16, 2019, 05:08:55 AM
Hello!  I've just found this thread and have read a lot (not all yet!) of it, and love the ideas and inspiration and different points of view.

To join in - I've been thinking about my own impact on the environment.

*The Good*

I realised that every piece of furniture I have is second-hand (I guess its all vintage/retro/antique/found/given).  I like older style, so much of my other stuff is sourced from flea markets and op shops - which also entertains me!  I'm having some chandeliery light fittings installed in a couple of days - also second hand.

I don't have a car, I bus to and from work and walk a lot.  I love riding my bike, which I will once I get it fixed. 

I never use a dryer.  I have shortish showers, and don't water my lawn (perpetual drought).  I don't have or want air-conditioning or a dishwasher. 

I use a fan in my bedroom in summer - I'm in Canberra, Australia and we have very hot summers (regularly 40+) and very cold winters (regularly -5 to -10).  I have a small double-brick house which helps keep it cool-ish.  I just bought an electric mattress topper blanket thingie, which I'm hoping will help reduce the need to use my ducted heating (first time I've ever lived in a Canberra house with proper heating - yay!).  I will find some bubble wrap to bubble glaze - thanks for the idea!  The previous owners added a deck and two sets of sliding doors (yay!), but didn't double glaze them (boo).

I make most of my own food - but do buy lunch sometimes, as it avoids food wastage.  Particularly for more complex salads etc as I live alone (kids grown up) and find I don't always use up food before it goes off.  Kids both went vegan when they were young teens (not anymore) for about four years.  I kept a vegan household and made them learn to cook - worked a treat.  I would have cheese and yogurt and such, but only outside the house so they felt supported.  I hardly ever eat red meat, never have really.

I realise that growing up my Mum was very frugal indeed, due to lack of money and general lack of consumerism at that time (I was a kid in the 1970s and 80s). Meat was expensive and we rarely had treats.  Didn't miss it as we didn't have or expect it, other than birthdays and other special occasions.  She made a huge effort to provide interesting and healthy food for us, through careful budgeting and planning.  No car a lot of the time, so I'm used to that too.

**The Bad**

I'm failing in the garden department - too much grass and no fruit trees or vegetables yet.  I moved here about a year and a half ago and have tons of fixing to do inside (still unpacking and reducing the amount of stuff). 

**The Ugly**

Nup, that'd be mean. 

Thanks for the cool thread.  Btw - I'm a rambler :D



Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on April 16, 2019, 02:29:17 PM
Biked to work!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mountain mustache on April 16, 2019, 07:36:13 PM
biked to work, packed a lunch, used cloth towels instead of paper towels to clean the kitchen (trying to break a bad paper towel habit)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on April 17, 2019, 11:03:24 AM
Two tall pots are partially filled with big chunks of styrofoam since the beans won't need that much dirt anyway.

Have you ever considered making self watering planters out of those tall pots, to save yourself some work? (google "self watering planter diy")  I had a lot of success with pots like that when I had a container garden.

They actually are self watering pots, but they're so tall with such small looking reservoirs at the bottom that I'm worried they won't be able to wick properly. I did leave a couple "channels" of potting soil open when I put the styrofoam in so hopefully I'll be proved wrong. The styrofoam is just a big solid chunk, not a pile of little bits.

With still 8 workdays left in the month, I've already hit my monthly bike mileage goal. My motivation is being greatly helped by a recent jump in gas prices. It's up to $1.62/L (or $6.10/ga), which is a new record. Every day I bike past hundreds (thousands?) of cars sitting in gridlocked traffic, idling away their overpriced tanks of gasoline, and think, "These people are all using the wrong tool for the job."

I'm doing better at making the kids help cook and clean up from dinner. That's helping keep our meat consumption down without sacrificing the quality of our diet.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tom Bri on April 18, 2019, 08:37:29 AM
For the last few years we have used a solar cooker to preheat cooking water, raise bread dough and such things. It was good enough to almost but not quite reach boiling temperature. Last week I started working on a replacement. It is done except for the 'seasoning', which is simply putting it in the sun a few days to heat it up and set the glue and paint. The paint gives off fumes until completely baked dry.
The thermometer gave a reading of 250 F (121 C), but I suspect I need a new thermometer, since water didn't boil!
Cost of materials, paint, glue, reflector was about $20. It could easily be made for a lot less.
Design is similar to this one:
https://www.greenoptimistic.com/solar-oven-cardboard/#.XLiIouopU0g
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: msministache on April 18, 2019, 09:10:14 AM
Posting to follow.

Today I am working from home, avoiding 20 miles commute.
I am going to drop off our food scrapes in city's garden compost bin.
I am mostly buying my groceries in zero waste shop (pantry items, such as rice, beans, etc) using my own bags and jars. And produce (not wrapped in plastic) I will get in the closest store I can walk to. 

And today and any other day I am resisting temptation to buy a new car and replace my 03 Camry)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on April 18, 2019, 09:20:06 AM
It was pointed out to me yesterday by a friend... I rarely travel. In the past 6 years, I think I've taken 1 flight, and it was only a couple states over. Generally, we stick local with our travel. I know air travel is a "sacred cow", but it does still have a carbon footprint, and I hadn't really considered being on the "right" side of that one!

Been continuing to walk a ton. Love where we live!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on April 18, 2019, 03:50:18 PM
Apparently my kids want to do Easter. I didn't think they believed in the Easter bunny. Oops.

The grass is wasteful, but it's festive--so I went to Goodwill, where they take open packages that other people are getting rid of and combine them, so at least it is not new manufacturing. I also got a couple of cheap wicker baskets rather than buy new, single-year cutesy things from the dollar bin at Target. Bonus: supports Goodwill.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: seattlecyclone on April 18, 2019, 09:32:11 PM
The fill valve on our toilet broke the other day. When I was at Home Depot to get a new one I noticed that for $15 more than a replacement fill valve, you can get a kit to convert any old toilet to a dual-flush model (push the handle up for liquid waste and down for solid waste, with each setting configurable to use exactly as much water as is needed and no more). I picked that up, put it in, and now we'll be using less water on every flush.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on April 19, 2019, 01:01:06 AM
Question for y'all: is Carbonfund.org a legit/decent organization? I am trying to use up some rewards points before they expire - I don't have enough points for 95% of the options, but one of the things I have enough points for is a donation to Carbonfund.org to purchase carbon offsets. I just wanted to check and make sure it wasn't scammy or something before I pushed the button... I did some light googling but didn't come up with anything useful, so I figured I'd check with the hive mind here in case someone had already done the research.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: wenchsenior on April 19, 2019, 08:48:32 AM
RE: Carbonfund.org, @Malaysia41  might know.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: lakemom on April 19, 2019, 10:53:23 AM
Used up a bunch of leftovers in the fridge for lunch.
Bought some more of these reusable ziploc bags for storage and lunches https://amzn.to/2XtCm1c
Scrounged up all the bits of Easter grass in the box to fill the baskets for the kids instead of buying new.
Bought half as much candy for the baskets as "normal" and will fill half their eggs with quarters.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on April 19, 2019, 12:18:09 PM
Requested a bin for composting! This will cost me about $10/month but is commercial composting run by the city, so I'll be able to put everything in there that you can't do at home--weeds, pizza boxes, etc.--as well as banana peels and whatnot.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on April 19, 2019, 04:53:16 PM
Realized that the outfits that I consistently get compliments on, and feel most comfortable in, are almost all secondhand. Either gifted to me or purchased from a thrift store.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappyCheerE on April 20, 2019, 06:49:26 AM
We live in an apartment building. I noticed this morning that one of the electric baseboard heaters in the stairwells was on when it shouldn't be. The maintenance people are supposed to adjust them (no knobs) but rather than phone it in (weekend, who knows when they'd get to it) I turned it off with the stem.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on April 20, 2019, 08:48:23 AM
Bought half as much candy for the baskets as "normal" and will fill half their eggs with quarters.

Brilliant!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Malaysia41 on April 20, 2019, 01:43:26 PM
RE: Carbonfund.org, @Malaysia41  might know.

I haven't looked too closely into it. All of my self-imposed carbon taxes go directly to vegan activists and Represent.Us. Sorry I couldn't help
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on April 21, 2019, 10:55:44 AM
I downloaded an app against food waste, where you can buy leftover fresh products from several supermarkets, hotels and bakeries in the area. So far both yesterday and today everything seemed sold out in no-time though.

What is the name of the app?  It sounds promising.

Too good to go.

Started in Denmark and it's now available in more countries, not sure if it's available in the US yet though!

I picked up leftover groceries from the organic store and sushi from a new restaurant yesterday. A massive (45cm) organic bread, two types of yoghurt, vegan fish fingers and 8 1/2 rolls of sushi for the grand total of €8.

The only downside to the app is they sell out so quickly... It's really popular in my city.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on April 21, 2019, 11:31:06 AM
I downloaded an app against food waste, where you can buy leftover fresh products from several supermarkets, hotels and bakeries in the area. So far both yesterday and today everything seemed sold out in no-time though.

What is the name of the app?  It sounds promising.

Too good to go.

Started in Denmark and it's now available in more countries, not sure if it's available in the US yet though!

I picked up leftover groceries from the organic store and sushi from a new restaurant yesterday. A massive (45cm) organic bread, two types of yoghurt, vegan fish fingers and 8 1/2 rolls of sushi for the grand total of €8.

The only downside to the app is they sell out so quickly... It's really popular in my city.

That sounds awesome! I have checked the app several times but it's always sold out :(. I've seen one of the bakeries that still had sth available once, but I thought I'd be getting too much for myself to finish as I don't have much freezer space and don't wanna eat bread 24/7 for 2 days straight :p. So for now I deleted the app again, guess I will retry in a few months.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on April 21, 2019, 11:42:46 AM
RE: Carbonfund.org, @Malaysia41  might know.

I haven't looked too closely into it. All of my self-imposed carbon taxes go directly to vegan activists and Represent.Us. Sorry I couldn't help

Thanks anyway (to everyone who responded!).

I tried to go ahead and make the donation from the rewards website thingy and the button won't work in three different browsers on two devices, and neither does their "contact us" form where I tried to inquire about their website being broken, so... :-/ Hopefully after the holiday weekend I'll be able to get through to someone there. I have enough points for 4 tons of carbon offsets, if I can get it to actually work.

Small things I've been doing: I'm planning a vegan dish for my weekly-ish batch cooking. And I just realized I haven't taken a taxi in over 10 weeks. (Thought of it because I'm breaking my streak today - going to my parents' house and the first part of the trip is difficult on transit, especially on the holiday/Sunday schedule. So I'm taking a short taxi ride to the train station instead of a walk plus two buses.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on April 21, 2019, 11:55:30 AM
I downloaded an app against food waste, where you can buy leftover fresh products from several supermarkets, hotels and bakeries in the area. So far both yesterday and today everything seemed sold out in no-time though.

What is the name of the app?  It sounds promising.

Too good to go.

Started in Denmark and it's now available in more countries, not sure if it's available in the US yet though!

I picked up leftover groceries from the organic store and sushi from a new restaurant yesterday. A massive (45cm) organic bread, two types of yoghurt, vegan fish fingers and 8 1/2 rolls of sushi for the grand total of €8.

The only downside to the app is they sell out so quickly... It's really popular in my city.

That sounds awesome! I have checked the app several times but it's always sold out :(. I've seen one of the bakeries that still had sth available once, but I thought I'd be getting too much for myself to finish as I don't have much freezer space and don't wanna eat bread 24/7 for 2 days straight :p. So for now I deleted the app again, guess I will retry in a few months.

I try to go for the grocery boxes (from Jumbo and Ekoplaza) . They can contain anything fresh - veggies, dairy, bread, salads, juice etc. I haven't received meat/fish yet but those could definitely be included. I think the bakery boxes are great if you have a big family or a lot of roommates but they are probably not that suitable for singles/couples. They can contain several breads or bags of bread rolls but I've also heard about people getting an entire cake or a lot of pastries or donuts.

The sushi was a first and was a success - more than enough for a single meal and cost €5. I've been trying to get a meal from a great local Italian deli but no luck so far.
Title: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on April 21, 2019, 02:43:13 PM
Used the human-powered reel lawn mower to cut the grass in the front yard yesterday.

Will try to do the backyard today; I was away for a week and everything is very overgrown.

My favorite part of using the reel mower is the “grasscycling” — the lawn clipping and shredded leaves go right back into the soil.

Going to look into buying an old-fashioned manual lawn edger. Carbon-zero lawn care.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on April 22, 2019, 05:18:27 AM
Went out for dinner with family tonight.

I knew the place we were going served sizeable portions, so I took a glass Decor container with me to a) save the rest of my meal for lunch tomorrow, and b) avoid having to ask for a plastic takeaway container.

As delicious as my pasta was, having the container in my bag strengthened my resolve to only eat half my meal. Great for portion control!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on April 22, 2019, 10:34:08 AM
Did some sewing this weekend. Managed to make a new workout shirt from some tiny scraps that I was otherwise going to throw out. Finished another t-shirt where the neckline turned out weird so it's rescued from the scrap heap too. Also, repaired a hole in a wool t-shirt so it can go on keeping me warm in winter.

AND the thing I'm most proud of is that I repaired my neoprene bike shoe covers. I've used them so much the bottoms were getting shredded. But now they're patched and have new elastic on the bottom openings so they should be good for at least another 5K km.

The grass is growing like crazy in my backyard, so that's basically all our guinea pigs have been eating for the past couple weeks. I like having all that free pet food available.

Discovered I actually quite like tempeh, although neither of the kids liked it. I'll probably try again with some different seasonings.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on April 23, 2019, 09:51:12 AM
Did some sewing this weekend. Managed to make a new workout shirt from some tiny scraps that I was otherwise going to throw out. Finished another t-shirt where the neckline turned out weird so it's rescued from the scrap heap too. Also, repaired a hole in a wool t-shirt so it can go on keeping me warm in winter.

AND the thing I'm most proud of is that I repaired my neoprene bike shoe covers. I've used them so much the bottoms were getting shredded. But now they're patched and have new elastic on the bottom openings so they should be good for at least another 5K km.

The grass is growing like crazy in my backyard, so that's basically all our guinea pigs have been eating for the past couple weeks. I like having all that free pet food available.

Discovered I actually quite like tempeh, although neither of the kids liked it. I'll probably try again with some different seasonings.

An impressive list.  I tried the tempeh with the kids and had a similar experience.  I haven't found yet that I love it either so I'll try it a few different ways.  I used to poo poo tofu but now I eat it regularly so who knows!?

I'm thinking of chopping it up fairly finely and adding taco seasoning. Kind of a ground beef alternative for tacos. Or possibly a sweet BBQ glaze. I made this recipe, https://www.budgetbytes.com/sesame-tempeh-bowls/, and I suspect it was the glaze they didn't care for. I also think I should have simmered it in water longer so it didn't have such a dry texture.

My kids think they don't like tofu, but I sneak it into homemade egg rolls (along with mushrooms, which they also claim not to like) and it's one of their favorite meals.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on April 23, 2019, 02:44:29 PM
All the people I've met in life who "didn't like mushrooms" were failing to eat mushrooms fried in butter.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on April 24, 2019, 01:02:29 AM
I decluttered and organised the study today so that we use the things we own instead of buying new things, e.g. empty notebooks.

I also made a skirt yesterday from scrap fabric that would otherwise have gone in the bin, so that I could test a new pattern. It worked so well I'll be wearing the skirt a lot!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: londonbanker on April 24, 2019, 02:37:55 PM
Finally decided to get off my back side and upgrade all my 68 GU10 halogen light to GU10 LED ones. Took me a whole afternoon - but will hopefully be saving a lot over the next few years and lower my environmental footprint at the same time
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on April 30, 2019, 07:18:03 AM
Instead of vac'ing the whole house, I dusted using the swiffer with an old diaper on it.  I bought a swiffer ages ago and stopped using it when I ran out of the disposable clothes that came with it.  I recently started using it again with old rags.  The rags pick up a ton of cat hair.  I have been hanging the rags on the clothes line for rinsing off most of the cat hair before washing them and repeating the process.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: horsepoor on April 30, 2019, 08:06:06 AM
I am hand-weeding our property.  There are areas where it's very tempting to use herbicide, but I won't.  Many of the weeds are being fed to the chickens, and most of the rest composted.  I try to keep my xeriscape looking nice in the hopes that it might inspire neighbors to at least replace some of their thirstier landscaping, instead of being the yard they point at to say "but xeriscape is ugly!"

My patch of native wheatgrass is reproducing like crazy, so even though we've used mostly lower-water landscaping than the norm, I'm digging up these grasses and spreading them out to replace plants that needed more supplemental water.  Some of my native flowering plants are also reproducing, and that means better habitat for pollinators.  Made sure not to dig up any of my resprouting milkweeds, though one that planted itself in the veggie bed needs to be moved.

Yesterday I mentioned to a co-worker that the giant Styrofoam cup she gets from Sonic every day would be great for potting up my seedlings and she said she would start saving them for me.  Of course it would be better if she didn't get them at all, but she said her tea "tastes weird" in her hydroflask.  At least she has a reusable straw?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on April 30, 2019, 12:32:52 PM
I seem to have my sewing mojo back. I sewed up a pair of work pants from some fabric I'd bought ages ago. Saved me from buying a readymade pair. I also sewed more produce/bulk bags from my old sheet collection.

Made a veggie pot pie last night and threw in some tempeh chopped into smallish pieces. Hopefully the kids will eat it this way. The small amount I tasted last night was delicious.

Overall our meat consumption is way down since my 12yo decided to go vegetarian. I'm only cooking meat a couple times/week.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on April 30, 2019, 07:01:34 PM
@marty998 and I are catching up over noodles after work tonight. I've packed chopsticks from home rather than use disposable ones.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: KSP on May 01, 2019, 10:31:29 AM

I knew the place we were going served sizeable portions, so I took a glass Decor container with me to a) save the rest of my meal for lunch tomorrow, and b) avoid having to ask for a plastic takeaway container.


I love this idea! We don't eat out much, but I hate coming home with to go boxes. If we ever do get take out I make sure they don't pack the forks/chopsticks/napkins etc.

I buy all my son's toys used when possible- even lego sets. He's been using the same lunch sack for 4 years, even though it looks ratty it is still functional and he hasn't complained. I use resusable food bags and containers in his lunch and never buy individually packaged applesauce etc. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: gatortator on May 01, 2019, 11:14:01 AM
I gave up meat for lent and my family, by default, went on a low meat diet.  I knew going into this that tofu based meals were not an option but navy beans, garbanzos, black beans, pintos and limited lentils were ok.  What I discovered over the 6 weeks

This is the first I have really ever been a short order cook (cooking different meals for different people).  I really did not like that aspect and I will need to think about this if I choose to continue this experiment next year. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: I'm a red panda on May 01, 2019, 12:12:08 PM
Well, it wasn't something we've done today- but with the weather getting sunnier, it's finally paying off.

Our electric bill was $11.74 this month. There is a $13.50 monthly admin fee. Which means our solar panels produced more than 100% of the electricity we used in the month. :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: marty998 on May 02, 2019, 01:36:49 AM
@marty998 and I are catching up over noodles after work tonight. I've packed chopsticks from home rather than use disposable ones.

You also took the plastic scoop spoons so we don't have to get new ones next time!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on May 02, 2019, 04:02:53 AM
@marty998 and I are catching up over noodles after work tonight. I've packed chopsticks from home rather than use disposable ones.

You also took the plastic scoop spoons so we don't have to get new ones next time!

And you brought water in a re-usable bottle. :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mountain mustache on May 02, 2019, 08:06:03 AM
biked to work, bike home for lunch, biked back to work and then home. Ate leftovers that I really didn't want to eat. Made a dinner completely out of ingredients from my deep freezer.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on May 02, 2019, 07:54:39 PM
Environmentally-minded Mother's Day gift - I got my mom a box of pretty paper straws (eco-friendly/biodegradable) to carry in her purse to use in restaurants instead of plastic straws after she mentioned seeing them in a store. My parents are big-time restaurant-goers so that should definitely keep some plastic out of the landfill. And maybe her friends will see them and think it's a good idea.

Maybe after she uses up the box we'll graduate to a reusable straw. I wish restaurants would do something like grocery stores do when you bring your own bag - all of the ones I go to give you a five cent credit for your own bag. You could get a five cent credit on bringing your own straw and all the cheapskates would get reusable ones. ;-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on May 03, 2019, 02:54:00 AM
Brought home soft plastics from work to recycle through Woolies.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: londonbanker on May 03, 2019, 02:59:22 AM
In Paris for business today... decided to take the train back to London and instead of flying, and I didn’t take a taxi from my hotel to the train station, but decided to hop on a Lime electric scooter instead... side benefit- I probably saved £20 in taxi fare
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on May 03, 2019, 05:03:19 AM
I walked the 2.2km to the train yesterday morning.  My son and my hubs biked to school and work. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on May 03, 2019, 07:44:20 AM
I downloaded an app against food waste, where you can buy leftover fresh products from several supermarkets, hotels and bakeries in the area. So far both yesterday and today everything seemed sold out in no-time though.

What is the name of the app?  It sounds promising.

Too good to go.

Started in Denmark and it's now available in more countries, not sure if it's available in the US yet though!

I picked up leftover groceries from the organic store and sushi from a new restaurant yesterday. A massive (45cm) organic bread, two types of yoghurt, vegan fish fingers and 8 1/2 rolls of sushi for the grand total of €8.

The only downside to the app is they sell out so quickly... It's really popular in my city.

That sounds awesome! I have checked the app several times but it's always sold out :(. I've seen one of the bakeries that still had sth available once, but I thought I'd be getting too much for myself to finish as I don't have much freezer space and don't wanna eat bread 24/7 for 2 days straight :p. So for now I deleted the app again, guess I will retry in a few months.

Found another good deal on the app. On my way home I pass by a place that sells sandwiches, pastries, fresh juices etc. I'm picking up a surprise box there today after work for €3. We will eat it for brunch tomorrow. We're totally out of groceries and energy so this will be fairly cheap for a fancy brunch + also easier + we avoid food waste. We aren't picky eaters so I'm sure we'll like whatever we receive.

I will make nice coffee and set the table nicely and maybe add some fruit or a boiled egg if the amount isn't enough. I've never picked up from this place before but usually the portions are pretty generous.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: horsepoor on May 03, 2019, 07:49:08 AM
Teleworking this morning instead of driving to the office. 

Continued my crusade to hand-weed the front yard last night, and almost finished, except for a patch of recalcitrant grass.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on May 03, 2019, 07:52:03 AM
-Now that my food aversions have been improving, my produce waste has dropped substantially.
-We've always prioritized local foods, but given the insane prices at our nearest grocery store, we were doing fewer organic options for a while. Well, since switching a lot of our shopping to a different store (which we also walk to!), we've been able to do more local and organic produce again.
-Finally found and set up with our new ranch up here, so we've got a freezer full again of local, organic, grass fed beef. This is good, as I wasn't about to drive nearly 3 hours to our former farm!
-Between scraps going to the dog's food, and the municipal compost service, we've had virtually no food products go in the trash. We just need to get better at remembering that meat scrap and bone CAN go into the compost, and that paper towels can go in too!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on May 03, 2019, 02:29:07 PM
-Now that my food aversions have been improving, my produce waste has dropped substantially.
-We've always prioritized local foods, but given the insane prices at our nearest grocery store, we were doing fewer organic options for a while. Well, since switching a lot of our shopping to a different store (which we also walk to!), we've been able to do more local and organic produce again.
-Finally found and set up with our new ranch up here, so we've got a freezer full again of local, organic, grass fed beef. This is good, as I wasn't about to drive nearly 3 hours to our former farm!
-Between scraps going to the dog's food, and the municipal compost service, we've had virtually no food products go in the trash. We just need to get better at remembering that meat scrap and bone CAN go into the compost, and that paper towels can go in too!

I am working at retraining my family! I have been fishing banana peels and paper towels out of the trash.

It was yesterday, not today, but I cut my grass with our push mower.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on May 05, 2019, 01:46:49 PM
Biked to work today!

Yesterday the kids and I biked to Big Brother's soccer game, about 2 miles away. My husband doesn't have a bike (!), but he walked there and back.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Anatidae V on May 07, 2019, 01:55:30 AM
I signed up for a birdwatching app with a government run (or sponsored?) nature group so that I can help count birds!

I've also been taking the bus instead of car for the last leg of my commute, mowing with the reel mower and weed pulling by hand- which I only thought of because of the great work by everyone else!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on May 07, 2019, 09:47:22 AM
Found a free composter on the side of the road yesterday. Score! This means we'll now have two so I can fill one up while the other one cooks.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on May 12, 2019, 04:06:54 AM
Just stayed at home and DID NOTHING. Went nowhere, bought nothing, just used what we had on hand.

And it was good.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: imadandylion on May 12, 2019, 05:52:06 PM
Tried to buy as much fresh food in the grocery store without plastic packaging. It wasn't perfect though because I got tempeh and tofu. They do sell tofu in the bulk section so I could bring my own container next time, but I dont see myself making tempeh at home anytime soon. Then again, I never looked up how to do it, so it could possibly be quite easy. Skipped getting any seaweed too even though I love it because I always feel really bad about the packaging waste.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on May 12, 2019, 06:19:18 PM
-Between scraps going to the dog's food, and the municipal compost service, we've had virtually no food products go in the trash. We just need to get better at remembering that meat scrap and bone CAN go into the compost, and that paper towels can go in too!

I'm glad I dropped in here when I did. I didn't know paper towels could be composted!

In that vein, I have greatly reduced my use of paper towels and napkins. I got a bunch of hand towels from buy nothing, so I use those for napkins and cleaning.

Today I took public transit to wander around some trees. Brought trail mix from the bulk bin and a reusable water bottle. Composted vegetable ends after making soup.

To do:
* Always carry a couple reusable bags for last minute produce buys - everything goes in my backpack, so I've been throwing all the produce in one plastic bag to keep my backpack from getting gross.
* Figure out how to get the weight subtracted from reusable containers so I can fill them up directly from the bulk bins. At Fred Meyer I might be able to have them weighed at customer service, but looks like it differs by store.  https://amp.reddit.com/r/ZeroWaste/comments/aifx2x/bulk_containers_and_kroger_qfc_fred_meyer/
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on May 13, 2019, 08:34:59 AM
-Between scraps going to the dog's food, and the municipal compost service, we've had virtually no food products go in the trash. We just need to get better at remembering that meat scrap and bone CAN go into the compost, and that paper towels can go in too!

I'm glad I dropped in here when I did. I didn't know paper towels could be composted!

In that vein, I have greatly reduced my use of paper towels and napkins. I got a bunch of hand towels from buy nothing, so I use those for napkins and cleaning.

Today I took public transit to wander around some trees. Brought trail mix from the bulk bin and a reusable water bottle. Composted vegetable ends after making soup.

To do:
* Always carry a couple reusable bags for last minute produce buys - everything goes in my backpack, so I've been throwing all the produce in one plastic bag to keep my backpack from getting gross.
* Figure out how to get the weight subtracted from reusable containers so I can fill them up directly from the bulk bins. At Fred Meyer I might be able to have them weighed at customer service, but looks like it differs by store.  https://amp.reddit.com/r/ZeroWaste/comments/aifx2x/bulk_containers_and_kroger_qfc_fred_meyer/

I'm not sure about back yard bins! I just know what the municipal guidelines are (very broad). Not sure if your house has the green bin, but if so, here's what you can compost: http://wmnorthwest.com/portland/guidelines/yarddebris.htm (http://wmnorthwest.com/portland/guidelines/yarddebris.htm)
I've done the resusable containers before. Always found people to be amenable to labels with the weights on the side. I'd just use tape and write in marker "tare: x.xx lb" for example. BUT, be sure to watch. A lot of places are "too busy" to do the tare weight unless you ask. Drives me bonkers. The weight is clearly on all our reusable produce bags, but people still skip it like 75% of the time, even at the fancy stores. Arghhh.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: bacchi on May 13, 2019, 09:43:08 AM
Environmentally-minded Mother's Day gift - I got my mom a box of pretty paper straws (eco-friendly/biodegradable) to carry in her purse to use in restaurants instead of plastic straws after she mentioned seeing them in a store. My parents are big-time restaurant-goers so that should definitely keep some plastic out of the landfill. And maybe her friends will see them and think it's a good idea.

Maybe after she uses up the box we'll graduate to a reusable straw. I wish restaurants would do something like grocery stores do when you bring your own bag - all of the ones I go to give you a five cent credit for your own bag. You could get a five cent credit on bringing your own straw and all the cheapskates would get reusable ones. ;-)

We've started telling servers that we don't need straws. It's hard to remember.

We also bring a container for leftovers. No more single-use leftover containers from the restaurant.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on May 13, 2019, 10:43:22 AM
-Between scraps going to the dog's food, and the municipal compost service, we've had virtually no food products go in the trash. We just need to get better at remembering that meat scrap and bone CAN go into the compost, and that paper towels can go in too!

I'm glad I dropped in here when I did. I didn't know paper towels could be composted!

In that vein, I have greatly reduced my use of paper towels and napkins. I got a bunch of hand towels from buy nothing, so I use those for napkins and cleaning.

Today I took public transit to wander around some trees. Brought trail mix from the bulk bin and a reusable water bottle. Composted vegetable ends after making soup.

To do:
* Always carry a couple reusable bags for last minute produce buys - everything goes in my backpack, so I've been throwing all the produce in one plastic bag to keep my backpack from getting gross.
* Figure out how to get the weight subtracted from reusable containers so I can fill them up directly from the bulk bins. At Fred Meyer I might be able to have them weighed at customer service, but looks like it differs by store.  https://amp.reddit.com/r/ZeroWaste/comments/aifx2x/bulk_containers_and_kroger_qfc_fred_meyer/

I'm not sure about back yard bins! I just know what the municipal guidelines are (very broad). Not sure if your house has the green bin, but if so, here's what you can compost: http://wmnorthwest.com/portland/guidelines/yarddebris.htm (http://wmnorthwest.com/portland/guidelines/yarddebris.htm)
I've done the resusable containers before. Always found people to be amenable to labels with the weights on the side. I'd just use tape and write in marker "tare: x.xx lb" for example. BUT, be sure to watch. A lot of places are "too busy" to do the tare weight unless you ask. Drives me bonkers. The weight is clearly on all our reusable produce bags, but people still skip it like 75% of the time, even at the fancy stores. Arghhh.

Thanks for the link! We have a green bin, so I'm good.

I stopped by my main grocery store yesterday and asked about tares. Officially, no. Unofficially, many cashiers will do it if I label the containers. I'll try with one, to test it. In the meantime I can reuse the baggies I already have.

Oh! Hung my laundry to dry instead of using the dryer. I am running out of hangers, might hit up buy nothing.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nessness on May 13, 2019, 04:38:58 PM
I had a good talk with my 4-year-old this morning on climate change and reducing our environmental impact, or, as she calls it, "helping the world." I was surprised by how much she seemed to understand. No immediate benefits I guess, but I'm hoping that starting these lessons young will lead to long-term benefits.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on May 14, 2019, 12:10:14 PM
I compost paper towels, napkins and other low grade papers in my backyard composter as long as they don't have oil, meat, cleaners or cooked food on them. Oil, meat and cooked things will attract rats. Cleaners are obviously not good for the soil.

Today I was able to redirect a huge pile of gently used binders from my office to my kids school. Our accounting lady had been told to just put them in the trash. She's thrilled that they won't be going in the trash and the school staff are thrilled to have a pile of free binders they otherwise would've had to buy. Win win.

I'll move them tomorrow when I was going to have to drive to pick up the kids from school anyway. Bike commuted today.

I don't bother asking for the tare weight to be removed from my produce bags. On their own they're pretty light and anything I buy by the pound we seem to eat in large quantities so it doesn't seem worth it. Most produce I buy is sold by the unit anyway, so the weight is irrelevant.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on May 14, 2019, 06:54:42 PM
I took my steel straw, cutlery, cloth napkin and thermos bottle.  I didn't feel at all strange pulling them out at the work luncheon.

I also took public transit.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on May 14, 2019, 07:20:36 PM
* Took public transit to do boring adult things.
* Wore clothes that I got from Buy Nothing.
* Brought my water bottle.
* Got a library card, so I can check out ebooks on my secondhand nook.
* Bought mostly vegetables with minimal packaging at the grocery store, and reused produce bags. I usually buy bagged salad and little tomatoes in those plastic boxes, so this is a big step.
* Brought my bulk bin bags to reuse.
* Avoided/forgot to buy quorn. It's better than meat, but it's got a ton of packaging..
Title: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: pbkmaine on May 14, 2019, 08:38:57 PM
* Took public transit to do boring adult things.
* Wore clothes that I got from Buy Nothing.
* Brought my water bottle.
* Got a library card, so I can check out ebooks on my secondhand nook.
* Bought mostly vegetables with minimal packaging at the grocery store, and reused produce bags. I usually buy bagged salad and little tomatoes in those plastic boxes, so this is a big step.
* Brought my bulk bin bags to reuse.
* Avoided/forgot to buy quorn. It's better than meat, but it's got a ton of packaging..

If you’re okay with cutting down on meat, try adding TVP (texturized vegetable protein) to ground beef:

https://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/ground-beef-tvp-lots-o-meat-442209

The recipe above calls for very lean ground beef, but I have done this with regular ground beef. The mix ends up being lean anyway since the TVP has very little fat.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on May 14, 2019, 08:44:39 PM
* Took public transit to do boring adult things.
* Wore clothes that I got from Buy Nothing.
* Brought my water bottle.
* Got a library card, so I can check out ebooks on my secondhand nook.
* Bought mostly vegetables with minimal packaging at the grocery store, and reused produce bags. I usually buy bagged salad and little tomatoes in those plastic boxes, so this is a big step.
* Brought my bulk bin bags to reuse.
* Avoided/forgot to buy quorn. It's better than meat, but it's got a ton of packaging..

If you’re okay with cutting down on meat, try adding TVP (texturized vegetable protein) to ground beef:

https://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/ground-beef-tvp-lots-o-meat-442209

The recipe above calls for very lean ground beef, but I have done this with regular ground beef. The mix ends up being lean anyway since the TVP has very little fat.
Ah, yes, I have heard tell of TVP. I don't even buy ground beef, but I might check this out. TVP and nutritional yeast it up (once I use up my real cheese).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on May 14, 2019, 09:03:57 PM
* Bought mostly vegetables with minimal packaging at the grocery store, and reused produce bags. I usually buy bagged salad and little tomatoes in those plastic boxes, so this is a big step.

It is a big pet peeve of mine that it's almost impossible to buy cherry/grape tomatoes in anything but a plastic box. I basically never eat them for that reason...

I just got home from the grocery store where I failed to purchase tomatoes (in plastic boxes), cucumbers (wrapped in plastic), and lettuce (wrapped in plastic) even though they were on my list. I'm going to make an orzo salad with some veggies that didn't come in plastic instead of the salad I was planning. (The orzo did, unfortunately, come in plastic. But I never see pasta without packaging.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nessness on May 15, 2019, 09:31:54 AM
* Bought mostly vegetables with minimal packaging at the grocery store, and reused produce bags. I usually buy bagged salad and little tomatoes in those plastic boxes, so this is a big step.

It is a big pet peeve of mine that it's almost impossible to buy cherry/grape tomatoes in anything but a plastic box. I basically never eat them for that reason...

I just got home from the grocery store where I failed to purchase tomatoes (in plastic boxes), cucumbers (wrapped in plastic), and lettuce (wrapped in plastic) even though they were on my list. I'm going to make an orzo salad with some veggies that didn't come in plastic instead of the salad I was planning. (The orzo did, unfortunately, come in plastic. But I never see pasta without packaging.)
I see that you're in NYC, but if you have any outdoor space at all, cherry tomatoes are easy to grow and very prolific.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: PMG on May 15, 2019, 11:26:31 AM
unintentional success.

We started asking around about some abandoned community garden beds, and not only got permission to use some, but inspired another person to plant some veggies.

We've also been asking around about bikes, we'd like to purchase two second hand. Two different people have said "Oh, yeah I have a bike in my basement, I'll dig it out and you can look at it."  Both of those people declined to sell after they got their bikes out and have since been posting photos on social media of them out riding! 


Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on May 15, 2019, 04:49:41 PM
About veggies and pasta - here in Aus we have a pasta brand called Barilla that comes in a card box with a small plastic window. Maybe you can find a brand like that? All the others come in plastic here too.

We also get telegraph cucumbers in plastic (otherwise they only keep a few days apparently) but luckily the Lebanese variety seem to store better and we can get them uncovered. The Lebanese are what we grow in our gardens here so I expect they aren't available in New York!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on May 15, 2019, 05:08:23 PM
* Bought mostly vegetables with minimal packaging at the grocery store, and reused produce bags. I usually buy bagged salad and little tomatoes in those plastic boxes, so this is a big step.

It is a big pet peeve of mine that it's almost impossible to buy cherry/grape tomatoes in anything but a plastic box. I basically never eat them for that reason...

I just got home from the grocery store where I failed to purchase tomatoes (in plastic boxes), cucumbers (wrapped in plastic), and lettuce (wrapped in plastic) even though they were on my list. I'm going to make an orzo salad with some veggies that didn't come in plastic instead of the salad I was planning. (The orzo did, unfortunately, come in plastic. But I never see pasta without packaging.)

Some stores have bulk pasta. Whole Foods has rice and pasta, not sure which other ones in NYC do.

@Fresh Bread - cardboard boxes for pasta is standard here. Plastic is used for some brands, usually specialty.

I think I'm going to switch to rice anyway. I got a giant bag for free, and it's easier to find in bulk bins. Every time I eat pasta, I end up overeating and feeling kind of sick.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on May 15, 2019, 05:24:19 PM
I generally eat whole wheat pasta, which means there's a lot less choice in stores (at least in my neighborhood - Harlem grocery shopping isn't always great for health food). There was only one brand of whole wheat orzo and it was in plastic. I considered couscous instead for a recipe substitute, but the only ones I could find were either in plastic or in those tiny boxes with flavor mixes. I figured one plastic bag is better than four boxes of couscous containing four separate 'flavor packets'.

I never thought to look in the WF bulk bins for pasta... I'll see what they have next time I stop in there.

(And to nessness - I have zero access to outdoor space for growing plants, unfortunately. I was looking into maybe a potted-plant cherry tomato option but they put up scaffolding on my building so I haven't even had a sunny window for the last 11 months! Luckily there is a farmer's market so I can get good tomatoes plastic-free for a couple of months a year when they're growing locally.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on May 15, 2019, 05:48:10 PM
Dollar, might be worth checking out Organic Forever too if it's near you. Probably expensive but you never know. https://www.litterless.com/bulk-food-guide/new-york
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on May 15, 2019, 06:54:37 PM
Dollar, might be worth checking out Organic Forever too if it's near you. Probably expensive but you never know. https://www.litterless.com/bulk-food-guide/new-york

Unfortunately that place closed and has been an empty storefront for ages. I used to walk by it fairly frequently. Thanks, though!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on May 15, 2019, 09:50:43 PM
Dollar, might be worth checking out Organic Forever too if it's near you. Probably expensive but you never know. https://www.litterless.com/bulk-food-guide/new-york

Unfortunately that place closed and has been an empty storefront for ages. I used to walk by it fairly frequently. Thanks, though!

Ah bummer, it's such a shame when shops like that close. It's a difficult balance I'm sure in pricing / paying rent / getting the footfall. My local co-op moved to a higher priced site with higher exposure and has loads more members now but obviously it was a massive risk at the time. Today at the co-op I bought pepitas, milk and a brownie without packaging. I followed that up with a trip to the supermarket next door though for packet soup and biscuits :/
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on May 17, 2019, 07:18:29 AM
Brought my own containers to the store I get my shampoo, spices and dried fruit from.  Our shower came with a fancy soap dispenser and I finally started using it when my health food store started selling my favourite expensive shampoo in bulk at almost half the price of the bottled product.  The soap dispenser is pretty mustachian in that it dispenses the tiniest amounts of shampoo so we are using way less than before.
Dried fruit keeps freshest in a mason jar in the fridge - and the family eats it because it is front of mind and convenient to get to.  I also think that if we eat prunes and apricots out of season, then the dried version has the most food value and lowest footprint.  So buying them in the mason jar and just bringing them home and popping into the fridge is a great way to save time as well as cut down on food waste.  (no one in the family likes to investigate what is in that plastic bag in the drawer of the fridge)
I dream of building a solar dehydrator and drying local in season fruits to really lower the footprint of my fruit loving family this summer and drying bushels of Niagara fruit so that I have a stash of dried fruits.  I can't can enough to last us all winter.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on May 17, 2019, 07:13:18 PM
I bought bulk organic eggs! First time doing so. I brought in an old egg carton and took the amount I wanted. This will be really useful when I only need a few. They're more expensive, but eggs are cheap to begin with.

I brought a container for bulk nutritional yeast and had them weigh and tare it. Also only bought package-free produce - the prices at the closest coop grocery store were comparable to a big chain for some of it.

ETA: Picked up shower supplies from Buy Nothing.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Id rather be outside on May 17, 2019, 09:50:43 PM
Reading this is helping me stay motivated not to take the easy way out even with a baby in the house!

Today:
-baby is in cloth diapers that were line dried
-using cloth pads (And decided I will buy a cup after being inspired by others here.  Was going to buy more cloth pads now that I am home all day instead of at an office, but I want to try the cup first.)
-made a batch of baby food using a recipe from a library cookbook
-saved a bread bag to give to my in-laws for dog waste
-turned all the leftover foods in the fridge into a fried rice dish for dinner
-added food scraps to compost bin
-poured all water left in cups (mostly baby's!) into watering can for the houseplants
-turned power strip that controls wifi and TV off whenever baby was awake (we have committed to not using screens in front of baby during this stage of life)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on May 18, 2019, 11:29:46 PM
Mowed the lawn with our reel mower, left the clippings to “grasscycle”

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on May 20, 2019, 09:17:23 PM
Brought a hand towel on my hike to dry my hands in public restrooms. (It was too cold to air dry.)

Also successfully used my own container for the bulk bin at Fred Meyer!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on May 29, 2019, 04:44:46 PM
We are not being our best environmental selves these days but now that I’m two weeks post-partum and mostly healed, I’ve gotten back on my bike/e-bikecar! I biked to the ATM the other day and I just did a school run in the ELF.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on May 30, 2019, 05:33:48 PM
I need turf that my kids can run on, and my turf has bare patches. I planted those with a mixture of tall fescue (lower water needs) and clover (supposedly crowds out other weeds naturally and reduces fertilizer dependence, and bees like it). Watered by hand to reduce wastage.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on May 30, 2019, 10:16:15 PM
I noticed that one of the bakeries providing bread to the grocery store I shop at had switched to using biodegradable plastic bags. I went to their website to see if they had more info about it and they had a really long explanation of all the ways they try to be clean and green - using biodiesel, installing solar power, reducing waste and donating extra food to soup kitchens, purchasing ingredients grown by local farmers, donating food scraps to those same farmers to feed their pigs, using eco-friendly cleaning products, reusing things whenever possible (boxes etc.) including collecting things that farmers can reuse, etc... I'm so impressed with their dedication and efforts! The bag seems almost beside the point after reading about everything they're doing. I will definitely make a point to buy from them in the future. (It's Iggy's Bread if you're in the Northeast U.S. and want to look for them.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on May 30, 2019, 10:51:14 PM
Picked up tomato starts from Buy Nothing. I would normally let someone else take em, since I'm not good at growing things, but nobody was biting. Wish me luck!

As usual, took the bus, brought a water bottle and snacks from the bulk bin.
Title: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on May 31, 2019, 03:24:31 PM
Picked up tomato starts from Buy Nothing. I would normally let someone else take em, since I'm not good at growing things, but nobody was biting. Wish me luck!

LUCK!!

* Line drying a load of laundry saves electricity usage
* The new manual edger works great. Between the scythe, the edger and the reel mower, our yard can be maintained without any fossil-fuel inputs. Whoo! Plus not hiring a gardener saves us ~$900 a year, and it’s a good workout.
* Trying to use crossbreezes to cool the house instead of turning on the AC
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on May 31, 2019, 03:44:06 PM
Biked to work and combined this change in routine with giving up my morning cup of coffee.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on June 04, 2019, 01:01:07 AM
I ate mostly produce today, with no or minimal packaging. Got a bunch of free secondhand goods - some for me, some for friends with babies on the way, and some for strangers that mentioned a need. Also serving as distribution center for stuff someone left behind after a move. Better than throwing it in a dumpster.

Next I need to plant my tomato starts. I might kill them, but they were going to be wasted otherwise.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on June 04, 2019, 05:13:33 AM
Harvested a big load of produce from my garden:  kale, tomatoes, carrots, cherries, gooseberries, and blueberries.  Doesn't get any fresher than 50 feet from your door.  :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fishindude on June 04, 2019, 07:20:31 AM
Planted seven acres of alfalfa clover mix and 80 hills of pumpkins for the wildlife.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nessness on June 05, 2019, 10:00:22 AM
I have been without hot water since Friday, and I've been sorely tempted to use disposable plates and forks for all our meals. But I can't bring myself to do that, so instead I heated water on the stove to wash dishes.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on June 06, 2019, 06:04:38 AM
I was finally able to cash in my travel points for 4 tons of carbon offsets. That company's website took about 2 months to fix the part where you cash in points (eyeroll). I dunno how much carbon offsets actually help but it's probably better than not doing it and it's definitely better than using the points to travel or buy stuff.

I have been without hot water since Friday, and I've been sorely tempted to use disposable plates and forks for all our meals. But I can't bring myself to do that, so instead I heated water on the stove to wash dishes.

I wash dishes in cold water a lot since my building replaced the water heaters... for some reason it takes for-freaking-ever to get hot water sometimes (like 4-5 minutes of running the tap). Some dishes are too greasy to clean in cold water, but most are OK.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: RetiredAt63 on June 08, 2019, 08:10:38 AM

I wash dishes in cold water a lot since my building replaced the water heaters... for some reason it takes for-freaking-ever to get hot water sometimes (like 4-5 minutes of running the tap). Some dishes are too greasy to clean in cold water, but most are OK.

I would just boil some water in a kettle and add it to the cold sink water.  Even at Cub camp we heated up water for washing dishes.  Rinsed in cold though.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on June 08, 2019, 08:44:40 AM
One of our pillowcases has a big rip, but most of the material is still in good shape (not wornout / getting thin). I will put it with my fabric stash and probably use it for the pockets of a dress I'm making.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on June 08, 2019, 09:14:15 AM

I wash dishes in cold water a lot since my building replaced the water heaters... for some reason it takes for-freaking-ever to get hot water sometimes (like 4-5 minutes of running the tap). Some dishes are too greasy to clean in cold water, but most are OK.

I would just boil some water in a kettle and add it to the cold sink water.  Even at Cub camp we heated up water for washing dishes.  Rinsed in cold though.

I don't fill up the sink with water since I'm cooking for one and the dishes are pretty minimal. Luckily cold water is fine most of the time, or I can wait until after I take a shower since that gets the hot water going. If I really wanted to get hardcore I could test the hot water every 30 minutes and see if I can figure out what time my neighbors take showers/wash dishes/etc. and then the hot water would already be piped up to our floor ;-)

Today's small thing: purchased some reusable containers/bags to eliminate more single-use plastic going forward. I decided to hold off on the silicone freezer bags I was thinking about, just because I use Ziploc bags so infrequently already that the box I have will probably last another year.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on June 08, 2019, 11:41:44 AM
Saved paper that is printed on only one side and re-used it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on June 09, 2019, 05:54:16 PM
Biked with my daughter to drop her off at her weekend lesson. Then biked to get groceries, dropped them off at home and then back to the lesson site to pick her up. The hardest part was convincing DD to bike home since a lot of it is uphill and she was tired.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on June 10, 2019, 02:43:13 PM
Very small: I started mixing vegetable bouillon in with my chicken bouillon. For some reason I haven't wanted to make the switch, so I'm easing myself into full vegetable broth.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on June 10, 2019, 09:10:34 PM
I brought my own container to Sprouts and got sausage links from the meat counter in my dish instead of getting the bulk sausage packed in Styrofoam. I even saved the butcher paper.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: cats on June 11, 2019, 08:49:36 AM
I brought my own container to Sprouts and got sausage links from the meat counter in my dish instead of getting the bulk sausage packed in Styrofoam. I even saved the butcher paper.

Wow, that's awesome that they will let you do that! 


My item:  I semi-regularly (maybe every other month) have work meetings in a town about 75 miles away.  I usually drive, I do try to carpool with another co-worker if someone else from my location is attending the meeting.  A few months ago I realized that the part of town many of these meetings occur in is not too far from their train station.  So yesterday I had a meeting and I took the train!  It does take longer than driving (about 2 hours vs. 1.5 hours, plus then about 30 min total getting to/from the stations on each end), but it was much much nicer.  I did some work on my laptop on the ride out, and then snoozed and listened to an audiobook on the way home, so it was a much more productive AND restful day than if I had driven.  I got more exercise in than I would have driving (because I biked to the train station on each end), and my back and butt weren't all stiff and cranky like they are after 3 hours sitting in a car.  And I could get up and pee whenever I wanted :) I'm totally going to do it again whenever carpooling is not an option (maybe even when carpooling *is* an option!)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fru-Gal on June 11, 2019, 09:20:06 AM
Had a meeting to get to in another city. Rode my bike in a dress with shorts underneath and fancy sandals, left bike at free train station bike valet that I just realized/remembered exists, took train to meeting. Came back, the valet recognized me and brought me my bike. I said "do you have a super power for remembering which person goes with which bike?" and he said, "something like that." Rode a new route home that I just realized had been striped for bikes. Stopped by my favorite "little library" and picked up some new free reading.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on June 11, 2019, 11:19:50 AM
I reused spice and produce bags for my groceries. The only thing with packaging waste was deodorant. Which is a lot of waste, but this one's a lot harder to change up.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on June 11, 2019, 10:31:33 PM
Reading this is helping me stay motivated not to take the easy way out even with a baby in the house!

Today:
-baby is in cloth diapers that were line dried
-using cloth pads (And decided I will buy a cup after being inspired by others here.  Was going to buy more cloth pads now that I am home all day instead of at an office, but I want to try the cup first.)
-made a batch of baby food using a recipe from a library cookbook
-saved a bread bag to give to my in-laws for dog waste
-turned all the leftover foods in the fridge into a fried rice dish for dinner
-added food scraps to compost bin
-poured all water left in cups (mostly baby's!) into watering can for the houseplants
-turned power strip that controls wifi and TV off whenever baby was awake (we have committed to not using screens in front of baby during this stage of life)

+1 on the cloth pads, and gentle encouragement to buy a cup. I really like mine, and it saves so much water and plastic waste. If you're at all a sewist, cloth pads are really simple to make. I made mine from scraps of fabric. They can be hand sewn quickly if you don't have a machine. Mine have lasted for almost a decade with machine washing and air drying. When they finally wear out, they're 100% cotton so I'll compost them.
Good on you for not using screens in front of your little one!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fru-Gal on June 11, 2019, 10:45:59 PM
Reading this is helping me stay motivated not to take the easy way out even with a baby in the house!

Today:
-baby is in cloth diapers that were line dried
-using cloth pads (And decided I will buy a cup after being inspired by others here.  Was going to buy more cloth pads now that I am home all day instead of at an office, but I want to try the cup first.)
-made a batch of baby food using a recipe from a library cookbook
-saved a bread bag to give to my in-laws for dog waste
-turned all the leftover foods in the fridge into a fried rice dish for dinner
-added food scraps to compost bin
-poured all water left in cups (mostly baby's!) into watering can for the houseplants
-turned power strip that controls wifi and TV off whenever baby was awake (we have committed to not using screens in front of baby during this stage of life)

+1 on the cloth pads, and gentle encouragement to buy a cup. I really like mine, and it saves so much water and plastic waste. If you're at all a sewist, cloth pads are really simple to make. I made mine from scraps of fabric. They can be hand sewn quickly if you don't have a machine. Mine have lasted for almost a decade with machine washing and air drying. When they finally wear out, they're 100% cotton so I'll compost them.
Good on you for not using screens in front of your little one!

This wonderful list gives me hope, in a way. I was born in the 1970s and this was how we lived. But seems to me from 1990 onward the culture of excess took hold. Supposedly it was the 80s but personally I didn't feel it at all till the 90s, and used to look around and wonder what happened, when did we all stop turning off the lights, when did we all get so obsessed with making money?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on June 12, 2019, 07:35:36 AM
Not something I did today, but thought it was worth mentioning - if you use the Amazon Smile program (which donates a small percentage of your eligible purchases to a charity of your choice) you can choose a pro-environment charity like 350.org or NRDC to benefit. It's peanuts in the overall scheme of things but we're all about tiny changes adding up to big results on MMM :-)  And it's a "set it and forget it" kind of change you can take five minutes to do and it will have small benefits for years.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: RetiredAt63 on June 12, 2019, 08:59:41 AM

I wash dishes in cold water a lot since my building replaced the water heaters... for some reason it takes for-freaking-ever to get hot water sometimes (like 4-5 minutes of running the tap). Some dishes are too greasy to clean in cold water, but most are OK.

I would just boil some water in a kettle and add it to the cold sink water.  Even at Cub camp we heated up water for washing dishes.  Rinsed in cold though.

I don't fill up the sink with water since I'm cooking for one and the dishes are pretty minimal. Luckily cold water is fine most of the time, or I can wait until after I take a shower since that gets the hot water going. If I really wanted to get hardcore I could test the hot water every 30 minutes and see if I can figure out what time my neighbors take showers/wash dishes/etc. and then the hot water would already be piped up to our floor

You are a better dishwasher than I am.  Without a dishwasher (i.e. at the apartment) I wash dishes once a day, start with not much water in the sink and wash the cleanest things, rinse, then wash the next cleanest things, rinse, and the sink has more water in it by the time I get to really dirty things that need a bit of a soak.  At home there are still things I wash by hand, and the best time to wash them is when the (stuffed full) dishwasher is running or right after I have had a shower, because the hot water is already there.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on June 12, 2019, 09:57:24 AM
Finally walked kids to school and ran my out of shape, jiggly self back home. And will do it again at pickup.

A combination of a tight schedule and a new school that is 5 blocks farther than the old one caused me to drive all year.  During this time I hauled an extra 3 tons of metal around town twice daily for no good reason, and I also gained 7 pounds, felt ill, sluggish and grumpy.  Not my finest year.  So it was kind of a non-negative I did this morning.

On the positive side, I lent our reel mower and electric mower to a neighbor whose gas mower died.  I gave him the lecture on the evils of 2 stroke gas engines (https://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/features/emissions-test-car-vs-truck-vs-leaf-blower.html).  He really liked our electric mower, so perhaps he will get one as a replacement for his polluting machine.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on June 16, 2019, 03:29:55 PM
I picked up a load of groceries that were about to expire. It includes tofu that will go into a pasta dish and cabbage that will go into a nice vegan curry for tomorrow's dinner. It also included two pots of yoghurt, french bread and some fruit. I had the bread for dinner with leftover soup and one of the pots of yoghurt for dessert. All of this would have otherwise been thrown away.

I repaired an old quilt that I made years ago and is starting to wear out in some places. I fixed a few rips with a wide zig zag stitch and I actually quite like the look. This quilt is our favourite quilt because of its nice weight and it's especially relevant to this thread because the quilt was initially made from worn out jeans, so my mending today will prolong its second life. It's not the first time I've been fixing this quilt, but this is the first major renovation, as opposed to adding a few stitches here and there over the years.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on June 16, 2019, 10:38:30 PM
I ate a beyond burger. I've been holding off on buying it at the grocery store since it's expensive and untested. It should be a good addition to my chili and keep me from pining over meat. It does come packaged in plastic though...

I'm also picking up secondhand baby clothes and kitchen supplies.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on June 17, 2019, 09:08:10 AM
I saw a clip on YT that Burger King are coming out with a Beyond Whopper.  My concern is that the price point is wrong.  They are going to sell it for $1 more.  To me most people don't care enough to pay more.

I'm sure Burger King is not approaching it from a "how can we get people to cut back on meat" angle, but rather from a "how can we get more money out of vegetarians/vegans" angle. They're happy to milk those people for an extra buck since they know they're dedicated enough to their cause to make sacrifices.

This probably doesn't count for much, but yesterday I could not resist calling out the hypocrisy of someone who, in one breath, bragged about the insane amount of transatlantic flights he's doing this summer, and in the next mocked Americans for being in denial about climate change and not driving electric cars. Hoping I spread a little awareness about the high carbon emissions from air travel...
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on June 17, 2019, 11:16:30 AM
I ate a beyond burger. I've been holding off on buying it at the grocery store since it's expensive and untested. It should be a good addition to my chili and keep me from pining over meat. It does come packaged in plastic though...

I'm also picking up secondhand baby clothes and kitchen supplies.

I had one at a fast food place and was blown away by the taste.  I haven't eaten meat for well over a year but I could not tell the difference.  My ex is a vegetarian because she never liked meat.  She tried one and was disgusted because it really does taste like meat.

I saw a clip on YT that Burger King are coming out with a Beyond Whopper.  My concern is that the price point is wrong.  They are going to sell it for $1 more.  To me most people don't care enough to pay more.
My friend has been vegan for years and also thought it tasted just like a burger. I thought it tasted like a turkey burger when I tried the patty by itself. Still meat, just not beef to me. With the bun and sauce and toppings, I didn't taste the patty much. This restaurant might have cut the patties in half, though, it was much thinner than my friend has had in the past.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: bacchi on June 17, 2019, 12:11:08 PM
Environmental Footprint Calculator

https://www.footprintcalculator.org/

^this little calculator is enlightening for determining your personal footprint.  Some things are hard to estimate (i.e. how far away does your food come from) but it's still worthwhile.  I'd love to hear of someone who is down to only 1 earth.  I'm 2.5.

1 earth.

Vegetarian; take motorized transportation ~30 miles/week mostly in a Prius; small, very energy efficient, house; and 100% renewable electricity.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on June 17, 2019, 04:09:57 PM
Yikes, I'm 2 earths. And I'm pretty low impact compared to most people in this country.

No credit given for my lack of offspring, though.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: honeybbq on June 17, 2019, 04:33:38 PM
Ugh, I'm at 2.9. I fly a lot for work. Maybe that's a big one?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on June 17, 2019, 04:36:36 PM
Yeah, unfortunately flying contributes a ton of carbon emissions. (Both literally and metaphorically... a single flight can be over a ton of carbon emissions per passenger.)

Yikes, I'm 2 earths. And I'm pretty low impact compared to most people in this country.

I don't think it's possible to be one 'earth' worth of carbon emissions in some of these calculators. I tried one where I literally only put in food and medicine (no heating, electric, housing, transportation, clothes, etc.) saying that I was on a low-meat diet, and I was already over my sustainable carbon budget for the year. I'm not sure of the calculators' accuracy (I've tried a few and had pretty varying results, by a factor of 100%) but if they are fairly accurate then a lot of the change is going to have to be in industry and not at home. If it's not possible to feed yourself and heat your home without being unsustainable... then we need more efficient/less polluting food and heat sources.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mountain mustache on June 17, 2019, 07:14:07 PM
I am a 1.1 earth. I live in a town that is 1 mile across, so don't drive very frequently. I live in a townhouse with 2 other people and it's very energy effecient. I recycle everything and ride my bike most places. I could improve by eating fewer animal products, and driving a more fuel efficient vehicle when I drive. I don't fly, and don't really buy things like household appliances/clothing/shoes/stuff.
I do think if the calculator were to get more specific, I would be a higher number...I buy at least 1 carbon bicycle every year for bike racing, and I know the manufacturing process is not environmentally friendly, as well the material itself is not recyclable in any way. For being an eco friendly thing to do (bike riding, that is) the bike industry is actually not terribly environmentally friendly, and wastes a lot of plastic and other materials.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on June 18, 2019, 01:49:22 PM
I got 3 earths! Ouch!

It's possible that I drive less than I think--I just moved and started biking to work and I don't have a good idea of that yet. And I probably overestimated my flying. Not sure what else I can do short of moving to an apartment, which was hell with my children. The other thing is that there is a wide variety of "packaged" foods. On the one hand, I don't bring my own jar to buy bulk rice, I get it in bags, but I get uncooked rice in big bags--not pre-cooked rice, which uses much more packaging. For instance.

Back to the topic, this weekend I blew 18 bags of cellulose insulation into my attic to increase its R value.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on June 18, 2019, 02:54:36 PM
Working hard on going paperless and today I mastered “electronic check-in” at the doctor so that saved at least one printout.

All our insurance stuff is now on apps as well, as well as the existing online banking stuff we already set up.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on June 18, 2019, 04:11:44 PM
* Air-drying all my laundry.
* Threw dry-clean only clothes in with the wash.
* Ate vegan leftovers for breakfast.
* Tried someone's tofu yesterday - it's not as terrible as I used to think.
* About to clean off a secondhand side table to use as my bedside table. (The bed is secondhand too. Was a roommate's, so it's not like I picked it off the sidewalk.)
* No impact yet, but I emailed my county's waste department to see if produce stickers could go in compost bins. I can't get consistent answers on this. (Update: nope, not compostable. Not a big deal if a few get into the mix, but ideally they should be removed.)

Yikes, I'm 2 earths. And I'm pretty low impact compared to most people in this country.

I don't think it's possible to be one 'earth' worth of carbon emissions in some of these calculators. I tried one where I literally only put in food and medicine (no heating, electric, housing, transportation, clothes, etc.) saying that I was on a low-meat diet, and I was already over my sustainable carbon budget for the year. I'm not sure of the calculators' accuracy (I've tried a few and had pretty varying results, by a factor of 100%) but if they are fairly accurate then a lot of the change is going to have to be in industry and not at home. If it's not possible to feed yourself and heat your home without being unsustainable... then we need more efficient/less polluting food and heat sources.

Agree that systematic changes are needed. That's part of why I've worked to get Democrats elected in swing areas, as they're better on environmental policy on the whole. But I could still do better on a personal level. I've pledged not to fly for at least a year, but I've already flown twice this year. I'm also living in a free-standing house for the first time in my adult life. That has a big impact, even with roommates.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on June 18, 2019, 04:43:20 PM
Agree that systematic changes are needed. That's part of why I've worked to get Democrats elected in swing areas, as they're better on environmental policy on the whole. But I could still do better on a personal level. I've pledged not to fly for at least a year, but I've already flown twice this year. I'm also living in a free-standing house for the first time in my adult life. That has a big impact, even with roommates.

Yeah, I'm 100% not arguing that we shouldn't do the best we can. Just pointing out that it may not be possible for some people to achieve 1 'earth' where they live (at least according to those calculators, which may not be that accurate - e.g. if you are in a HCOL city and it's judging your utility and food consumption by dollar prices, it will overestimate your usage compared to someone living somewhere cheap, because the same amount of electricity and food costs more; or if someone is buying expensive vegan cheese and ice cream they might spend more on food than someone who eats chicken and eggs every day, and the calculator would erroneously say they had more emissions than the meat-eater). Some calculators do a better job than others, I've taken several and gotten anywhere from 8-15 tons of carbon emissions (although that was before I switched to renewable electricity sources).

Housing is a challenge - if you live somewhere with a lot of old stock, it's probably better to live in an existing home and be as efficient as possible in it, rather than use all the resources to build something brand new, even if it would then allow you to rank a lot lower on the carbon emissions calculator. But if you're in a city like NYC, building probably isn't an option anyway, and there are vanishingly few clean/green buildings to live in.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on June 19, 2019, 06:36:03 AM
Convinced my husband to move acquiring a composting bin up the house-project-list by a few months - he was pushing to leave it until fall, because there are other things he thinks are more important.  Whereas I want to have it as soon as possible, it is a low difficulty project (unlike most of the rest), and will have an immediate effect on our environmental impact.  Our city doesn't offer composting, so the sooner I can get ours up and running, the better.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: dashuk on June 19, 2019, 07:40:01 AM
Over the weekend:

 - Acquired an allotment, to try and make sure a bigger chunk of our food only travels a few miles by bike.
 - Shifted a substantial amount of old timber from the garden (decking boards, etc) in a couple of bike trailer trips.
 - Used it to build some beds, avoiding buying new materials.
 - Did some bike advocacy stuff at neighbourhood summer fete thing.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on June 19, 2019, 10:26:24 AM
I'm continuing to bike to work at least 4 days/week. I've also harvested more food from my balcony garden than I'd expected. It's producing almost as much salad greens as we eat and the snap peas are going gangbusters. I've also picked a single zucchini.

Alas, potato plants aren't quite as deer resistant here as they were at a previous house. Hopefully the fact a couple plants have been nearly razed won't affect the roots too much.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: pachnik on June 19, 2019, 11:03:46 AM
I brought a bamboo toothbrush to work to stash in my desk.  I give my teeth a quick brush after my morning coffee. 

ETA:  Sometimes I like to buy my lunch at a local bakery/cafe that has very good quality baking.  They also have quiche with a side salad that you can get to go and reheat later.  Since I knew I was going to stop there on the way to work, I took a tupperware container and a small jar from home.  They put the quiche and salad in the container and a little bit of salad dressing for me in the jar.  No waste!   They've got us well trained at that place for sure.

Also, for the first time ever, I picked up a piece of plastic trash and I'm going to put it in my home recycling container.   
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on June 19, 2019, 12:58:59 PM
Rescheduled gym for tomorrow. See, I have to drive to the gym, which means driving to work. BUT tomorrow I have to drive to work anyway because I have an awkwardly located meeting AND a dinner immediately after work. This way, I combined all 3 reasons I need to drive into 1 convenient day, leaving the other days bike-able!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on June 20, 2019, 12:34:03 AM
I ran out of cleaning spray and decided to try a natural/green type of cleaner instead of the nasty chemical-y stuff I used to use. Half the online reviews say it's great and half of them say it smells terrible, so we'll see how it goes ;-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on June 20, 2019, 04:54:06 PM
I just got my "Outdoor water use report." It has a green smiley face and says "thank you for using only what you need."

I planted grass seed! I was watering twice a day for a while! Jesus, what are other people doing in their yards??
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on June 20, 2019, 05:11:33 PM
Agree that systematic changes are needed. That's part of why I've worked to get Democrats elected in swing areas, as they're better on environmental policy on the whole. But I could still do better on a personal level. I've pledged not to fly for at least a year, but I've already flown twice this year. I'm also living in a free-standing house for the first time in my adult life. That has a big impact, even with roommates.
Speaking of getting Democrats elected in order to effect systematic change! I participated in the anti-IDC movement back in NY, and those victories led to the new Democratic majority in the NY senate passing ambitious environmental targets. I had a minor role in this, but hey my personal usage also has a minor effect, so I'm gonna claim a tiny bit of credit.

It's kind of crazy to look back and realize the cumulative effect of all of our activism is resulting in real policy change.

https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2019/6/20/18691058/new-york-green-new-deal-climate-change-cuomo
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on June 21, 2019, 05:31:59 AM
Yesterday, the head of the Environmental, Health, and Safety team was working a table outside the cafeteria promoting plastic reduction.  While I had her available, I asked about installing bike racks at the entrances to each building, and about adding composting for the cafeteria and switching to compostable plates, cups, and cutlery.  She said something is in the works for composting, but they are having trouble finding a composting company to take the waste.  However it will be going forward as soon as they find someone, as this is a global company initiative.  She also said she hadn't realized there was demand for more bike racks - there is one on the manufacturing side of the building, but not the admin or R&D buildings.  She will look into if they can be added at other entrances.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on June 22, 2019, 01:13:15 PM
I’ve ramped up my recycling efforts at home and at work.  I also averaged 62 mpg this month in my Prius—actually I just learned that my Prius will tell me my mpg averages over a day or month.  I’m also hanging up my work dresses straight from the washing machine and I do notice the fabric looking better for longer with less wear and tear. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on June 24, 2019, 06:12:48 PM
Yesterday: Made beeswax wraps with materials I already had on hand, to reduce my plastic wrap and plastic baggie use. Organized my craft stash to optimize gift making and crafting without buying new supplies. Took some old clothing items apart to use the buttons and fabrics for other projects.
Used a carrier bag for dog poo.

Today: Picked up cans on my dog walk. Used a carrier bag for the dog poo. Left the a/c off all day, even though it's over 90 degrees outside. With the place shut up tight, it was only 79 when I got home, so I didn't have to turn it home when I got in.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on June 24, 2019, 09:59:55 PM
Made beef broth from leftover bones!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on June 29, 2019, 02:17:28 PM
I took the test too and ended up at 1,5 earth. I occasionally eat meat/animal products so I figured that was probably what's causing most carbon emissions, but I'm surprised the mobility category is the worst. And I don't even have a driver's license. I travel 95 miles / 150 km by bus and 50 miles / 80 km by train every week. In my country the trains all run on electricity from renewable sources though, I don't think the calculator knows that :) The bus I take is still running on diesel but in my city more and more buses are electric.

I mended my boyfriend's summer shorts today. He's had them for 6-7 years probably, first they were regular jeans, when the knees wore out they became shorts. They ripped while he was doingyard work and making an awkward movement. They're not the prettiest looking shorts in the world but he's only wearing them around the house anyway. I hope they last for the rest of the summer. By next summer one of his current pairs of jeans is probably worn out enough to be turned into a brand new pair of shorts. What I really love about him is that he's just as much into  'using it up and wearing it out'  as I am. We are pretty extreme compared to 99% of the people, even most eco types I know, but I'm pretty good with the sewing machine so any repairs are usually invisible.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: FIREstache on June 29, 2019, 02:27:18 PM
90+ and humid out.  Running the AC but only cooling to about 83-84.

Going biking in an hour or two.  Car sits today.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on June 30, 2019, 05:29:53 AM
This is an incredibly tiny thing, but I'm still proud of it.  When I cooked a whole chicken last week, in addition to saving the carcass to make stock, I saved the rendered fat (called schmaltz).  I usually just throw away the fat, but I am trying to waste less, especially on the rare occasions we cook meat.  Last night, I made roasted potatoes using the schmaltz instead of oil or butter.  It was a rousing success, my husband couldn't believe how good they were and asked how I did it.  So, looks like now saving and rendering chicken fat is going to be a regular thing.  One less thing in the trash, and one less part of the animal wasted.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on June 30, 2019, 02:59:50 PM
I brought a bamboo toothbrush to work to stash in my desk.  I give my teeth a quick brush after my morning coffee. 

Also, for the first time ever, I picked up a piece of plastic trash and I'm going to put it in my home recycling container.

Wonderful! I read that we create and use a billion plastic toothbrushes a year! And detrashing can get kind of addictive. Have fun :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: diapasoun on July 01, 2019, 01:21:16 PM
Ripped up an old stained shirt (yellow pit stains that didn't come out after multiple treatments) for rags. I'm getting better at using rags for cleaning instead of paper towels (it's a majority rag process now).

Packed a tupperware + my own chopsticks for going out to ramen tonight. I always have leftovers and no need to use disposable wooden chopsticks.

I also worked out offsets for every flight I've ever taken (being an academic was terrible for the environment, oh gosh). Any recommendations for organizations which do tree planting offsets that have good practices and aren't just acacia/eucalyptus plantations?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on July 01, 2019, 02:56:00 PM
I also worked out offsets for every flight I've ever taken (being an academic was terrible for the environment, oh gosh). Any recommendations for organizations which do tree planting offsets that have good practices and aren't just acacia/eucalyptus plantations?

I was reading about carbon offsets the other day and came across some useful links - this site (https://www.goldstandard.org/take-action/offset-your-emissions) has a few tree-planting offsets that seem pretty solid. (There are some that aren't listed under "forests" so you might want to look through the whole list...)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on July 02, 2019, 01:59:39 AM
I also worked out offsets for every flight I've ever taken (being an academic was terrible for the environment, oh gosh). Any recommendations for organizations which do tree planting offsets that have good practices and aren't just acacia/eucalyptus plantations?

I was reading about carbon offsets the other day and came across some useful links - this site (https://www.goldstandard.org/take-action/offset-your-emissions) has a few tree-planting offsets that seem pretty solid. (There are some that aren't listed under "forests" so you might want to look through the whole list...)

That's amazing! I've only started doing offsets since last year but going back to earlier flights would be a good (and painful, and expensive) thing to do. I used to donate to Cool Earth but came across a piece of Effective Altruism of why they might have overrated Cool Earth initially  (https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/RnmZ62kuuC8XzeTBq/why-we-have-over-rated-cool-earth?utm_source=The+EA+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d995be741e-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_12_07_10_19&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_51c1df13ac-d995be741e-309686933). They suggested The Coalition for Rainforest Nations and The Clean Air Task Force as alternatives. I donated my last offsets to the Coalition of Rainforest Nations, but I have to admit that I didn't do too much in-depth research on what exactly they do.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on July 03, 2019, 05:56:24 AM
Not necessarily my environmental impact, but I'm carpooling with a coworker today.  I would have been driving anyway, but she would otherwise have called an uber/lyft, so carpooling saves her having a separate drive.  She will take public transit (bus) from my place to hers, so there is no additional cost to me.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mustachepungoeshere on July 04, 2019, 03:12:38 AM
Thank you all for posting here.

Over the past few weeks my anxiety and, well, grief over the state of our planet has become overwhelming.

I follow a lot of environmental groups online, and all I see is post after post about ghost fishing nets, dead whales and dolphins and birds with bellies full of plastic, and starving polar bears wandering thousands of kilometres in search of food. Today I saw a viral photo of a bird feeding its baby a cigarette butt, and a platypus dead in abandoned fishing line.

As a lifelong animal lover, these posts bring me to tears, and make me want to scream at those responsible.

So this thread is a tiny reminder that there are good people out there making meaningful changes.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: LightTripper on July 04, 2019, 03:32:12 AM
This thread has cheered me up.

My regular things (including today):
- Walked to work (although otherwise I would have taken the bus, which is going anyway, so maybe I shouldn't count this!)
- Got my coffee (not v. Mustachian) in my own reusable cup

I also took 2 things out of my Amazon basket (decided they weren't necessary) before I placed my order.

Earlier in the week took some toys and books we've finished with to neighbours to be given out at the local summer fair (they give a free book and toy to every child who attends as there are a lot of families on welfare or lower incomes in our area, so it's a nice way to re-use things our kids have grown out of, and give them a new toy and book each without anybody burning any fossil fuels).

We've been playing a lot with cardboard boxes with the kids - making robots and buses and dress up outfits out of them.  Hopefully that reduces the use/wear out of the many plastic toys they have, so those will have a longer life ahead of them.

The stuff on offsetting is really useful.  We are flying for our summer holidays this year so I need to look into how we can try to offset that (financially at least - I know really we have to just stop flying every year).
Title: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on July 04, 2019, 10:13:31 PM
* Cloth diapering is going well with baby #4
* Did lots of gardening and composting that will ultimately sequester carbon in the soil
* Reading Sandor Katz’s fermentation book, which will hopefully be another skill for saving produce and reducing waste
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on July 05, 2019, 12:38:28 AM
Instead of calling a cab when I missed my bus, I speed-walked a mile to catch a different one.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on July 05, 2019, 06:48:58 PM
I used my new reusable produce bags for the first time today. I was a little worried that it would annoy the staff somehow since it's a really busy store and I went at a fairly busy time, but the cashier didn't comment, just weighed/scanned the veg and even adjusted the tare weight (the bags don't have a tare weight printed on them, so I guess the store must have a policy about that). Bonus: I think the weight she entered was slightly higher than the actual weight, so I probably saved a couple of pennies...

These (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005E2QRPG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) are the ones I bought if anyone is interested.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Chaplin on July 05, 2019, 07:29:46 PM
I'm continuing to bike to work at least 4 days/week. I've also harvested more food from my balcony garden than I'd expected. It's producing almost as much salad greens as we eat and the snap peas are going gangbusters. I've also picked a single zucchini.

Alas, potato plants aren't quite as deer resistant here as they were at a previous house. Hopefully the fact a couple plants have been nearly razed won't affect the roots too much.

Time for the Chaplin deer fence!

Making our deer fence was fun. It will be a while before it pays back in reduced grocery store costs though. Happy to help build v2.0 and use what I learned to make it better and less expensive.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Chaplin on July 05, 2019, 07:39:47 PM
This is definitely a favorite thread!

A few of our ongoing or recent items:

1. Switched to cloth grocery and vegetable bags.
2. Many other steps to reduce our incoming plastic.
3. 95% of my son's clothes for the last 8 or 9 years have been second-hand.
4. My wife walked our son to and from school almost every day for the past school year (next year will be tougher since the school is further, but I'm working on getting them ready to bike it as often as possible).
5. Working on replacing the three worst windows in our house to improve energy efficiency.
6. There's enthusiasm at work to reduce plastic use and increase bike-friendliness, and I'm in a position to help make those things happen.

The struggles:
1. We still eat more meat than we should. We're all working on it, but my wife is a bit less gung-ho than my son or me.
2. I fly fairly often for work.
3. Trying to encourage the neighbors in a way that is both respectful and successful.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on July 05, 2019, 08:47:21 PM
* Did my first cargo-bike grocery run in a long time (I was heavily pregnant and hospitalized for pneumonia for a while, and then the bike had a flat it took us a while to get fixed).

* Got milk in glass bottles and bought sugar and popcorn from the bulk bins to reduce packaging.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on July 06, 2019, 04:50:41 PM
I recycled some plastic bottles and paper in my buildings recycling area today.  Did not take a bag with my grocery store purchase but just jammed the stuff into my purse.  I also wore my Goodwill short-shorts today.  New to me, but cheap and breezy ;)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: frozen on July 06, 2019, 07:00:05 PM
I took my recyclables down to the recycling bin in my condo.
I walked to run some of my errands today.

I know it doesn’t seem like I did much, but I am glad I took the opportunity to think about it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: pachnik on July 07, 2019, 11:14:55 AM
I used my mesh produce bags for the first time at the grocery store today.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on July 07, 2019, 11:26:01 AM
We are digging up the whole backyard, taking out the concrete paving and putting in grass and locally sourced gravel. We will also add a rainbarrel. Because heavy rains are more common now than in the past due to climate change, the local council is encouraging everyone to take out concrete and tiles to let rainwater soak into the ground. Unfortunately our yard is too small to receive a subsidy but we're going to do it anyway.

It's too late in the season to grow vegetables but from next year we will add raised beds. We're saving some berries that are already in there now and will move them to their new location. We are also going to grow apples and grapes. We live in a very urban location so it's not like we're going to be self sufficient or anything but from next year I hope to grow enough to not have to buy produce as much during the summer.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on July 07, 2019, 11:52:08 AM
I drink milk that I had remembered to freeze before I left on vacation instead of pouring it out or letting it go bad.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on July 07, 2019, 04:32:34 PM
We are digging up the whole backyard, taking out the concrete paving and putting in grass and locally sourced gravel. We will also add a rainbarrel. Because heavy rains are more common now than in the past due to climate change, the local council is encouraging everyone to take out concrete and tiles to let rainwater soak into the ground. Unfortunately our yard is too small to receive a subsidy but we're going to do it anyway.

It's too late in the season to grow vegetables but from next year we will add raised beds. We're saving some berries that are already in there now and will move them to their new location. We are also going to grow apples and grapes. We live in a very urban location so it's not like we're going to be self sufficient or anything but from next year I hope to grow enough to not have to buy produce as much during the summer.

Check out microclover instead of grass if you want to skip the maintenance side of cutting.  It's resistant to drought better than grass and it's also good for bees.

You can also mix clover and grass together if you want the advantages of clover (it's also a nitrogen fixer, which is good for grass) but want better foot traffic tolerance. I am trying both in my yard.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: LightTripper on July 08, 2019, 03:35:18 AM
I'd never heard of reusable produce bags or microclover, so I've learned two useful things just on this page!  :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on July 08, 2019, 06:21:15 AM
Reusable produce bags are the best, especially if your store has a bulk section.  Get some mesh ones AND some solid cloth ones, so you can get produce, bulk chocolate, flour, oats - whatever you want! 

I've been riding my bike to work every day.  It's only 5 miles round trip, but we're moving soon to a new house that's 10 miles away (I know, the opposite of helpful for the environment, but it's so we can garden more!), so I feel like I have to get every last day of bike commuting that I can before I'm intimidated by biking 20 miles a day.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on July 08, 2019, 11:06:04 AM
Set up yet another camp carpool.  As almost always, not only does this save the environment, but it saves gas money and a lot of time for me (10 hours of driving total)!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nessness on July 08, 2019, 01:17:36 PM
I have the good fortune of getting some free bread now and again.  Any suggestions on how to store it for freezing or sitting on the counter that's not a plastic bag?
For sitting on the counter you could use a bread box. Not sure about freezing - I'd probably just use a plastic bag and reuse it as many times as possible.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: pachnik on July 08, 2019, 01:26:07 PM
Set up yet another camp carpool.  As almost always, not only does this save the environment, but it saves gas money and a lot of time for me (10 hours of driving total)!

That's the big win that most people don't think about...what's good for the environment is also usually good for your body and wallet.

It is funny how this is. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: gatortator on July 08, 2019, 01:46:47 PM
I have the good fortune of getting some free bread now and again.  Any suggestions on how to store it for freezing or sitting on the counter that's not a plastic bag?

for freezing -- pillow case if using in short amount of time.  longer timeframe-- al foil to help stop freezer burn(reuse as needed)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on July 08, 2019, 02:43:45 PM
I have the good fortune of getting some free bread now and again.  Any suggestions on how to store it for freezing or sitting on the counter that's not a plastic bag?

If this comes up often enough that you're willing to spend a couple of bucks, you can get reusable silicone ziptop bags for freezing.

What happens if you store bread in Tupperware? I've never tried it but maybe that would work?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on July 08, 2019, 03:01:45 PM
I have the good fortune of getting some free bread now and again.  Any suggestions on how to store it for freezing or sitting on the counter that's not a plastic bag?

If this comes up often enough that you're willing to spend a couple of bucks, you can get reusable silicone ziptop bags for freezing.

What happens if you store bread in Tupperware? I've never tried it but maybe that would work?

I've stored rolls in tupperware and frozen them, it works just fine.  Haven't tried it with a loaf, but if you've got a container that fits, I don't see why it wouldn't work.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on July 08, 2019, 04:44:18 PM
I sewed bulk bags from scrap fabric!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on July 08, 2019, 08:39:33 PM
I sewed bulk bags from scrap fabric!

Thanks for the great idea! I've got a lot of scrap fabric lying around, and I'm trying to shop more from bulk bins.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on July 09, 2019, 12:54:26 PM
I sewed bulk bags from scrap fabric!

Thanks for the great idea! I've got a lot of scrap fabric lying around, and I'm trying to shop more from bulk bins.

This is the tutorial I used: https://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/04/how-to-make-a-reusable-bulk-food-bag-a-tutorial/5/

If you don't have an old t shirt you could use any non-raveling knit fabric you might have, or just omit the tie and use (and reuse) twist ties. Good luck!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on July 09, 2019, 12:56:31 PM
I'm continuing to bike to work at least 4 days/week. I've also harvested more food from my balcony garden than I'd expected. It's producing almost as much salad greens as we eat and the snap peas are going gangbusters. I've also picked a single zucchini.

Alas, potato plants aren't quite as deer resistant here as they were at a previous house. Hopefully the fact a couple plants have been nearly razed won't affect the roots too much.

Time for the Chaplin deer fence!

Making our deer fence was fun. It will be a while before it pays back in reduced grocery store costs though. Happy to help build v2.0 and use what I learned to make it better and less expensive.

Thanks for the offer! However, our yard has serious elevation issues with lots of solid granite so I've permanently nixed the idea of ever fencing it. The deer and I just have an agreement that they'll let me know when I've planted something irresistible and I'll make a mental note not to plant it again ;-)

In the last couple weeks I've learned that Bulk Barn has a very liberal reused container policy. I've now got cocoa powder, corn starch and a few other things in the mass market version containers I used to buy these items in. For example, my bulk cocoa powder is in a Fry's cocoa powder tin. I like not having to find a specific container for these things, plus they're clearly labelled in the pantry for the rest of the family.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on July 09, 2019, 01:02:10 PM
I sewed bulk bags from scrap fabric!

Thanks for the great idea! I've got a lot of scrap fabric lying around, and I'm trying to shop more from bulk bins.

This is the tutorial I used: https://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/04/how-to-make-a-reusable-bulk-food-bag-a-tutorial/5/

If you don't have an old t shirt you could use any non-raveling knit fabric you might have, or just omit the tie and use (and reuse) twist ties. Good luck!

I have a bunch of produce and bulk bin bags I made from an old sheet. I like these better than the ones I made from t-shirts because they don't stretch.

I put a ribbon casing in the top of a few of the smaller bags, but I didn't bother with most of the bags. I just made them a little taller than strictly necessary so the items inside don't fall out. I've even carried dried beans home in a "open" cloth bag. I'm just careful in how I pack the bag so nothing spilled out.

I also round off the corners of the bags when I sew up the bottoms. This stops small amounts of food from getting stuck in the corners so I don't have to mess around with cleaning them out.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on July 09, 2019, 10:50:55 PM
I sewed bulk bags from scrap fabric!

Thanks for the great idea! I've got a lot of scrap fabric lying around, and I'm trying to shop more from bulk bins.

This is the tutorial I used: https://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/04/how-to-make-a-reusable-bulk-food-bag-a-tutorial/5/

If you don't have an old t shirt you could use any non-raveling knit fabric you might have, or just omit the tie and use (and reuse) twist ties. Good luck!

I have a bunch of produce and bulk bin bags I made from an old sheet. I like these better than the ones I made from t-shirts because they don't stretch.

I put a ribbon casing in the top of a few of the smaller bags, but I didn't bother with most of the bags. I just made them a little taller than strictly necessary so the items inside don't fall out. I've even carried dried beans home in a "open" cloth bag. I'm just careful in how I pack the bag so nothing spilled out.

I also round off the corners of the bags when I sew up the bottoms. This stops small amounts of food from getting stuck in the corners so I don't have to mess around with cleaning them out.

The rounded corners idea is so clever!! Nice thinking.

* Um, I used the ELF for both school/camp pickups today.

* I tried to reduce food-waste by: shredding broccoli stems and putting them in brine as a lactoferment experiment, and I harvested several apples that were going to ruined soon by our squirrels and scrub jays. They’re a bit too tart and small to eat out of hand so I’m turning them into applesauce.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on July 10, 2019, 12:12:28 AM
I picked berries and scavenged canned food from the sidewalk. I didn't buy anything and traveled only by foot and by bike.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on July 10, 2019, 07:17:34 AM
Where are you finding canned goods on the sidewalk?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: red_pill on July 10, 2019, 07:18:32 AM
We are digging up the whole backyard, taking out the concrete paving and putting in grass and locally sourced gravel. We will also add a rainbarrel. Because heavy rains are more common now than in the past due to climate change, the local council is encouraging everyone to take out concrete and tiles to let rainwater soak into the ground. Unfortunately our yard is too small to receive a subsidy but we're going to do it anyway.

It's too late in the season to grow vegetables but from next year we will add raised beds. We're saving some berries that are already in there now and will move them to their new location. We are also going to grow apples and grapes. We live in a very urban location so it's not like we're going to be self sufficient or anything but from next year I hope to grow enough to not have to buy produce as much during the summer.

Have you thought about planting some native plants instead of grass?  Far better protection against water run off, better carbon capture, and you create habitat particularly for polinators. Oh, and WAY less maintenance.  Grass is a terrible waste of space. We naturescaped 3/4 of our yard and will be getting rid of the last bit of grass as well.  No more lawnmower!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on July 10, 2019, 08:14:27 AM
Where are you finding canned goods on the sidewalk?

Welcome to the beautiful and weird world of Portland, Oregon. Where sidewalks are an unofficial Freecycle program for food, clothes, furniture, whatever your heart desires. We also used to have 'unofficial' bike share programs, where cheap abandoned (or let's be honest, previously stolen) bikes were never locked up and people would just use them to get place to place then leave them unlocked on another bike rack, for the cycle to begin again.


As for the prompt- I walked to yoga for evening class, even though I was a little worried about it getting dark, and it was a bit rainy. All in all it was a nice walk though, so I'm glad I've kept my streak of never driving to yoga!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on July 10, 2019, 08:24:15 AM
I'd never need to buy anything again!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on July 10, 2019, 08:28:32 AM
I'd never need to buy anything again!

Pretty sure MJ only pays for rent at this point =P
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on July 10, 2019, 10:38:41 AM
I'm planning on going to the gym tonight for the first time in many years. Since I don't really have any gym shorts I plan to simply cut the legs off an old pair of yoga pants. I'll hem them properly later, when I have more time.

Vegetarian dinner for everyone last night.

Picked a big bowl of peas and lettuce from the balcony garden last night. I wish my pole beans would produce more. I'm only gotten a few so far this year.

Packed the compostable food bits home from my work lunch. We don't have an office composting program so the mango peels and tea bags I generated yesterday would've otherwise gone in the trash.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: diapasoun on July 10, 2019, 10:53:23 AM
My city also has a thriving sidewalk freebin culture -- I just got a cute coffee cup out of one the other day.

****

In the spirit of being on-topic, I made a vegan jambalaya yesterday with homemade seitan. It was delicious and a great way to lower my use of animal products.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on July 10, 2019, 01:28:01 PM
I'd never need to buy anything again!

Pretty sure MJ only pays for rent at this point =P

This... is pretty accurate. I've spent $19 this month outside of rent.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on July 10, 2019, 06:31:06 PM
I sewed bulk bags from scrap fabric!

Thanks for the great idea! I've got a lot of scrap fabric lying around, and I'm trying to shop more from bulk bins.

I actually did it! I made produce bags completely from my scrap bin. Fabric, drawstrings, thread, all from my stash. And it was fabric that I didn't really love, but now I like it. I made them with reinforced seams, so they should last for a long time. Money and plastic waste saved.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Id rather be outside on July 10, 2019, 07:42:29 PM
Today, I used the cream in the fridge to make whipped cream before it went bad.  We don't normally buy dairy, but I make an exception for birthday cakes.  However, the planned birthday cake never got made - and I was determined to make sure the cream didn't get wasted.  A small thing that feels like a victory.

Additionally...
-cloth diapers are line drying
-power strips were off most of the day
-walked to the grocery store and park
-kept AC off all morning and turned it off when we were out of the house
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on July 11, 2019, 05:11:11 AM
We are digging up the whole backyard, taking out the concrete paving and putting in grass and locally sourced gravel. We will also add a rainbarrel. Because heavy rains are more common now than in the past due to climate change, the local council is encouraging everyone to take out concrete and tiles to let rainwater soak into the ground. Unfortunately our yard is too small to receive a subsidy but we're going to do it anyway.

It's too late in the season to grow vegetables but from next year we will add raised beds. We're saving some berries that are already in there now and will move them to their new location. We are also going to grow apples and grapes. We live in a very urban location so it's not like we're going to be self sufficient or anything but from next year I hope to grow enough to not have to buy produce as much during the summer.

Have you thought about planting some native plants instead of grass?  Far better protection against water run off, better carbon capture, and you create habitat particularly for polinators. Oh, and WAY less maintenance.  Grass is a terrible waste of space. We naturescaped 3/4 of our yard and will be getting rid of the last bit of grass as well.  No more lawnmower!

The grass we are putting in is native to where we live. Previously we had a small patch of the same type of grass and we know it's pretty sturdy and resistent to draught.

I don't agree that grass is a waste of space in all cases. Right now we are putting it in as a placeholder for the raised beds next year, but we will certainly keep a patch of grass. A massive lawn that is cut every week is absolutely a waste of space, but a small area of grass in an urban backyard that's cut semi-regularly is very practical. You can sit there with friends, picknick, play or even pitch up a tent when friends are visiting. It's basically an extension to the living room.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on July 11, 2019, 07:46:16 PM
Bought a more expensive item at the grocery store because I noticed that the cheaper one was pre-portioned into individual servings using little plastic bags and would have a lot more plastic waste. Chose something else in a glass jar rather than metal can because I read that glass has a lower carbon footprint than metal packaging.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: diapasoun on July 13, 2019, 02:50:23 PM
Hung the laundry to dry on the rack.

Used an old ziploc (which we'll use for this over and over) to make fresh tortillas at home instead of buying the tortillas at the store and wasting a larger amount of plastic over time.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on July 13, 2019, 03:03:13 PM
Bought shoes at the thrift shop.

Had fresh tea (from a large plastic bag) rather than single-packed tea.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on July 13, 2019, 03:11:38 PM
I got a bunch of old sewing supplies from a relative's attic. Will doet them tomorrow. I hardly ever buy thread, buttons, zippers etc new, I all get them used.

In return I gave the relative some plastic bags from my stash - we never buy plastic bags either (it's illegal to give them out for free where we live) but somehow I always have a pile of them & I never use them, I always use my backpack to carry stuff around.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on July 14, 2019, 08:44:08 PM
* Went plogging (“picking up litter while jogging”) with a friend, and then picked up litter again while walking back from an errand.

* Planted more milkweed in my yard to make up, a little, for lost wild habitat that supports monarch butterflies.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on July 15, 2019, 09:50:19 PM
My mom sprained her ankle and was thinking about ordering an ankle brace via overnight delivery. Instead I brought her the one I bought when I sprained my ankle five years ago. Still perfectly good and no wasted packaging and fuel to deliver/manufacture a new one.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaseboy2010 on July 17, 2019, 08:50:38 AM
Re-planted a tree (tulip tree) that was coming up in my garden to a permanent place in the back yard with sun. Should provide shade, privacy, fresh air, and a wind break in addition to sequestering carbon over it's life span.

Made my own laundry detergent (and saved money): 1 bar of Dr Bronner's lavendar soap (4.5oz), 1 cup borax, 1 cup washing soda. Mix in a blender, let the dust settle before opening, pour into large mason jar to keep near washer.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on July 17, 2019, 05:04:20 PM
When I go the gym before work, I drive instead of biking (because Reasons). So I hit the gym today instead of tomorrow because today I needed my car for an offsite meeting anyway.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: PMG on July 17, 2019, 06:29:15 PM
I bike all the time and I use a camel back but without the proper backpack.  I have just been running the hose up through the zipper and hoping it stays closed which it really does not.  I decided rather than buying a new backpack I would just sew a little square in the top to prevent material tear and then cut a hole in the top of the backpack.  I am hoping my solution works well.  1 ride down, no issue ;-)

Paint the edges of the cut with a little nail polish.  That should keep it from fraying.  It could still tear with great force, but ought to last a long while.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: A Fella from Stella on July 17, 2019, 07:36:58 PM
In honor of this thread, I am shutting off my AC for the night.

You have made a difference.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on July 17, 2019, 09:03:57 PM
* Went grocery shopping in the cargo bike instead of the minivan.

* Brought my own bags and used a couple of cloth produce bags as well.

* Used the bulk spice offerings instead of buying new bottles of stuff.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on July 18, 2019, 04:55:22 AM
My ac is working hard this week.  I bought another pair of heavy blackout curtains from Amazons bargain bin (previously returned by someone else) and added them to the ones I already have in my bedroom.  It may not help much  at the moment but I’m thinking it will be most helpful as the temps drop in winter.  I am also taking my recycling down to the recycling area more frequently lately. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on July 18, 2019, 02:19:08 PM
I bike all the time and I use a camel back but without the proper backpack.  I have just been running the hose up through the zipper and hoping it stays closed which it really does not.  I decided rather than buying a new backpack I would just sew a little square in the top to prevent material tear and then cut a hole in the top of the backpack.  I am hoping my solution works well.  1 ride down, no issue ;-)

Paint the edges of the cut with a little nail polish.  That should keep it from fraying.  It could still tear with great force, but ought to last a long while.

Interesting, thanks for the tip.

If the hole you cut starts to tear, sew it closed (I'd use the small patch + zig zag stitch method) and then use your sewing machine to put a big buttonhole in a spot away from the first hole. You'll want to interface and possibly reinforce the spot where the buttonhole will go first, but it should last a good long time after that.
 
Alternately, you could make the existing slit into a buttonhole by hand stitching it, but I've never done that before so you'll have to refer to YouTube ;-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: pachnik on July 18, 2019, 03:03:08 PM
Once in a while, I buy a slice of quiche with a side salad on my way to work to have at lunch time.  I bring my own tupperware container rather than using one of their take-out boxes. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on July 18, 2019, 04:41:46 PM
I picked up fruit from Buy Nothing. I don't even like some of it, so I'll bring it to a meetup to share. This also saves me money!

In honor of this thread, I am shutting off my AC for the night.

You have made a difference.

Nice! How'd it go without AC?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaseboy2010 on July 20, 2019, 02:58:09 PM
I've been switching to glass containers instead of plastic (for health as well as environment). Instead of buying them, I've been re-using glass jars from spaghetti sauce, jelly/jam, etc. I just remove their labels and run them through the dish washer. For jars with any residual stickiness, WD-40 takes it off quickly.

My former spaghetti sauce container was already labeled with measurements, which is handy.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaseboy2010 on July 22, 2019, 07:08:55 PM
Made deodorant out of baking soda & coconut oil. I keep it in a small glass mason jar.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on July 23, 2019, 06:43:06 AM
I've been switching to glass containers instead of plastic (for health as well as environment). Instead of buying them, I've been re-using glass jars from spaghetti sauce, jelly/jam, etc. I just remove their labels and run them through the dish washer. For jars with any residual stickiness, WD-40 takes it off quickly.

My former spaghetti sauce container was already labeled with measurements, which is handy.

I do this as well.  I make chickpeas and other beans from dry and then throw them in re-used glass jars in the freezer.  Glass is such a great container because you can just remove the lid and throw it in the microwave to thaw.

After losing a few bottoms while canning, I'm reluctant to put cold glass in the microwave, even mason jars.  Has anyone actually had problems with glass jars breaking in the microwave when full of cold/frozen food?  Am I just being paranoid?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on July 23, 2019, 12:35:38 PM
After losing a few bottoms while canning, I'm reluctant to put cold glass in the microwave, even mason jars.  Has anyone actually had problems with glass jars breaking in the microwave when full of cold/frozen food?  Am I just being paranoid?

I have lost one jar to cracking in the freezer but never in the microwave.

Ditto, except that I have lost more like 3 jars in the freezer. I used to routinely use old jam jars to heat milk in the microwave for making yogurt and never had a problem.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on July 23, 2019, 01:24:39 PM
Ditto, except that I have lost more like 3 jars in the freezer. I used to routinely use old jam jars to heat milk in the microwave for making yogurt and never had a problem.

Jars can withstand high heat obviously because they are used in canning.  Sure, if you went from frozen to full cook you may have an issue but you shouldn't do that anyway.  Thaw first, then cook...no problem.

Freezing you have to leave some space for expansion and I guess just accept one breaking now and again.  Mine stayed together and I just threw the whole thing out.

I think when this happened to me it was milk or broth and I thawed it into a bowl, removed the big pieces of glass, and ran the whole thing through a coffee filter :-).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: tawyer on July 23, 2019, 03:20:24 PM
Ditto on the space for expansion.

I needed a small table for my toddler. I was about to buy a used table on Craigslist, but shortly before I was going to collect it I found an abandoned table on the sidewalk. I sanded it down and repainted it with materials I already owned and had been storing for probably over five years now, and have been considering throwing out. A pretty poor exchange of time for money saved, but (a) it was fun, and (b) this is not the "small things you did today to save money" thread. :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on July 23, 2019, 03:45:13 PM
Successfully caught the cashier at the produce market before they bagged my stuff.  I've been pretty good at remembering to bring my bags, but they are so used to bagging that they start while they are tallying my purchases, and I often have a hard time catching their attention before they do.  But I'm getting better at catching them in time.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on July 23, 2019, 04:07:13 PM
Successfully caught the cashier at the produce market before they bagged my stuff.  I've been pretty good at remembering to bring my bags, but they are so used to bagging that they start while they are tallying my purchases, and I often have a hard time catching their attention before they do.  But I'm getting better at catching them in time.

I don't know how it works at the tills where you are but I used to put my reusable bags on the conveyor belt before my groceries so that I didn't need to remember to say "Wait, I've got bags!!" They would automatically grab them. Now we don't have bags in our supermarket so it's standard practice.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: dodojojo on July 23, 2019, 05:36:52 PM
Over the years I moved away from bar soap to liquid/foam.  I still use bar soap in the shower but liquid/foam at the bathroom and kitchen sinks.  Partly for the catsitters and guests as I was concerned they would not be keen on using soap bars.  I mitigated by making my own foam mix--cheapish, but still the plastic bottles would have to be replaced after awhile when the dispensers would die.

Today, I think I'm going to switch back to 100% bar soap for myself.  I'll keep liquid soap for guests--the usage would be low so I won't have to replace the bottles as often.

Since usage of the foam mix would be sporadic, I'm going to stop making it.  Homemade mix is not meant to last very long.  I may ditch making my own foam mix and just stick with liquid soap for guests. That's more stable and can be left in the bottle far longer.  Also part of my foam mix included glycerin...which comes in plastic bottles.  So no longer buying glycerin also cuts down on plastic.

What's an affordable moisturizing soap for hand washing?  I use Trader Joe's cheapest soap for bathing.  But I need something more moisturizing for my hands.  I have cats so I wash my hands a lot.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on July 23, 2019, 06:39:46 PM
Successfully caught the cashier at the produce market before they bagged my stuff.  I've been pretty good at remembering to bring my bags, but they are so used to bagging that they start while they are tallying my purchases, and I often have a hard time catching their attention before they do.  But I'm getting better at catching them in time.

I don't know how it works at the tills where you are but I used to put my reusable bags on the conveyor belt before my groceries so that I didn't need to remember to say "Wait, I've got bags!!" They would automatically grab them. Now we don't have bags in our supermarket so it's standard practice.

It's actually a little market with no conveyor belts and no carts - you just walk up and put your stuff on the counter, and the cashier sorts through (bagging as they go) and adds everything up.  They do all the math in their heads, and it's cash only, no electronic till.  They're so used to the routine that it can be hard to stop them even if I put my bag on the counter with my produce.  At the regular supermarket, I usually use self-check so it's easy to bag stuff myself how I want it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on July 24, 2019, 07:45:27 AM
My cheese consumption had creeped up again recently, so last weekend I went on a cooking spree so I'd have fancy vegan breakfasts and lunches for several days.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on July 24, 2019, 12:32:21 PM
I've started using a 5 minute hourglass to time my showers. I already try to minimize my water usage by taking camping showers when I don't need to wash my hair. The hourglass helps cut the time of my actual showers. Those minutes go by fast!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaseboy2010 on August 01, 2019, 01:24:07 PM
I have several tulip trees coming up in my yard and garden. Normally I pull these as "weeds", but this year I decided to let them grow a bit, to about 2-3 feet tall. I've transplanted a couple to the wooded part of my yard for shade/native habitat, and I listed the others on Nextdoor for neighbors willing to transplant them to a permanent location.

Maybe I'll charge a nominal amount for a small side gig if there's high demand.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on August 02, 2019, 07:46:23 PM
Picked up aluminum cans from the work parking lot. Litter really annoys me! I brought them home and put them in my recycling.
Made sure the office cleaners didn't empty my recycling bin into the garbage. We don't have office recycling, so put in an extra wastebasket, fill it up all week, then bring it to my home recycling.
Put some extra potting soil on my little herb garden to help keep water in the soil. It's so nice to have fresh greens right outside my back door.
More scrap busting crafting this weekend!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on August 02, 2019, 10:22:51 PM
Took my daughter to speech therapy and lunch in our ELF, and went grocery shopping for the week with our cargo bike. Zero emissions active transport!

I continuing to develop my skills as a gardener. I recently learned how to scarify seeds which has  enabled me to propagate more seedling trees that I can eventually share with neighbors. Urban tree cover is beneficial economically, environmentally and psychologically.

Plus gardening, composting, reusable grocery bags, cloth diapering, etc.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on August 03, 2019, 09:07:12 AM
Found out we qualify for two different energy credits if we switch to a smart thermostat in our apartment, since we have central air here. It'll bring the cost down to just $50, so we're probably going to do that! Didn't realize we'd qualify since we're renters. It'll be nice- this will let us control temps when we're gone (so I'll let it get hotter when we're not there if we have the dog with us), and it'll let us do zones depending on the time of day. Plus the learning programming and scheduling all that. We had one in our house when we were there, excited to move to one here!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on August 03, 2019, 01:02:33 PM
Went to the store and farmer's market and brought all the reusable bags. The cashier at the grocery store blithely ignored the bright red reusable bag I put standing up on the conveyor belt and gave me a plastic bag instead (FFS!).  I was afraid he would throw away the 'used' plastic bag if I made him unpack and repack my groceries, so I stopped him from double bagging my three whole items (FFS x 2! but at least I caught him in time) and figured I would be able to at least reuse the plastic bag at home a few times. Used all my own bags for cucumbers, tomatoes, peaches, broccoli, and bread at the farmer's market and saved a bunch of food miles by buying local produce. (I try to buy local produce at the grocery store when they have it, but it's not always clear how far away it came from since they usually just list the state or country of origin. New York could be up to 200 miles, Pennsylvania could be up to 300 miles, you just don't know. With the farmer's market I know exactly what town they're from, and I'm pretty sure they're all <100 miles.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: StarBright on August 03, 2019, 04:18:42 PM
Am using things from our garden for our dinner! It doesn't happen as often as I'd like but I love when it works out.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: OtherJen on August 05, 2019, 09:33:22 AM
I have a bit too much veg thanks to forgetting to cancel a Hungry Harvest shipment last week and not finding out until after I'd gone to the produce market. I just made a giant batch of tomato-mushroom sauce for pasta that I will freeze down in several containers. We've also eaten a lot of cold mixed-veg salad. Waste not, want not and it's better for our health to eat like this.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on August 05, 2019, 03:35:32 PM
This week's batch cooking was a vegan stir fry made partly with local veg from the farmer's market.

I also ordered some reusable silicone zip-top bags since I had a gift card for Amazon I'd gotten from doing a survey. I like how versatile they are - they're dishwasher safe, you can use them to cook food, you can use them to pack snacks or meals, you can freeze food in them, they're non-toxic and BPA-free, etc. I read somewhere that you can, e.g., freeze chicken with a marinade in the bag, and then pop the bag right into simmering water and poach them without even having to remove the chicken from the bag. No more raw chicken hands/cutting board/etc. for your weeknight dinner. Pretty nice!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on August 05, 2019, 04:25:08 PM
This week's batch cooking was a vegan stir fry made partly with local veg from the farmer's market.

I also ordered some reusable silicone zip-top bags since I had a gift card for Amazon I'd gotten from doing a survey. I like how versatile they are - they're dishwasher safe, you can use them to cook food, you can use them to pack snacks or meals, you can freeze food in them, they're non-toxic and BPA-free, etc. I read somewhere that you can, e.g., freeze chicken with a marinade in the bag, and then pop the bag right into simmering water and poach them without even having to remove the chicken from the bag. No more raw chicken hands/cutting board/etc. for your weeknight dinner. Pretty nice!

What kind of bags do you buy?  I'm always skeptical buying them from the internet, because I don't know how they'll work, and I don't want to fork over $$$ for one that's just ok.  So I'll just trust you, internet stranger, and your recommendations :)

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on August 05, 2019, 04:40:53 PM
This week's batch cooking was a vegan stir fry made partly with local veg from the farmer's market.

I also ordered some reusable silicone zip-top bags since I had a gift card for Amazon I'd gotten from doing a survey. I like how versatile they are - they're dishwasher safe, you can use them to cook food, you can use them to pack snacks or meals, you can freeze food in them, they're non-toxic and BPA-free, etc. I read somewhere that you can, e.g., freeze chicken with a marinade in the bag, and then pop the bag right into simmering water and poach them without even having to remove the chicken from the bag. No more raw chicken hands/cutting board/etc. for your weeknight dinner. Pretty nice!

What kind of bags do you buy?  I'm always skeptical buying them from the internet, because I don't know how they'll work, and I don't want to fork over $$$ for one that's just ok.  So I'll just trust you, internet stranger, and your recommendations :)

Oh, I just bought some no-name brand from Amazon :-/  They had a lot of good reviews so I hope they will hold up OK. I don't even know if there are "good name brand" bags being sold anywhere, I haven't seen any. (They had some at Bed Bath & Beyond, but they were a brand I'd never heard of and were $20/bag instead of $5/bag.)

If one of us remembers in a couple months I can let you know how they're holding up!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Christof on August 05, 2019, 05:08:29 PM
With the farmer's market I know exactly what town they're from, and I'm pretty sure they're all <100 miles.)

That‘s great! Around here farmer‘s markets are not selling produce from their own farms which means you might end up buying potatoes from Egypt, which is a continent and several thousand miles away.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on August 05, 2019, 09:07:10 PM
Remembered to use my homemade produce bags! By accident, but it counts :) I had tucked them in the bottom of one of my reusable shopping bags, and was pleasantly surprised by them at Aldi. And pleasantly surprise by Aldi actually having loose avocados for sale.

Used all my own bags for shopping, then refused a bag when I got to the last store and I'd run out of my own. I just stacked everything in my arms and took it out.

Made a little pouch with fabric scraps that attaches to my dog leash. I can fit three folded-up plastic bags in there for poo bags. No more purchased plastic bags to pick up poop. I get them from family and friends, since I no longer get plastic bags when I shop.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on August 09, 2019, 03:11:05 PM
This week's batch cooking was a vegan stir fry made partly with local veg from the farmer's market.

I also ordered some reusable silicone zip-top bags since I had a gift card for Amazon I'd gotten from doing a survey. I like how versatile they are - they're dishwasher safe, you can use them to cook food, you can use them to pack snacks or meals, you can freeze food in them, they're non-toxic and BPA-free, etc. I read somewhere that you can, e.g., freeze chicken with a marinade in the bag, and then pop the bag right into simmering water and poach them without even having to remove the chicken from the bag. No more raw chicken hands/cutting board/etc. for your weeknight dinner. Pretty nice!

What kind of bags do you buy?  I'm always skeptical buying them from the internet, because I don't know how they'll work, and I don't want to fork over $$$ for one that's just ok.  So I'll just trust you, internet stranger, and your recommendations :)

Oh, I just bought some no-name brand from Amazon :-/  They had a lot of good reviews so I hope they will hold up OK. I don't even know if there are "good name brand" bags being sold anywhere, I haven't seen any. (They had some at Bed Bath & Beyond, but they were a brand I'd never heard of and were $20/bag instead of $5/bag.)

If one of us remembers in a couple months I can let you know how they're holding up!

I think the brand I have is Stasher--they were recommended by the Frugal Girl. But I don't use as many bags as I used to anyway. My husband and children eat cereal and a cereal bag works for many purposes.

I just got back from a trip. I had turned off the water heater, WiFi, and AC while we were away.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Christof on August 10, 2019, 08:58:30 AM
I just got back from a trip. I had turned off the water heater, WiFi, and AC while we were away.

In addition we‘ve turned off phones, clocks on our microwave, radio, etc., shut down heating including hot water. Basically, only fridge, freezer, smart meter and our motion controlled outside light remained on.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on August 10, 2019, 10:34:50 AM
I just got back from a trip. I had turned off the water heater, WiFi, and AC while we were away.

In addition we‘ve turned off phones, clocks on our microwave, radio, etc., shut down heating including hot water. Basically, only fridge, freezer, smart meter and our motion controlled outside light remained on.

That's hard core. A lot of that stuff I don't even know how to unplug.

I am typing this on my husband's Surface. My refurbished laptop was not performing satisfactorily and rather than me buying a Chromebook or another cheap laptop, we decided we could just share and reduce our total number of gadgets.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on August 11, 2019, 08:18:43 PM
This week's batch cooking was a vegan stir fry made partly with local veg from the farmer's market.

I also ordered some reusable silicone zip-top bags since I had a gift card for Amazon I'd gotten from doing a survey. I like how versatile they are - they're dishwasher safe, you can use them to cook food, you can use them to pack snacks or meals, you can freeze food in them, they're non-toxic and BPA-free, etc. I read somewhere that you can, e.g., freeze chicken with a marinade in the bag, and then pop the bag right into simmering water and poach them without even having to remove the chicken from the bag. No more raw chicken hands/cutting board/etc. for your weeknight dinner. Pretty nice!

What kind of bags do you buy?  I'm always skeptical buying them from the internet, because I don't know how they'll work, and I don't want to fork over $$$ for one that's just ok.  So I'll just trust you, internet stranger, and your recommendations :)

Oh, I just bought some no-name brand from Amazon :-/  They had a lot of good reviews so I hope they will hold up OK. I don't even know if there are "good name brand" bags being sold anywhere, I haven't seen any. (They had some at Bed Bath & Beyond, but they were a brand I'd never heard of and were $20/bag instead of $5/bag.)

If one of us remembers in a couple months I can let you know how they're holding up!

So, for the record: not having great luck with these bags. Two of the bags turned out to have a bit of a defect and one of them tore when I was struggling with the defective part. These were the ones I purchased. (https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Silicone-Storage-Freezer-Sandwich/dp/B07QZGXGBG/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8) They are also not 100% watertight, although I think they would be fine for most storage uses. I wouldn't use them to store liquids (like freezing stock) and I wouldn't submerge them in liquid (like for sous vide or reheating food). They held up OK as long as I didn't squeeze them, but they leaked when I did. (We have a rigorous product testing regimen here in the Slicey household... ;-) ) 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on August 12, 2019, 05:23:30 AM
I'm back to work tomorrow, so I'm in the middle of a last minute back-to-work household marathon. I didn't do much laundry over the past couple of weeks and I am only just now noticing how much smaller the amount of laundry is when I'm not working. It hasn't been very warm here so I haven't been sweating much, which means I can wear my clothes for longer. There aren't any regular bras (I wear sports tops at home) or tights in the laundry hamper, and no items that need special care. It's just one big load of regular cotton items that all go in together and were then line dried.

After that, I threw my work bag in the machine. It's an Eastpak shoulder bag that I've owned since 2005. I wash it once a year and it still looks ok. It has started to fade and the fabric is wearing out, I've done several small fixes over the last couple of years. I guess it's time to keep my eyes open for a new-to-me bag. I inspect the items I own semi-regularly and make a mental note of everything that needs to be replaced in the next 6 months, so I have a replacement ready when the item finally fails and I don't have to run to the shop to buy new.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on August 12, 2019, 06:58:50 AM
This week's batch cooking was a vegan stir fry made partly with local veg from the farmer's market.

I also ordered some reusable silicone zip-top bags since I had a gift card for Amazon I'd gotten from doing a survey. I like how versatile they are - they're dishwasher safe, you can use them to cook food, you can use them to pack snacks or meals, you can freeze food in them, they're non-toxic and BPA-free, etc. I read somewhere that you can, e.g., freeze chicken with a marinade in the bag, and then pop the bag right into simmering water and poach them without even having to remove the chicken from the bag. No more raw chicken hands/cutting board/etc. for your weeknight dinner. Pretty nice!

What kind of bags do you buy?  I'm always skeptical buying them from the internet, because I don't know how they'll work, and I don't want to fork over $$$ for one that's just ok.  So I'll just trust you, internet stranger, and your recommendations :)

Oh, I just bought some no-name brand from Amazon :-/  They had a lot of good reviews so I hope they will hold up OK. I don't even know if there are "good name brand" bags being sold anywhere, I haven't seen any. (They had some at Bed Bath & Beyond, but they were a brand I'd never heard of and were $20/bag instead of $5/bag.)

If one of us remembers in a couple months I can let you know how they're holding up!

So, for the record: not having great luck with these bags. Two of the bags turned out to have a bit of a defect and one of them tore when I was struggling with the defective part. These were the ones I purchased. (https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Silicone-Storage-Freezer-Sandwich/dp/B07QZGXGBG/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8) They are also not 100% watertight, although I think they would be fine for most storage uses. I wouldn't use them to store liquids (like freezing stock) and I wouldn't submerge them in liquid (like for sous vide or reheating food). They held up OK as long as I didn't squeeze them, but they leaked when I did. (We have a rigorous product testing regimen here in the Slicey household... ;-) )

Thanks for the update! 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: pachnik on August 12, 2019, 10:02:55 AM
The recycling program for my suburb doesn't take toothpaste tubes.  :(
But the suburb I work in does, so I brought my used toothpaste tube from home and put it into the blue recycling bin for someone in my work neighbourhood. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: leonblack on August 15, 2019, 10:36:03 AM
Biked 22 miles instead of driving.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on August 15, 2019, 09:48:21 PM
Remembered to bring all my reusable bags to a concert tonight so I could stop for groceries on the way home. The cashier must have been very into the anti-plastic-waste movement since she made a point of telling me that she was giving me a 10 cent "bring your own bag" credit not just for my tote bag, but for each individual produce bag and my backpack.

I tried a new batch cooking recipe this week and made carbon-emissions-friendly substitutions - substituted poultry for beef and used extra vegetables to bulk it up and give the recipe a couple of extra servings without increasing the amount of animal products.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on August 15, 2019, 11:35:38 PM
* I hauled three pails of water to a native tree I planted in a no man’s land near my house.

* Composted lots of food waste, dryer lint and so forth. Since recycling is ever more difficult, I plan to start shredding all paper and cardboard that comes on the property and using it for our compost bins and worm towers.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: imadandylion on August 16, 2019, 09:02:11 AM
This week's batch cooking was a vegan stir fry made partly with local veg from the farmer's market.

I also ordered some reusable silicone zip-top bags since I had a gift card for Amazon I'd gotten from doing a survey. I like how versatile they are - they're dishwasher safe, you can use them to cook food, you can use them to pack snacks or meals, you can freeze food in them, they're non-toxic and BPA-free, etc. I read somewhere that you can, e.g., freeze chicken with a marinade in the bag, and then pop the bag right into simmering water and poach them without even having to remove the chicken from the bag. No more raw chicken hands/cutting board/etc. for your weeknight dinner. Pretty nice!

What kind of bags do you buy?  I'm always skeptical buying them from the internet, because I don't know how they'll work, and I don't want to fork over $$$ for one that's just ok.  So I'll just trust you, internet stranger, and your recommendations :)

Oh, I just bought some no-name brand from Amazon :-/  They had a lot of good reviews so I hope they will hold up OK. I don't even know if there are "good name brand" bags being sold anywhere, I haven't seen any. (They had some at Bed Bath & Beyond, but they were a brand I'd never heard of and were $20/bag instead of $5/bag.)

If one of us remembers in a couple months I can let you know how they're holding up!

So, for the record: not having great luck with these bags. Two of the bags turned out to have a bit of a defect and one of them tore when I was struggling with the defective part. These were the ones I purchased. (https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Silicone-Storage-Freezer-Sandwich/dp/B07QZGXGBG/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8) They are also not 100% watertight, although I think they would be fine for most storage uses. I wouldn't use them to store liquids (like freezing stock) and I wouldn't submerge them in liquid (like for sous vide or reheating food). They held up OK as long as I didn't squeeze them, but they leaked when I did. (We have a rigorous product testing regimen here in the Slicey household... ;-) )

I have those exact ones from like 2-3 years ago. I really hate them. I recommend them to no one. Good idea in theory, but i find the bars that you slide across the top extremely hard to remove sometimes, and they don't always go all the way to the end to close them completely - always leaving at least 3/4" open. So now I relegate them to saving vegetable scraps in the freezer to make vegetable broth. But I still hate them whenever I see them.
I also find washing them cumbersome because they don't seem to open up very well (supposed to be able to have that relatively flat standing bottom instead of just being a flat pouch like those plastic ziplock style bags).

So we just go with glass containers for everything now. I don't really have a 'need' for the bags, but I thought they'd be helpful to transport fruit and nuts while being relatively compact and less heavy than glass in our work bags. Since we both commute by either public transportation or by bike, weight matters.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on August 16, 2019, 09:08:31 AM
It's been a crappy week for me in terms of environmental impact since I've been driving to work, driving kids to camp and even drove back into downtown two nights this week for a work dinner and our anniversary dinner. However, my one success was convincing the group I work with to cut one trip off the schedule in favour of a Skype conference call. That saved at least a few cross country flights and made the one person who seems to live on the road very happy.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on August 16, 2019, 09:18:40 AM
I have those exact ones from like 2-3 years ago. I really hate them. I recommend them to no one. Good idea in theory, but i find the bars that you slide across the top extremely hard to remove sometimes, and they don't always go all the way to the end to close them completely - always leaving at least 3/4" open. So now I relegate them to saving vegetable scraps in the freezer to make vegetable broth. But I still hate them whenever I see them.
I also find washing them cumbersome because they don't seem to open up very well (supposed to be able to have that relatively flat standing bottom instead of just being a flat pouch like those plastic ziplock style bags).

I'm amazed they got such good reviews on Amazon! Two out of four of mine don't open all the way so you can't use the flat/standing bottom, which is really useful on the ones that work right. I almost wanted to take a knife to it to try and cut that part open, but I'm sure I would just put a hole in it...

I'm tempted to try and get my money back from Amazon but it would be the second purchase in a row that I had to do that and I'm afraid my account will get flagged or something... (I don't order from them often but there was something in June I couldn't find locally and it arrived crushed/torn)

@TrMama - cutting out a few cross country flights is a huge impact! Nice! Just one leg of one of those flights more than offsets your extra driving.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: imadandylion on August 16, 2019, 10:46:45 AM
I have those exact ones from like 2-3 years ago. I really hate them. I recommend them to no one. Good idea in theory, but i find the bars that you slide across the top extremely hard to remove sometimes, and they don't always go all the way to the end to close them completely - always leaving at least 3/4" open. So now I relegate them to saving vegetable scraps in the freezer to make vegetable broth. But I still hate them whenever I see them.
I also find washing them cumbersome because they don't seem to open up very well (supposed to be able to have that relatively flat standing bottom instead of just being a flat pouch like those plastic ziplock style bags).

I'm amazed they got such good reviews on Amazon! Two out of four of mine don't open all the way so you can't use the flat/standing bottom, which is really useful on the ones that work right. I almost wanted to take a knife to it to try and cut that part open, but I'm sure I would just put a hole in it...

I'm tempted to try and get my money back from Amazon but it would be the second purchase in a row that I had to do that and I'm afraid my account will get flagged or something... (I don't order from them often but there was something in June I couldn't find locally and it arrived crushed/torn)

Doesn't hurt to try. They have much bigger fish to fry as they say, so I'm sure it won't be flagged. A while back, when I tried to return a couple things because I made a mistake, they actually just let me keep it and refunded me the costs. Not saying they'd do that in this case, but there might still be the option to return the dissatisfactory item and receive some sort of credit? Try communicating with the seller.

I've been wondering if those 'Stashers' silicone bags were any better. Anyone know?
Title: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on August 16, 2019, 08:30:52 PM
I have those exact ones from like 2-3 years ago. I really hate them. I recommend them to no one. Good idea in theory, but i find the bars that you slide across the top extremely hard to remove sometimes, and they don't always go all the way to the end to close them completely - always leaving at least 3/4" open. So now I relegate them to saving vegetable scraps in the freezer to make vegetable broth. But I still hate them whenever I see them.
I also find washing them cumbersome because they don't seem to open up very well (supposed to be able to have that relatively flat standing bottom instead of just being a flat pouch like those plastic ziplock style bags).

I'm amazed they got such good reviews on Amazon! Two out of four of mine don't open all the way so you can't use the flat/standing bottom, which is really useful on the ones that work right. I almost wanted to take a knife to it to try and cut that part open, but I'm sure I would just put a hole in it...

I'm tempted to try and get my money back from Amazon but it would be the second purchase in a row that I had to do that and I'm afraid my account will get flagged or something... (I don't order from them often but there was something in June I couldn't find locally and it arrived crushed/torn)

Doesn't hurt to try. They have much bigger fish to fry as they say, so I'm sure it won't be flagged. A while back, when I tried to return a couple things because I made a mistake, they actually just let me keep it and refunded me the costs. Not saying they'd do that in this case, but there might still be the option to return the dissatisfactory item and receive some sort of credit? Try communicating with the seller.

I've been wondering if those 'Stashers' silicone bags were any better. Anyone know?

I’ve not done rigorous product testing but we’ve had Stashers bags for about four months now. They have been great for both sending sandwiches in lunches and as freezer bags for ground turkey and so forth.

Very sturdy and seem to seal well—prying open the seal is the biggest challenge.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on August 18, 2019, 08:22:18 PM
We were going to a picnic and were asked to bring disposable plates and a cake from the supermarket (packaged in a plastic box). Instead we brought reusable picnic plates and cups, our own cutlery and got a cake from a bakery so that it came in a card box. There was minimal rubbish to chuck out at the end, it was pretty good.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on August 20, 2019, 05:39:13 PM
A friend was going to throw away a plastic water bottle while we were downtown, and I offered to put it in my bag to take it home and recycle it. I guess that's technically reducing someone else's environmental impact, but I'll take it where I can get it :-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on August 20, 2019, 05:42:25 PM
Walked my kids to their new school! So happy it's in walking distance of our new house.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on August 21, 2019, 01:37:58 AM
Not really reducing my own impact, but I picked up some pieces of trash during my morning walk in the park.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on August 21, 2019, 06:46:19 AM
I just moved 10 miles away from work (and daycare, and the grocery store) instead of 2, so that's definitely NOT reducing my environmental impact, unfortunately.

However - there's this kid's book called Be Kind that we got from the library recently.  It's obviously about what it means to be kind to other people, but one of the pages starts off "Being kind should be easy, like throwing away a wrapper or recycling a bottle, or saying 'thank you!' or 'bless you!'".  One of the examples of being kind is also donating your clothes, or passing along things that you've grown out of.

I love that reusing/recycling are just presented as Things People Do. 

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BuffaloStache on August 21, 2019, 07:17:27 PM
My family moved to a new house and challenged ourselves to recycle and compost more, throwing out less waste. To solidify the challenge, we even called and had the town waste service give us a smaller garbage bin.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on August 24, 2019, 02:06:48 AM
We have company for breakfast and I'm using up some very overripe bananas to make banana pancakes

We were gifted a whole load of fruit from a neighbour's tree that was going to go to waste otherwise because she's single and can't eat it all.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on August 30, 2019, 08:48:01 AM
Testing out my new pair of Thinx today, if they work out I'll buy a few more and not need to use pads anymore.  Already replaced tampons with a cup, so this would put me to 100% reusable period supplies.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on August 30, 2019, 01:27:09 PM
We have company for breakfast and I'm using up some very overripe bananas to make banana pancakes

We were gifted a whole load of fruit from a neighbour's tree that was going to go to waste otherwise because she's single and can't eat it all.

Overripe bananas make a great substitute for ice cream.  Cut them into dices and freeze them.  Dump them into a good blender of food processor with a dash of vanilla extract or cocoa powder and a milk substitute.  Blend them up into a soft serve consistency.  Serve with some fresh fruit and chocolate chips.

This sounds good, I'll save it for next time! Normally I make banana bread from leftover bananas but I'm looking for a little bit of variation.

I've used a similar recipe for breakfast iced drinks in the past when I got load of overripe peaches in the summer and I still had a huge freezer. I would cut them all up, freeze them and blend two peaches with some yoghurt - my s/o loves really really cold drinks and doesn't eat much in the morning.

Our current freezer is dying, but still working. We are eating the contents and then unplugging it. We've only had used freezers so far, but this time we're looking for new due to the energy savings. We don't feel completely comfortable buying brand new so we'll hold out without a freezer until we can find a (nearly) new freezer with cosmetic damage or without a box or something.

We have so far always used our appliances until they stopped working, but I took our meter readings recently and they were much higher than they were, so that was the final straw. I still feel bad about throwing away a functional appliance but there's no point in keeping it. At some point I guess the high energy consumption doesn't weigh up against the environmental impact of making new machine.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on August 31, 2019, 08:45:13 AM
Picked up an entire carrier bag's worth of recyclables on my walk this morning.

Sold some more items on FB Marketplace, to keep the used market lively!

The plastic bag holder I sewed from scrap fabric and attached to the dog's leash is working great. I've completely switched over to used bags, no more bags purchased specifically for poop. I don't generate any of the bags, I get them all from family & friends who haven't made the switch to reusables.

I used my sewn-from-scraps produce bags at Aldi, and the cashier didn't even blink. Just opened the drawstring to see what I had, and rang em up! Now to try them out at Winco, Whole Foods, etc, where you are supposed to write the code number on the wired paper twist to close a plastic bag. Any solutions that doesn't involve the paper twist tie attached to my reusable bag?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on August 31, 2019, 09:42:52 AM
I used my sewn-from-scraps produce bags at Aldi, and the cashier didn't even blink. Just opened the drawstring to see what I had, and rang em up! Now to try them out at Winco, Whole Foods, etc, where you are supposed to write the code number on the wired paper twist to close a plastic bag. Any solutions that doesn't involve the paper twist tie attached to my reusable bag?

When I buy from bulk bins, I note the #'s on my phone.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on August 31, 2019, 10:07:55 AM
I used my sewn-from-scraps produce bags at Aldi, and the cashier didn't even blink. Just opened the drawstring to see what I had, and rang em up! Now to try them out at Winco, Whole Foods, etc, where you are supposed to write the code number on the wired paper twist to close a plastic bag. Any solutions that doesn't involve the paper twist tie attached to my reusable bag?

When I buy from bulk bins, I note the #'s on my phone.

I have done this. I have grand plans to write the bin numbers of my most commonly-purchased items on the bags with a fabric marker, but in the meantime I have used the picture.

Last night I stashed leftovers in a washed-out yogurt carton (bought as starter for the homemade stuff, although I did treat myself to a larger carton of Fage) instead of purchasing yet more reusable dishes.

This morning I finished off some blueberries and saved the paper towel I had wrapped them in (lining the carton with a paper towel makes them last longer). I will use it next time I rub oil in my cast iron pan.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on August 31, 2019, 11:22:47 AM
I've been using handkerchiefs (from a ripped secondhand pillowcase) and hand towels in place of TP/paper towels.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on August 31, 2019, 11:42:01 PM
Managed to reuse enough school supplies that I only had to buy about half the items on my kids school supply lists. This ended up being both an environmental and financial win since I only had to spend $40 to kit out 2 middle schoolers. I also biked to the office supply store to buy all the stuff.

The supply lists also called for 3 ring pencil pouches (the ones that can be snapped into a 3 ring binder). I know from experience the ones sold at office supply stores only last a week before falling apart. So I made 4 pouches out of fabric scraps. Kids are thrilled and I'm thrilled that they won't fall apart next week.

Now to try them out at Winco, Whole Foods, etc, where you are supposed to write the code number on the wired paper twist to close a plastic bag. Any solutions that doesn't involve the paper twist tie attached to my reusable bag?

You should be able to write on the fabric bag with a kids washable marker. You can then either wash the bag with your laundry or rinse the number off in the sink.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on September 01, 2019, 06:32:53 AM
I used my sewn-from-scraps produce bags at Aldi, and the cashier didn't even blink. Just opened the drawstring to see what I had, and rang em up! Now to try them out at Winco, Whole Foods, etc, where you are supposed to write the code number on the wired paper twist to close a plastic bag. Any solutions that doesn't involve the paper twist tie attached to my reusable bag?

When I buy from bulk bins, I note the #'s on my phone.

I just write them on my hand.  Can't lose them that way!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on September 01, 2019, 08:37:25 AM
I used my sewn-from-scraps produce bags at Aldi, and the cashier didn't even blink. Just opened the drawstring to see what I had, and rang em up! Now to try them out at Winco, Whole Foods, etc, where you are supposed to write the code number on the wired paper twist to close a plastic bag. Any solutions that doesn't involve the paper twist tie attached to my reusable bag?

When I buy from bulk bins, I note the #'s on my phone.

I just write them on my hand.  Can't lose them that way!
I've got too many bulk bin codes, not enough hand space.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on September 01, 2019, 01:15:59 PM
I used my sewn-from-scraps produce bags at Aldi, and the cashier didn't even blink. Just opened the drawstring to see what I had, and rang em up! Now to try them out at Winco, Whole Foods, etc, where you are supposed to write the code number on the wired paper twist to close a plastic bag. Any solutions that doesn't involve the paper twist tie attached to my reusable bag?

When I buy from bulk bins, I note the #'s on my phone.

I just write them on my hand.  Can't lose them that way!
I've got too many bulk bin codes, not enough hand space.

Couldn't you just the same cloth bags for the same bulk items every time and just write the code on the cloth bag itself (along with the name of the item, too, I guess).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on September 01, 2019, 01:49:11 PM
I used my sewn-from-scraps produce bags at Aldi, and the cashier didn't even blink. Just opened the drawstring to see what I had, and rang em up! Now to try them out at Winco, Whole Foods, etc, where you are supposed to write the code number on the wired paper twist to close a plastic bag. Any solutions that doesn't involve the paper twist tie attached to my reusable bag?

When I buy from bulk bins, I note the #'s on my phone.

I just write them on my hand.  Can't lose them that way!
I've got too many bulk bin codes, not enough hand space.

Couldn't you just the same cloth bags for the same bulk items every time and just write the code on the cloth bag itself (along with the name of the item, too, I guess).

This would not work for me. I'm happy with my current methods.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on September 01, 2019, 02:10:31 PM
I rode my bike to work even though it is eleventy-one degrees outside. Also, lately I have been bring home my orange peels and apple cores to put in my home compost instead of in the work landfill-destined trash bins.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: diapasoun on September 04, 2019, 02:12:51 PM
Ate another person's leftovers even though I was not super enthused about them (perfectly edible, just subpar -- probably why they were left at my house).

Posted some furniture we need to get rid of (moving to a smaller space) on Buy Nothing.

Turned a beloved broken mug into a plant holder instead of tossing it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on September 04, 2019, 02:30:34 PM
I got a ton of scavenged food. I also made room in my freezer for said food by giving other food away to a friend. (Alternative would've been tossing the freezer food, I really didn't like it.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: cari8285 on September 06, 2019, 10:47:30 AM
I've been vegan for about a year now so that's a small thing I do for the environment everyday. Breakfast is usually oats, and my other meals usually consist of rice, beans, potatoes, etc.

I've been riding my bike to work and today will be the first time riding my bike to the grocery store!

I've started to save all glass jars in place of getting more tupperware, and that's been working out great!

I use a menstrual cup (and have been using it for the past few years).

I use a safety razor so no more plastic/disposable razors.

I want to invest in a sprayer and transition over to cloth toilet paper and I really need to do a better job of bringing bags with me to do the grocery store so I no longer use plastic or paper bags (which will be easier to remember now that I am starting to bike more - I ride with a backpack). I've been looking into composting, and in general I've done a really good job of reducing my waste lately and recycling more. I also most likely won't have kids (unless I adopt or foster) but that's a long term BIG way to reduce environmental impact, lol.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: gatortator on September 06, 2019, 10:48:22 AM
I can't find the post to quote it...  but I have been successfully using the water from our dehumidifier in our washing machine since it the topic was first posted here..  so cool!  we have a load sensing machine so it's been working great.

my spouse chuckled a little when I mentioned my excitement at starting to do this.  apparently, this was a standard operating procedure in his old childhood home.  i guess on some things, we are just reinventing the wheel / relearning from the past.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on September 06, 2019, 03:42:14 PM
I successfully transitioned my company away from selling single use plastic water bottles, as well as large office style refillable water bottles.  It was a long road filled with a lot of discussion but the consensus has been overwhelmingly positive.

That's awesome! :-)

It used to drive me crazy at my old office that we had both tap water and bottled water (from the five-gallon refillable bottles that we would get delivered) and half the people in the office would still go out to buy drinks in SUP bottles. Imagine how much money they're wasting, how much plastic waste they produce, just to consume a ton of sugar. :-/
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on September 06, 2019, 07:48:27 PM
I successfully transitioned my company away from selling single use plastic water bottles, as well as large office style refillable water bottles.  It was a long road filled with a lot of discussion but the consensus has been overwhelmingly positive.  I've heard all the counter arguments about steering people to buy sugary drinks instead but we've removed every possible obstacle to tap water by providing bottle filling stations and selling re-usable bottles in place of plastic. 

Next up I want to eliminate the other plastic beverage containers in favour of glass or aluminum. 

On the home front I have one season of gardening under my belt.  I converted a small grassy area to wildflowers and now I'm considering growing more food in that area (squash, zucchini etc.).  I was amazed by how many moths, butterflies and bees that have visited.  "If you build it they will come." ;)

That's fantastic about the  water bottles!

My win this week is that I accepted my coworker's offer of her daughter's old clarinet. My youngest daughter is starting band this year and wants to play clarinet. We stopped a the music store this afternoon for reeds and a couple maintenance items and now it feels like a bigger financial win than environmental. The cheapest new clarinet in the store was $600.

Biked to work every day this week. I also biked to school with the kids for their first time. It's a 7km trek over some pretty busy roads so that was a big deal. Not sure if it's become a regular thing, but I'm super proud of them for tackling it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on September 07, 2019, 10:57:46 PM
No driving today.

Picked up 8 recyclable bottles and cans on the way home.

We had a whole-house fan installed today; it should hopefully reduce our electricity use for air conditioning in the hottest months when our living room and kitchen are almost unbearably hot in the late afternoon.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: imadandylion on September 08, 2019, 01:13:13 PM
What are people doing about condiments? I tried a couple of brands of ketchup in a glass jar and didn't like the way they taste (whatever recipe they used definitely isn't what I'm used to!).  Most stores only sell the typical brands like Heinz or other condiments in thick plastic containers. Anyone had success making their own tasty ketchup? Besides the environmental impact, just thinking about the consumption of microplastics make me disgusted.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: pachnik on September 08, 2019, 01:15:48 PM
I'm buying stuff like body lotion, skin care products from Lush.  They have their own recycling program - take back 5 of their plastic containers and they give you a free skin cream.  Then they recycle the containers and use them again.  Some of their products are also sold without packaging. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: cari8285 on September 09, 2019, 02:09:52 PM
I'm buying stuff like body lotion, skin care products from Lush.  They have their own recycling program - take back 5 of their plastic containers and they give you a free skin cream.  Then they recycle the containers and use them again.  Some of their products are also sold without packaging.

I get my skin care products from them as well! I have a few body washes (not from Lush) to finish up, but I plan on getting bar soap from them when I'm done with the body washes to avoid packaging. I'm not crazy about their prices but I just stick to essentials. I went through a period of trying every new product they came out with, but it killed me financially, lol.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on September 10, 2019, 01:53:36 PM
The babysitter was confused and made the children wash their hair with my shampoo, which she fetched from my bathroom. She did not know that I have taught them to wash their hair with Dove soap and she didn't think it smelled clean enough, I guess. Environmental Mustachian MPPs!

(I am personally considering switching to bar shampoo when this runs out... but it lasts me a VERY long time.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on September 21, 2019, 04:33:01 AM
I have been taking more random stuff to my building’s recycling area that I used to just throw don th olde trash chute.  I’m also trying to Freecycle more objects vice hauling them to my favorite thrift store.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: diapasoun on September 23, 2019, 10:02:04 AM
We've gotten rid of 15+ pieces of furniture through the local "curb economy" instead of dumping it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on September 23, 2019, 11:11:04 PM
I got a $50 off $99 grocery delivery coupon in the mail, and I was pretty sick for the past week and very tempted to use it, but decided in the end that it wasn't worth the environmental costs - I ordered from them one time before and the amount of overpackaging was outrageous. Plastic in boxes in plastic in boxes ad nauseam. I had to go to the pharmacy today so I picked up a few groceries while I was out. Brought my reusable bags and turned down a bag at the pharmacy. (Although I am annoyed at the amount of trash generated at the pharmacy anyway - for a total of four fricking pills, there's a plastic-and-foil blister pack, in a ziploc plastic bag, in a paper bag with informational papers stapled to it, plus a paper receipt, and then they want to put that in yet another plastic bag! Plastic in plastic in paper in plastic. For four pills.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on September 24, 2019, 01:46:11 PM
This weekend was the big semi-annual consignment sale, where I got most the kids' winter things second hand AND let them get out their urge to buy stupid plastic crap by spending their allowance on secondhand toys, so at least it's stupid plastic crap that was already out there in the world. (Bonus: They got a great deal.)

This morning I started a batch of yogurt in the Instant Pot using milk that came in a reusable carton and I bought ground turkey in a three-pound package to save packaging and a few bucks.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on September 25, 2019, 09:31:21 AM
* Took the e-bike to get my big kid from school
* Line dried a load of towels
* Composted food waste
* Maintained the yard with manual tools
* Breastfed and cloth diapered the baby
* Didn't purchase any beef, pork or mutton
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on September 25, 2019, 07:12:50 PM
I used up some cabbage before it went yucky, lined dried two loads of laundry and swept the floors instead of vacuuming.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: StarBright on September 26, 2019, 09:48:26 AM
I used up some cabbage before it went yucky, lined dried two loads of laundry and swept the floors instead of vacuuming.

I need to get back to line drying laundry! Ironing was taking so much time that I slowly switched to back to washer and dryer. We are doing really well on continuing to eat low meat. Kids are even starting to get used to it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on September 26, 2019, 01:14:13 PM
On my lunch walk, there was an empty grocery sack stuck to the side of a bridge. I retrieved the sack and filled it with some of the other garbage I came across.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on September 27, 2019, 01:12:46 PM
I rode my bike to the climate strike downtown.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jengod on October 01, 2019, 02:15:58 PM
I rode my bike to a doctor's appointment.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on October 01, 2019, 02:26:32 PM
I didn't ride in a car of any kind for the entire month of September.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on October 02, 2019, 03:06:10 PM
Just ordered several more pairs of Thinx.  When they arrive, I'll be able to switch entirely to reusable period products, instead of using pads as backup to my cup.  I ordered everything I think I'll need in one go to save on shipping materials (and $).  I'll donate the rest of my supply of single-use products to a women's shelter in my city.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Boofinator on October 02, 2019, 03:39:49 PM
I snuck around my office last week and raised the thermostats from 68°F to 72°F. I'm still wearing my jacket, but at least I've eliminated the possibility of frostbite.... (Plus I bike or ride the bus to the office most days of the week.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on October 09, 2019, 09:40:08 PM
I just read that above post and cringed because my apartment is currently being overheated to 72F (I don't control my own heat) and it seemed like such a terrible thing to do! But I guess you were talking about air conditioning... :-)  I wish I had a better tolerance for warm indoor temps, I find 72 very stuffy and unpleasant. I don't even start putting clothes on at home until it's down to 68 or so. (Reason #1,928 why I don't have a roommate...)

Win of the day: I hung on to that silicone zip-top bag that had a little hole in it for ages, hoping I could come up with some use for it... and today I realized it makes a perfect grippy thing for opening stuck jar lids. I was just about giving myself a stroke trying to open a factory-sealed screw-top lid and then I thought of that, tried it and it opened instantly. Score! I think if I cut it up I could make two or three of them.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: middo on October 09, 2019, 09:50:00 PM
I work as a school teacher.  I did "yard duty" today - actually patrolling a classroom building and kicking the students out into the yard.  I spent the first 10 minutes walking into each room and turning off the heaters that were often set to 30 degrees C, and turning off the lights. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: trashtalk on November 19, 2019, 08:34:09 PM
Dragged my kids on a nature walk and picked up a bag of trash while we were there.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on November 19, 2019, 09:28:18 PM
Dragged my kids on a nature walk and picked up a bag of trash while we were there.

Username checks out... :-)

I got sick last week right after a big grocery shop but managed to cook up everything and not waste all the perishable ingredients. In a previous life I might have said "fuck it" and ordered out for a couple of meals when I was sick instead of cooking. Instead I roasted a chicken and used it for chicken caesar salad, chicken fajitas, and chicken soup, plus I put a container of stock in the freezer for the next time I am sick and need soup.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on November 20, 2019, 10:17:29 AM
This isn't my win, but DH's. He's been a committed meat eater forever. After many years of me, and then ODD, gently nudging him to just try to eat a little less meat last weekend he announced he'd eaten vegetarian for an entire day.

Last week I went to take the garbage can out to the curb only to discover it was empty. That won't happen every week, but I was actually kind of shocked that it happened at all.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: StarBright on November 21, 2019, 06:48:39 PM
Subbed in Beyond Beef this week for taco night and the kids thought it was better than the usual mix (ground turkey supplemented w/ very finely diced mushrooms).

it was pretty good- but also pretty pricey.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on November 21, 2019, 06:52:43 PM
My old water heater died.  Had it replaced with a new tankless water heater.  Now water only gets heated as I use it, and there's not 40 gallons sitting around in need of constant heating 24/7 like with the old system. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on November 22, 2019, 05:05:03 PM
Walked my kids to school in the snow. Saves a tiny bit of gas and hopefully makes that their normal in life.

I did drive to work, BUT I always drive to work if I am going to the gym, and I cleverly took a too-snowy-to-bike day and made it my gym day, killing two birds with one stone.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: trashtalk on November 22, 2019, 06:35:47 PM
Picked up some bottles and cans and other trash while walking yesterday, while visiting a natural area today and on a secluded area of our street. I love detrashing!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: middo on November 22, 2019, 08:53:55 PM
Caught the train to the shops rather than drove. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on November 23, 2019, 10:25:51 AM
Walked to the hardware store instead of driving.

Changed my default search engine to Ecosia.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on November 25, 2019, 12:32:38 PM
Biked with my oldest to her orthodontist appointment last week.

Biked to the gym and then for groceries this weekend. I'm on track to bike 3700km this year. According to this calculator, I've apparently saved 0.8 metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere.

https://calculator.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx?tab=4

Apparently my usual grocery store already has Flashfood. I've been wondering what the funny shelf at the exit was about. I thought it was some kind of quick serve option, but was confused about the odd selection of available items.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on November 29, 2019, 04:45:03 PM
I had made a green bean casserole for Thanksgiving even though I am the only one who likes it who was present. (We love it in my family of origin, but my husband and kids, not so much.)

So there was a ton left and I knew I couldn't eat it all myself. Brought it to work, left a note on the fridge (written on scratch paper, of course) and it is all gone! Food waste avoided! (I work with a bunch of underpaid 20 somethings who are basically trash compactors.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on November 30, 2019, 01:37:11 AM
We've been enjoying the Thanksgiving holiday by staying home.  By Sunday I will not have gone anywhere for 5 days straight.   
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on December 05, 2019, 05:54:14 PM
I got new windows installed in my condo and they are making a huge difference already in the coziness department.  Will be using my HVAC much, much less.  I have also been using up random small toiletries and recycling the bottles as I go.  I really need to quit buying some of this shite.  So much packaging! 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on December 05, 2019, 06:13:22 PM
I brought a bag for my bulk bin snacks.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on December 05, 2019, 07:26:32 PM
Went to take the garbage to the curb this morning only to discover the bin was empty. 2nd time this has happened. It's frankly a little weird since it doesn't feel like we've changed much about how we live.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on December 07, 2019, 11:04:14 AM
@TrMama - bravo you.

Yesterday I took the train to my meeting and this morning I walked to the market.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on December 08, 2019, 06:53:28 AM
We greatly reduced meat consumption for the holidays for my family. It used to be a big meat fest with lots of beef/pork. Now there were only one fish and one meat option as main dishes. I guess the environmental impact of the meal must've been reduced by at least 75% if not more and everyone was completely content with the options offered.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on December 08, 2019, 01:57:40 PM
I picked up corporate leftovers to bring to a potluck.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on December 08, 2019, 02:10:46 PM
Biked to work and rescued some recyclables from the trash can. Also, I have successfully trained my husband to drain bacon on cut-up flour bags that I save for this purpose instead of paper towels.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Buffaloski Boris on December 08, 2019, 06:17:53 PM
Rode my bike to the gym rather than driving. 8 miles round trip.

Question for all. CFLs versus LED bulbs. Worth swapping them out?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on December 08, 2019, 08:13:55 PM
Rode my bike to the gym rather than driving. 8 miles round trip.

Question for all. CFLs versus LED bulbs. Worth swapping them out?

I just swapped out our CFLs as they died and needed to be replaced. Just make sure you get LEDs bulbs for each fixture that you'll be happy with. Those suckers last up to 20 years, so you'll have each one for a loooong time.

We've had all LEDs for a number of years now. I had a bulb die last year and my kids had no idea why the light wouldn't work or how to fix it. They were 10 and 12 at the time. It was an odd sign of the times. Pretty sure I'd changed tons of bulbs by the time I was 12.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on December 09, 2019, 02:46:08 PM
Brought my Contigo mug to the Target Starbucks. Bonus: They give you a lot more that way and it stays so hot.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: trashtalk on December 09, 2019, 03:14:25 PM
Did all yard work with manual tools; more energy from me, less energy from non-renewable fossil fuels.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Chaplin on December 09, 2019, 07:42:59 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/0ed7Cz7l.jpg)

Or maybe not.  I had a light flickering like an old school incandescent ;).  It suddenly died like one too.  And this at about 16 months.  If you see on the package they last 13 years.  Nope!

I'd still do exactly what you recommended though.  I love the LEDs.

I love LEDs too. LEDs pointing downwards can be susceptible to premature death due to overheating though if the pot has no hole at the top.

Question for all. CFLs versus LED bulbs. Worth swapping them out?

The math still says yes in most cases, but more than any other bulb type, make sure that CFLs are recycled properly. IKEA takes them back (even if not bought there) among other places.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: alewpanda on December 09, 2019, 08:45:25 PM
-- Made vegan jambalya for dinner and lunch leftovers
-- lost my reusable water bottle :( but found a giveaway one that DH got at a conference and am using it instead of buying another one
-- Decorated the tree with vintage ornaments collected over the years.  The tree was still kind of bare, so I sliced and dried a bag of oranges -- compostable Christmas decor that doesn't need storing later!
-- DH is starting a new job that will require him to go into the office rather than worling from home.  He will be able to take the bus though, and it may help reduce electricity usage (sort of?  I guess the lights will be on and running at the shared open office whether he is there or not, right?)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: stacheasaurus on December 13, 2019, 07:10:23 AM
Used chinese food containers to store corporate leftovers from a Monday lunch meeting for lunch the rest of the week!  Much less food waste, plus meals for me!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on December 13, 2019, 09:52:34 AM
Fixed my work headphones with coffee stir sticks and duct tape instead of buying a new set. I'd managed to snap the plastic over the ear part when I was adjusting them.

Wrapped presents using a combination of plain brown paper bags and wrapping paper I found for free on the side of the road last summer.

Also fixed my bike after snapping the rear axle this week. That was an easy fix though since I simply replaced the entire wheel. When the axle snapped, the hub was also damaged, plus I've ridden it enough that the rim was also pretty worn. The bike shop will recycle the old wheel for me. So I'm still riding a 10+ yo bike I bought used. I've put 3600km on it so far this year.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: dashuk on December 13, 2019, 02:02:19 PM
Switching over from using tinned chickpeas in various recipes (probably at a rate of 3-4 tins a week depending what meals we're having) to dried carlin peas.

Don't even know where UK supermarket chickpeas are grown (would guess southern Europe). Label says "produced in the UK", but that'll be cooked and canned, not grown*. Much shipping, much packaging.

Carlin peas are an old British variety and come from an organic farm about fifty miles away (although they've probably actually done a couple of hundred miles to get to us via the distributor). The small bag I bought to try out is plastic, but their bigger quantities are paper sacks.

Bit more thinking ahead to get them soaked and cooked, but otherwise a straight swap.




* I know they're not because it's only this year that someone has grown the first commercial scale crop of chickpeas in the UK. They've just come on sale through the same distributor  (https://hodmedods.co.uk/collections/chickpeas/products/british-chickpeas)we bought the carlin peas (and a big sack of UK grown green lentils) from. I'll probably buy some of those as well, because I think shifting farming to more locally grown plant protein is something to be supported.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on December 14, 2019, 10:01:29 PM
My nephew asked for an Xbox game for Chanukah, and I was able to find a local store where I could order it online and pick it up at the store. Same price as all the major online retailers and I was able to get it with no extra packaging/bag/box/receipt/etc. and no wasted delivery truck fuel. Bonus: I supported a local business instead of an international megacorp :-)  I'm going to try to do as much holiday shopping at local stores via public transit as possible.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on December 16, 2019, 08:03:06 AM
Swept and dusted the floors instead of vacuuming.   
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: EscapedApe on December 16, 2019, 01:44:29 PM
I'm never having kids. That is the single, greenest thing a person can do, because you're not leaving a footprint of carbon emissions that grows like a binary tree over generations.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on December 16, 2019, 02:20:57 PM
I'm never having kids. That is the single, greenest thing a person can do, because you're not leaving a footprint of carbon emissions that grows like a binary tree over generations.

Except that in first/second world countries, once people hit middle class, population growth drops to almost zero.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Boofinator on December 16, 2019, 02:30:23 PM
I'm never having kids. That is the single, greenest thing a person can do, because you're not leaving a footprint of carbon emissions that grows like a binary tree over generations.

I'll respectfully disagree. Having or not having kids is not a "green thing".* It's a biological imperative for the species to survive.

There are a lot of reasons one may choose for having or not having kids, but judging others for having children is as equally wrong as those who might judge people for not having kids.

*Or, if you insist that it's "the single, greenest thing", my counterargument would be that suicide is greener (and homicide even greener, and genocide even greener, and extinction the greenest). (Not making light of these concepts, just following the logic train.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on December 17, 2019, 08:51:18 AM
I booked a train ticket for my travel on Thursday.  Commuter rail won't work for a holiday lunch time.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: EscapedApe on December 17, 2019, 09:28:35 AM
I'll respectfully disagree. Having or not having kids is not a "green thing".* It's a biological imperative for the species to survive.

There are a lot of reasons one may choose for having or not having kids, but judging others for having children is as equally wrong as those who might judge people for not having kids.

*Or, if you insist that it's "the single, greenest thing", my counterargument would be that suicide is greener (and homicide even greener, and genocide even greener, and extinction the greenest). (Not making light of these concepts, just following the logic train.)

I'm mostly being facetious. I think the whole "environmentalism as a moral stance" matter is ridiculous.

People who whine about the environment, but who also have children, are hypocrites to their own cause. As you pointed out, the fact that they don't commit suicide is further indication that there are some things more important than the environment. The fact is, if someone has kids, and I do not, then my Porsche is greener than their family Prius.

People who whine about the environment, but who then demand the adoption of inferior technologies (hydro, wind, and other sources that depend upon gravitational energy) as a "substitute", are scientifically-illiterate busybodies who want to use government policy to interfere with everyone else's lives just so that they can feel better about themselves.

I don't doubt the facts about the greenhouse effect. What I am skeptical about is whatever moral imperative or government solution people try to shoehorn in along with their righteous indignation. The challenge of preserving the environment will be achieved by scientists developing better energy-generating and energy-storage technology in the laboratory, not by moral zealots.

Quote
Half the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm; but the harm does not interest them. Or they do not see it, or they justify it because they are absorbed in the endless struggle to think well of themselves. - T.S. Eliot
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: EscapedApe on December 17, 2019, 09:29:16 AM
I'm never having kids. That is the single, greenest thing a person can do, because you're not leaving a footprint of carbon emissions that grows like a binary tree over generations.

Except that in first/second world countries, once people hit middle class, population growth drops to almost zero.

So what?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on December 17, 2019, 09:52:36 AM
Don't you love it when some child with nothing better to do shows up in an internet forum, posts off-topic and openly admits to trolling, and continues to act entitled to people's time and attention? LOL

I picked up another wishlist gift for Chanukah with no bag/box/etc. via public transit, and combined five different stops into one trip (even though public transit uses minimal energy per person, it still uses some fuel to carry the weight of each person). I also picked up some things for my mom that would have been either picked up by her in a car or ordered on Amazon with all the associated packaging waste.

And when the lady at the liquor store offered to gift-wrap the bottle of wine I intended to drink immediately, I said no, even when she tried to convince me because it's free and it's fun to unwrap gifts you buy for yourself. Weird. I saved the plain paper she wrapped it in (to protect the bottle) and will draw on it and use it to wrap something for my brother, who will find it amusing.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Boofinator on December 18, 2019, 11:37:04 AM
Don't you love it when some child with nothing better to do shows up in an internet forum, posts off-topic and openly admits to trolling, and continues to act entitled to people's time and attention? LOL

Considering the only off-topic comment I see on this page is your notably ironic one, would you care to enlighten us as to which child you are intending to insult with your comment?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on December 18, 2019, 12:56:10 PM
Biked into work again today, despite some rain. Tomorrow I'm skipping the bike due to weather (this is rare for me). We're supposed to get 50-75mm of rain. For people who live in drier areas, this is what I jokingly refer to as "build and ark" amounts of rain.

On the weekend I made some vegan sausages that are supposed to resemble the apple sage Field Roast ones my daughter and I like so much. I also used some tamale corn husks I had laying around to steam them, instead of using tinfoil. The commercial ones are usually $8/4, so the homemade ones saved some cash too.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on December 18, 2019, 03:17:55 PM
It was actually Monday. But I finally got around to starting the project of cutting up scrap flannel that I have (worn out PJ pants, the leftovers from pillowcases that I converted from king to standard) into usable rags/hankies. The library has a serger!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on December 18, 2019, 04:46:16 PM
...

Edit: Escapedape is suggesting that there is no need to reduce our environmental impact, because science will magically save the day AND that we're self-important fascists for trying.

Emphasis mine.

I just finished Lindy West's new book The Witches Are Coming and a lot of it had to do with how we find ourselves in a culture where it isn't cool to care too much about anything, at least among certain segments of the population. She's making an impassioned plea for, well, not being like that.

I forgot another thing I did Monday. I finished the set of cloth napkins that I am giving my nephew for Christmas. They are made from licensed fabric because he's nine. Now he will have his very own cool set to use in his 100% cloth-napkin house. I hope that both he and my kids will grow up to be vaguely horrified by the idea of paper napkins, as they are not something they've been exposed to regularly.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: EscapedApe on December 18, 2019, 05:15:50 PM
Edit: Escapedape is suggesting that there is no need to reduce our environmental impact, because science will magically save the day AND that we're self-important fascists for trying.

I remember politicians and the media in the 80s telling us that we would be spiraling towards environmental disaster within the next ten years.

They said the same thing in the 90s.

And in the aughts.

My mum tells me they were saying it in the 60s and 70s.

And they're saying it again now. But no disaster yet. Just a lot of panicked people voting more nonsense into law.

We've banned plastic bags and straws here and there, and admonished ourselves in front of the world. Meanwhile, countries like China and India are somehow free to throw global consideration to the wind and continue at a pace which suits their them, global environmental treaties be damned.

I care what happens to the planet too - it's where I keep all my stuff.

I'll take personal steps to lower my footprint the same as anyone else. The operative idea here is that they will be personal steps. They will be voluntary. I will not use the law to twist people's arms. I will let the demand for greener solutions guide the market to providing solutions, rather than creating incentives for abuse by entrusting the whole process to elected officials.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on December 19, 2019, 03:49:12 AM
It's a sunny day, so I opened the curtains on the south facing windows as soon as the sun came up instead of turning on the heating. The house was a bit chilly at first so I put on a sweater.

I've spent this morning shining our shoes and mending our clothes so they will last us longer. Next up is altering a dress so I can wear it to a Christmas party.

I'm having leftovers from a lunch place for dinner (there's an app in my country that allows you to buy leftovers from restaurants for 1/3 of the regular price) I will either walk or bike there to pick it up, depending on the weather.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on December 19, 2019, 06:07:15 AM
Last night I had a Christmas dinner with my sports club. We had a handful of vegetarians, one vegan and one extremely complicated case of allergies. The host wanted to make seperate batches, but I stepped up and suggested a dish that would suit everyone with one minor tweak for the complicated allergy case. In the end everyone LOVED my dish (as in, literally fighting over the last bits) and we had about 25 people eat a full vegan 3 course dinner (although some desert options had dairy), being much more environmentally friendly than the original beef-heavy idea. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mountain mustache on December 19, 2019, 06:52:55 AM
I ran out of raw sugar, so I took the jar I normally store it in, and brought it to my little neighborhood health food store. Turns out they let you fill your own jars with bulk products! (most places here will not, health code or something). It was barely more expensive per pound than buying the big plastic bag at Costco, and it feels so much simpler to just empty the jar and take it back to the store and fill it back up again. They have a huge variety of bulk goods too, bulk coffee and bulk spices. I am especially excited about the spices, as my last town had an apothecary with 100s of spice jars, so I've already transitioned to 100% refilling jars with bulk spices, and I'm happy to be able to continue that now!

Also I found that we have a little eco goods type store here, and they have bulk cleaning products, toothpaste, body wash, etc. They have the laundry and dish soap I already use, so I'm stoked to be able to just refill my bottles/jars and finally stop having to recycle those giant laundry soap bottles every few months
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: diapasoun on December 19, 2019, 08:54:47 AM
The shop right next door to me has bulk sugar and spices and flours too. I love it. The spices are reasonably priced (and really good), but the bulk sugar and flour -- alas, very expensive. I still get it rather frequently because it's a 30 second walk from my house to a lovely little shop and I can just bring my glass jars instead of getting into a car and driving to a big box store to get a big paper bag of things, but one of these days I need to see if I can just order a 25 lb bag through them at wholesale price. That's what they empty into the bulk bins anyways. ;)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Boofinator on December 19, 2019, 12:52:37 PM
I'll take personal steps to lower my footprint the same as anyone else. The operative idea here is that they will be personal steps. They will be voluntary. I will not use the law to twist people's arms. I will let the demand for greener solutions guide the market to providing solutions, rather than creating incentives for abuse by entrusting the whole process to elected officials.

While I agree that personal steps are the best thing that you (or any of us) can do, they unfortunately are not the best things that society can do. This is the old tragedy of the commons, where unless everybody (or most everybody) takes the necessary steps, the status quo will not change, because there are personal economic incentives to maintaining the status quo. The most effective way to address tragedy of the commons scenarios is through government, as has been shown time and again (ozone layer hole, countless fisheries, etc.).

As for the global warming skepticism: It is understandable, for several reasons. But know this: there is a very simple physical relationship between atmospheric carbon dioxide and long-wave radiation, which results in global warming as surely as the greenhouse results in local warming*. Now, there are a lot of other variables in the global climate system that affect the details, but the main idea is an unavoidable physical truth.

(I'm sorry for going way off topic.... Feel free to PM me or start a new thread if you'd like to discuss further.)

*Consider that the Netherlands, of all places, grow tomatoes 24/7/365 with yields five times more than the next best-producing country (https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2017/09/holland-agriculture-sustainable-farming/ (https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2017/09/holland-agriculture-sustainable-farming/)).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: trashtalk on December 19, 2019, 02:58:24 PM
Riding a city bus to get to an appointment instead of taking a private car
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on December 19, 2019, 03:39:17 PM
I used a deodorant crystal rock for the first time. Felt weird to apply but seems to work.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Chaplin on December 19, 2019, 11:53:35 PM
Used a new local all-electric taxi company to get to a Christmas party rather than a regular taxi. I probably use a taxi two or three times per year, but it's nice to have a local EV-taxi option for those times.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on December 20, 2019, 03:42:56 PM
Used a new local all-electric taxi company to get to a Christmas party rather than a regular taxi. I probably use a taxi two or three times per year, but it's nice to have a local EV-taxi option for those times.

That is really cool!

I blew off the gym this AM. I had packed up the night before and everything but I woke up feeling tired and headachy and I have to pack for a trip tonight after work, and I knew I just couldn't do everything.

This is a reduction in my environmental impact because I always drive to work if I'm going to the gym--it is awkward to bike to--but since I didn't go, I biked!
Title: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: trashtalk on December 21, 2019, 12:42:51 PM
riding the bus again; very excited about the not-driving and not-parking parts
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on December 22, 2019, 06:47:13 AM
I altered a dress I already had to wear to a Christmas party tonight
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappyCheerE on December 22, 2019, 06:35:43 PM
Quote
I used a deodorant crystal rock for the first time. Felt weird to apply but seems to work.
Just started doing this too. DH has been using for years on his feet and has broken bits I was going to try re-melting into a smooth whole but instead I'm applying them myself as-is. I was only buying underarm stuff a few times a year but avoiding entirely would be great!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: imadandylion on December 23, 2019, 11:34:34 AM
Got active dry yeast from the bulk section instead of the individual packets. Bulk yeast ended up being a better buy anyway because when trying to proof three packets of active dry yeast, they were all dead.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on December 23, 2019, 01:07:20 PM
Vegan dinner last night. Biked to work this morning. Will bike to doctor appointment this afternoon where I'll switch my asthma meds to a version that doesn't use pressurized greenhouse gas as the propellant.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on December 23, 2019, 09:00:59 PM
I am visiting my boomer parents and it's all paper napkins and Ziploc bags around here, but I am TRYING. For dinner tonight I took some of the leftover roast, two half-jars of gravy,* leftover mashed potatoes from both Christmas and Thanksgiving (in the freezer), and half a bag of freezer-burned mixed veggies and I made a delicious shepherd's pie.

My mom put the leftovers in the freezer to eat after her big surgery next month, which should save a night of takeout containers, too.

*Why were there two open jars of beef gravy? I have no idea. But I used them up and put the jars in the recycling.

Unfortunately, the shredded parmesan was not salvageable. I had already dumped some of it over the mashed potatoes when i realized it was moldy, and then I had to pick off a bunch of moldy cheese.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: trashtalk on December 24, 2019, 05:35:55 PM
I finally tried Japanese-style "furoshiki" wrapping with fabric; I used a thrifted Christmas tablecloth to wrap a large-size gift for a relative.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on December 28, 2019, 07:12:04 PM
Not today, but this year I did almost all of my Christmas wrapping in re-used gift bags, or using embroidery floss instead of plastic ribbon to hold boxes closed.  I also saved all gift bags I received to pack up and use next year.  I was also happy to see that my SIL wrapped all her gifts with newspaper, and my mom used only tissue paper instead of plasticized paper.  Several people have also mentioned wrapping in fabric next year.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: mountain mustache on December 28, 2019, 07:26:55 PM
purchased mushrooms in bulk at the little health food store around the corner from my house, using a reusable produce bag. I'm sure most of you already do this, but for some reasons mushrooms have always been a thing I continue to buy in a big plastic container at Costco. They have a great deal for baby Bella mushrooms, but honestly I sometimes struggle to finish them all anyway...so I just purchased exactly what I needed to cook with tonight, and it was nice to have one less plastic container to recycle.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on December 28, 2019, 10:30:18 PM
I upcycled a bag from my pharmacy (they have a home delivery service and deliver in sturdy paperboard bags) and used it as a gift bag. I drew a menorah and other decorations on it and wrote "Happy Hanukkah!" and everyone thought it was great. :-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on December 28, 2019, 11:42:20 PM
Lowered the thermostat at my parents' house during my Christmas visit (my mom always feels warm yet refuses to lower the temp). It will probably be set back to its regular temparature in a few days though.

Also avoided a car trip by suggesting a friend we could go for a walk and stop at a local coffee place rather than driving out of town for a coffee (why would one want that?!).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: OmahaSteph on January 02, 2020, 10:37:21 AM
Used an Amazon gift card to buy a set of travel cutlery (actually, two sets came in one neoprene carry bag). Keeping them at work so I don't need to grab plasticware out of the kitchen.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on January 02, 2020, 02:54:33 PM
I've started shutting down my computers (the public desk, if I am at it, plus my personal workstation) when I leave work for the night.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on January 02, 2020, 09:19:59 PM
Rode to an appointment with a friend, then rode the electric streetcar and walked the rest of the way home (3 miles).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on January 03, 2020, 10:36:35 AM
This is a small thing, but I finally ran through my Costco sized box of tea bags. This means I've been able to switch to loose tea. I can't believe how much better the basic Earl Gray from Bulk Barn tastes. I wasn't expecting that, so it actually feels like a big upgrade. Plus, now the used tea is fully compostable and I'm not generating plastic teabag waste.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: LWYRUP on January 05, 2020, 10:31:16 AM
I selected Wednesday as our Amazon Prime shipping day.

I can be patient enough to wait a couple days to increase the likelihood that packages get shipped together in one box, reducing packaging waste, and to increase the likelihood that packages come via ground rather than air.

(https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebanker/2019/10/09/be-good-to-the-earth-ship-using-my-amazon-delivery-day/#3f21535fa36c (https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebanker/2019/10/09/be-good-to-the-earth-ship-using-my-amazon-delivery-day/#3f21535fa36c))
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on January 05, 2020, 02:11:21 PM
I selected Wednesday as our Amazon Prime shipping day.

I can be patient enough to wait a couple days to increase the likelihood that packages get shipped together in one box, reducing packaging waste, and to increase the likelihood that packages come via ground rather than air.

(https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebanker/2019/10/09/be-good-to-the-earth-ship-using-my-amazon-delivery-day/#3f21535fa36c (https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebanker/2019/10/09/be-good-to-the-earth-ship-using-my-amazon-delivery-day/#3f21535fa36c))

I've been doing this, too! Bonus: I switched my Amazon Delivery Day to the weekday when I don't work to decrease my risk of porch pirates.

So far it hasn't helped much, but one can hope. I did notice that the all-plastic bubble wrap mailers can be recycled where you drop off plastic bags at the grocery store, so minor win.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: draco44 on January 05, 2020, 06:42:26 PM
The inner cooking pot of my rice cooker eventually started peeling like crazy after a decade of use, even using only the plastic rice scoop rather than metal utensils. Instead of buying a whole new rice cooker, I contacted the manufacturer and had them mail me a replacement inner pot (I paid shipping). So I saved the cooker itself and the lid from the garbage.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: diapasoun on January 06, 2020, 11:56:08 AM
My partner and I have been turning the heat off completely at night, since we're snug under the covers in bed.

Also opening all the blinds in the morning and closing them at night.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: gatortator on January 06, 2020, 01:23:38 PM
I have made it the entire year now with making and using my own sugar wax for hair removal.  Yeah-  less to plastic to buy and store in the bathroom.

because of waxing,  I have been able to switch to Tom's from the previous Clinical Strength deo.  good stepping stone towards being able to make my own or use the crystal.  I am really excited by this.

onto the 2020 challenge-- toothpaste-- make my own.  If any has a recipe they like, let me know.  I will be experimenting month to month with this one.  See what works.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on January 06, 2020, 05:04:19 PM
I bought loose mushrooms instead of pre-packaged.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on January 06, 2020, 05:25:39 PM
I shoveled the snow off the driveway by hand.  It was nice and sunny so not only was there no snow, the asphalt dried up and doesn't need salt.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MonkeyJenga on January 07, 2020, 01:17:22 AM
I picked up a bunch of items from BN: food, a backpack, party supplies, a card wallet. I walked everywhere.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on January 07, 2020, 07:17:43 AM
I booked our family vacation last night.   We will be traveling by train.   It is going to be way less stressful than driving and flying.   We can walk to the station from our house. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on January 07, 2020, 07:29:46 AM
Has anyone tried these bamboo toothbrushes: https://us.toothcrush.com/?  I'm trying to decide if it's worth the added cost - I currently get my toothbrushes at BJ's, but there's so much packaging and I know we don't change out our toothbrushes often enough.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: trashtalk on January 07, 2020, 09:18:45 AM
Has anyone tried these bamboo toothbrushes: https://us.toothcrush.com/?  I'm trying to decide if it's worth the added cost - I currently get my toothbrushes at BJ's, but there's so much packaging and I know we don't change out our toothbrushes often enough.

We pay a premium for paper-wrapped toilet paper and bamboo toothbrushes. We can afford the price difference and I'm glad to do it. We compost all the TP rolls and wrappers in our home compost system. The toothbrushes are a pain because I have to cut the heads off (the bristles are non-compostable) and then we put them in the city green bin. (Bamboo composts slowly.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on January 07, 2020, 01:31:11 PM
Has anyone tried these bamboo toothbrushes: https://us.toothcrush.com/?  I'm trying to decide if it's worth the added cost - I currently get my toothbrushes at BJ's, but there's so much packaging and I know we don't change out our toothbrushes often enough.

We pay a premium for paper-wrapped toilet paper and bamboo toothbrushes. We can afford the price difference and I'm glad to do it. We compost all the TP rolls and wrappers in our home compost system. The toothbrushes are a pain because I have to cut the heads off (the bristles are non-compostable) and then we put them in the city green bin. (Bamboo composts slowly.)

I have been wondering about the relative merits of recycled plastic toothbrushes vs. bamboo. Both are available at Sprouts. Does anyone have thoughts?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on January 08, 2020, 03:17:00 PM
I continue to walk always in my neighbourhood.  It's good for the mind, body and the environment. 

I packed up some plastic bags in my cupboard as they were getting overwhelming and put them with my camping stuff.  In the summer I'll pack up all our backcountry supplies in these super study bags with ready made zip locks. 

I may start using these bags to freeze beans too as they are a bit easier in the freezer to cram places.  However, they have no window like glass so I'm torn.  I also like thawing in glass and this way I'd have to chunk off frozen and sometimes it's one big clump...although I do drain off the juices. 

Question - do anyone do a good job of storing their veggie stock for later and any tips and techniques??

I just freeze it in Costco-size re-purposed jam jars. I leave plenty of head space and don't put the cap on until after freezing. I also have a couple of #5 plastic containers that used to contain soup from Chinese takeout, which are also ideal for the purpose.

I did once have a jar break after freezing. I just ran the thawed soup through a coffee filter to make sure there was no glass in it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HappyCheerE on January 12, 2020, 03:59:40 PM
Instead of buying laundry detergent, I use the Simple Dollar's recipe (https://www.thesimpledollar.com/save-money/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/). I gather up random bits of leftover/broken/hotel/etc. bar soap, and we're only halfway through the boxes of borax and washing soda I bought more than a decade ago. I mix it in a recycled biscotti container and decant into a re-used jug. No extra plastic to recycle, no transportation (esp. of water, which is heavy!), it's low-suds, fun to make, and it also saves a ton of money!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Chaplin on January 13, 2020, 10:25:41 AM
Visited the new local Zero Waste Emporium so we can plan what items to no longer buy in their own packaging. I was impressed with the selection and hope that this can complement what we’re already doing.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on January 13, 2020, 02:34:12 PM
I rode my bike to Sprouts instead of driving, where I bought milk in reusable jugs, then came home and started a batch of yogurt in the Instant Pot with the aforementioned milk.

I bought unpackaged broccoli and green onions, but the blueberries were in a clamshell and the meat was in styrofoam. I should lobby them for self-tare machines and more bulk meat.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: diapasoun on January 13, 2020, 05:37:58 PM
Got split peas, marjoram, etc in bulk in my reusable containers (old pickle jars and tiny Tupperwares). Huzzah!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on January 15, 2020, 10:43:36 AM
Switched from liquid soap to bar soap in the bathrooms. Keeping liquid soap in the kitchen because blech.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: trashtalk on January 20, 2020, 03:08:41 PM
Worked on propagating our native oak and walnut species in hopes of creating a healthier local ecosystem.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on January 20, 2020, 03:46:26 PM
Switched from liquid soap to bar soap in the bathrooms.

I recently did this too!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on January 21, 2020, 01:22:24 PM
OK, it was a few days ago, but I set up a recurring donation to the National Forest Foundation for tree planting.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on January 21, 2020, 02:24:35 PM
I made pickled beets with leftover beets from a dinner a couple of nights ago.  And I figured, since I was cooking some of the beets in the instant pot, I might as well cook the whole bag.  Unfortunately they came in a plastic bag.  But they were local Ontario grown.  And they were cheap - 2kg for around $3.  That is a lot of nutrition.  So now we can take a good long time to eat them.  We have already had them for dinner three times and everyone is getting tired of beets every night.

I swept the floors instead of vacuuming.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on February 12, 2020, 01:36:15 PM
I found some floss!  Yay!

Radius organic floss, found at Sprouts, probably also available at Natural Grocers or Whole Foods.  It's made of silk waxed with candelilla plant wax and is biodegradable, comes in a cardboard package, and doesn't have a spool, as far as I can tell.  I've been looking for a while, but the only biodegradable flosses I've found until now are all only available online, which = shipping and packaging, or are sold in plastic wrap, which defeats the purpose for me. 

I'm pretty excited :)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on February 12, 2020, 02:16:53 PM
Thanks a lot for that tip. I floss every day but somehow it never occurred to me to wonder what floss was made of :-/ Next time I have to stock up I'll remember that.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on February 12, 2020, 02:37:54 PM
I've been paying more attention to close the window when turning on the heat. My house is already poorly enough insulated by itself (and as I renter I can't do much about it) so I don't need to make it even worse by letting the freshly warmed up air out again.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on February 12, 2020, 02:44:46 PM
I am wearing a toque instead of turning up the heat
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on February 12, 2020, 04:44:19 PM
@chaskavitch, I will have to look for that floss and see if I can stand it. I'm kinda picky.

Last time I was at my Sprouts, I bought one bamboo toothbrush and one made from recycled yogurt cups. Thoughts a bout which one is better environment-wise are welcome.

In other news, I finally got my thermostat programmed so that the heat turns itself down when we're all out of the house during the day. That happened because my nine-year-old was messing with the thermostat and somehow accidentally got it to the setting screen--which turned out to be super intuitive. I hadn't gotten around to looking for the manual.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on February 14, 2020, 07:26:13 AM
I went to a meeting last night with our elected officials.  Made my feelings known.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on February 14, 2020, 10:50:47 PM
So far this year, I've read Beth Terry's book on reducing waste and another book called F*ck Plastic. Discovered you can compost tissues and cotton swabs. Which shouldn't have taken a book to tell me, but I know now!
I've been buying more items from the bulk store. Also learned to use my phone's note app to write down the numbers for bulk bin items instead of using the paper ties.
I am working on mending a sweater instead of buying a new one. Next I'm on the hunt for the perfect (secondhand) flannel shirt.
Have started doing puzzles as a hobby. They can be passed on an reused a number of times.
Going to try newspaper for picking up dog poop instead of plastic bags.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on February 15, 2020, 10:13:26 AM
Biked to work even though coooold and still some icy patches.

Okay, we got takeout last night. We are humans! BUT it was Chipotle. The wrappers from our burritos we will have to toss, but I saved the paper kids' meal trays and the paper bag it all came in for our municipal compost.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on February 15, 2020, 11:52:21 AM
Mended pajamas and a sweater. Hung two loads of laundry to dry instead of electric drying.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: trashtalk on February 15, 2020, 02:17:20 PM
Went to the native plant nursery and bought a dozen seedlings and starts for landscape plants that will feed the local bugs and birds.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on February 16, 2020, 05:34:09 AM
I started some catnip seeds indoors for my furry husbands.  Plants are cool. I also started 2 pots with cherry tomato seeds indoors. 

I’m sending a box of clothing to ThredUP to recycle/reuse.  I also am donating a trunk full of books and housewares to my local charity thrift store this week. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: OtherJen on February 16, 2020, 07:23:43 PM
Just signed up for a CSA half-share. From May through October, we will get locally grown, chemical fertilizer/artificial pesticide-free produce directly from the farmer every week. Healthier for us, for the farmers, and the earth.

(Yes, we could grow our own but have had limited success in the past.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on February 16, 2020, 08:55:27 PM
Took transit instead of taxis on a day when I was sorely tempted (L train weekend maintenance schedule, plus I injured my foot someone injured my foot for me on the way there). Four trains and a bus and a mile of walking instead of burning extra fossil fuels.

Stopped at the grocery store on the way home and decided to make a vegetarian batch cook this week. (Would be vegan except I'd rather use up chicken stock from the freezer than buy vegetable stock... I don't currently have any veggie scraps to make it homemade.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on February 17, 2020, 04:10:40 AM
Hosted a potluck dinner with neighbours and used dishes  and cloth napkins instead of disposables.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Beardog on February 17, 2020, 12:46:27 PM
To conserve water while bathing:

Apply soap to underarms before getting in shower.

Use hand held shower head to fill bucket with cold water while I'm waiting for warm water to arrive.  Cold water collected in bucket is used to flush toilet.  (Applying the "if it's yellow, let it mellow" philosophy, I only flush solid waste immediately.  Generally I collect liquid waste and flush once a day.)  Wash only 'critical areas' most days with full shower about every 5 days or so.  Every other day just wet down my short hair to make it presentable rather than using with soap.  Use glycerin soap on body and head - no shampoo.

Use control on shower head to turn water off while washing my hair.  For a part time office rat, this level of hygiene is perfectly adequate.  And I don't have as much dry skin b/c I'm not constantly soaping my entire body.  And I save water.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Miss Stachio on February 26, 2020, 10:45:10 AM
Walked to work, saved food scraps for the community compost, eating plant-based meals, wrote a letter to city representatives to support bicycling infrastructure.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: tawyer on February 26, 2020, 10:28:13 PM
Took tupperware to work to save leftovers from catered lunch instead of using disposable to-go box.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on February 27, 2020, 07:07:39 AM
Made a vegetarian dinner last night.  Hung a load of laundry to dry in the house.  Shoveled the drive instead of using a plowing service.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: gatortator on February 27, 2020, 09:00:11 AM
taught a group of kids the 7 principles of Leave No Trace.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Miss Stachio on February 27, 2020, 12:23:14 PM
Finished reading Inconspicuous Consumption (borrowed from the library). Will be participating in freecycling much more, and being more cognizant of the impact of clothing purchases.

Earlier this year, I saved a floor lamp from a friend who was moving away and brought it into work. Now the glaring overhead lights are off and my office is lit by the LED in the lamp. The computer and other electronics are plugged into a power strip that I turn off every night when I leave.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on February 27, 2020, 12:52:58 PM
My general cycle of clothing goes something like:

But something new and durable.
Wear it till it rips, has holes, etc...
Put it in my rag box and use it as a rag.
Throw it away after it's too ratty to use as a rag.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on February 28, 2020, 04:15:02 PM
Had a craving for that gross sweetened 7-11 iced coffee (don't judge, I have reasons). I emptied out the travel mug that I normally use for water and brought that to save the plastic cup and straw. And I walked there.

Yesterday, I mended LB's new onesie pajamas. Infuriatingly, considering he had only worn it a handful of times, the zipper had come unstitched and the pull kept falling off. I reinstalled it and sewed up the bottom so it will stay in place now.

Fortunately, he does not seem to have noticed that it is a smidge crooked now...
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: JLR on February 28, 2020, 07:38:55 PM
Our daughter works in a cafe. On Saturdays they throw out most of the food left at the end of the day (which is 12:30pm). Except on the days she works she brings home all the leftovers. So, I ate a leftover pulled pork and caramelised onion pepita roll, even though she has brought home so many of the last few years that I am tired of eating them.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on February 29, 2020, 04:06:41 PM
I doused my bathroom floorboards with a white vinegar concoction to get rid of the ants I’ve been seeing.  Then I did some laundry with a small dash of 365 Brand detergent without using the extra rinse function.  I’m trying to make a concerted effort to use less toothpaste, detergent, whatevs because I tend to be...heavy handed with soap substances!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on February 29, 2020, 08:13:36 PM
I saw a big bag of plastic recycling that had somehow gotten way out into the street (in the bus lane on a major avenue in Manhattan). It hadn't been run over yet so I ran out and grabbed it and carried it to a nearby restaurant that had put some trash and recycling out for pickup, and left it in their recycling pile. I figured it it got hit by a bus it would end up scattered and wrecked and degrade into the environment, or get thrown in the trash at best.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Miss Stachio on March 02, 2020, 06:33:56 AM
Bicycled 18 miles round trip for a meeting across town and got to enjoy the sun and flowers starting to bloom. Repaired a pair of jeans that were starting to rip along the inner seam. Saved water from washing veggies and boiling pasta to water plants. Used the hay box method to make a batch of lentils and veggie broth (from veggie scraps). Vacuumed and wiped the dust from the condenser coils behind/under the fridge.

Found some of these tips interesting:  www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/29/50-ways-to-green-up-your-life-save-the-planet
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: gaja on March 04, 2020, 09:12:35 AM
I'm part of a project that tries to remove barriers between those in public administration who work with climate, and the rest of society. As part of this, we have tried establishing a forum for discussing ideas and sharing policy ideas and tools. But we are not seeing a lot of activity. Could you please have a look, maybe test posting there, and give me som feedback on what we are doing wrong?

https://pentahelix.eu/climate-forum-7/
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on March 04, 2020, 12:32:06 PM
Brought my lunch to work in a glass jar that used to contain Better than Bullion, because I have been putting off buying more dedicated containers.

The lunch in question was not actually made with Better than Bullion, though--it used up the turkey broth that has been sitting in my freezer since Thanksgiving. Win!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Miss Stachio on March 05, 2020, 09:01:16 AM
Walked to work. Spot cleaned a small spill on a pair of pants instead of running a quarter load of laundry. Used up some herbs that were getting wilty in a quick chickpea salad. Started planting seeds in the container garden.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on March 06, 2020, 04:41:59 PM
Coronavirus is not helping my carbon footprint! I've been Clorox wiping the shared desks at work, for instance, nad all that hand-washing (at work) involves paper towels. BUT instead of using some kind of specially-purchased device or disposable wipes for my phone, I mixed up rubbing alcohol and water in an old jam jar. I can dip a reusable microfiber cloth in it to disinfect my cellphone.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: gatortator on March 08, 2020, 09:15:49 AM
so soy milk...   my family likes it fine but I stopped buying it because of packaging.   however if I make either soy milk or soy milk powder, I would remove this issue.  has anyone here made their own?  any tips or tricks?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GreenToTheCore on March 08, 2020, 11:18:48 AM
all that hand-washing (at work) involves paper towels.

Funny little video on how to minimize paper towels after washing hands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FMBSblpcrc&vl=en (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FMBSblpcrc&vl=en)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Hirondelle on March 08, 2020, 11:25:47 AM
I got toothbrushes from recycled plastic for the first time (also no plastic packaging!).

The regular store also had bamboo brushes, but as the recycled-plastic brand was on sale I went with these ones for now.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: HPstache on March 08, 2020, 12:17:15 PM
Has anyone successfully canceled phone book delivery?  I swear we get a new one 2 or more times a year which is ridiculous.   I have not used a phone book in multiple decades.  How do I get off this list of environmental tragedy?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Staunch Aim on March 08, 2020, 03:49:19 PM
Biked to both the Goodwill and ARC thrift stores looking for flatware.  There were forks and knives aplenty, but not a spoon to be found.  Biked to the dollar where I found spoons.

I have my theories on the used spoon shortage (it's not the best part of town).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MyAlterEgoIsTaller on March 08, 2020, 08:46:55 PM
This weekend I didn't drive anywhere, buy anything, or create any trash except compostable food scraps.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on March 09, 2020, 09:43:33 AM
Lined dried three loads of bed linens. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Miss Stachio on March 09, 2020, 12:07:47 PM
Has anyone successfully canceled phone book delivery?  I swear we get a new one 2 or more times a year which is ridiculous.   I have not used a phone book in multiple decades.  How do I get off this list of environmental tragedy?

Wow, I haven't gotten a phone book for the last 10 years. I did call the local news organization that sponsors the free weekly advertising 'paper' which has all the coupons and supermarket ads to tell them to take me off the mailing list. They said they would but it might take a while. It's been a month and I'm still getting the adverts so maybe I need to call again.

This weekend I biked to get groceries, bringing my own bags and panniers. I also biked to go birding. The data collected helps organizations evaluate the state of health of the bird population, and the state of the local ecosystem. While I was birding, I stopped to listen to a mockingbird cycle through its songs, mimicking seagulls, song sparrows, cardinals, and even a car alarm. A few other people saw me watching the bird and stopped to marvel at it as well. That was cool. On the flip side, this year's reported spring migrant birds and chick sightings are all earliest on record for the area...
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: gatortator on March 09, 2020, 12:09:03 PM
Has anyone successfully canceled phone book delivery?  I swear we get a new one 2 or more times a year which is ridiculous.   I have not used a phone book in multiple decades.  How do I get off this list of environmental tragedy?

try using https://www.catalogchoice.org
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: lexde on March 09, 2020, 12:42:39 PM
• Ate no meat.
• Working our tonight on a used stationary (commercial grade) bike after having canceled my gym membership - less driving, less demand, and certainly cheaper.
• Brewed my own tea (no extra plastic) for Arnold Palmers with dinner.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Staunch Aim on March 10, 2020, 07:41:25 PM
Hung my laundry to dry.
Reused water from cooking rice to cook oatmeal.
Pressure cooked some beans instead of opening a can.


Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Miss Stachio on March 16, 2020, 08:55:09 AM
Saved water from heating up shower water for watering plants. Biked to drop off compost and bring home some soil to start seedlings.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Serendip on March 16, 2020, 09:14:35 AM
Saved water from heating up shower water for watering plants. Biked to drop off compost and bring home some soil to start seedlings.

Oh that's a great idea to catch the shower water--I'll do this too!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: lazycow on March 16, 2020, 11:11:46 PM
Fished a box of old chargers and cables out of the rubbish bin (bad husband!) and dropped them off at our e-waste recycling centre on the way home from other errands.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: middo on March 17, 2020, 12:43:44 AM
Worked from home, so no petrol burnt today.  Looks like I may be doing it for a while, which is fine with me.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on March 27, 2020, 11:28:51 PM
Spent some of my quarantine time cleaning up a local creek. I filled up one bag of trash and one of recyleables, putting them in the correct receptacles.
Put cotton fabrics scraps and cardboard in my compost bin to balance out greens & browns. Learned that Bausch & Lomb will accept contact lenses and the packaging for recycling! https://www.biotrueonedaylenses.com/one-by-one-recycling
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on March 28, 2020, 05:22:53 AM
I have been helping organize cloth mask-making groups in New York.  I think that soon wearing masks in public will be a fact of life for ordinary people. Though eventually industry will catch up to making enough disposable masks for medical facilities, the rest of us should be using reusable masks.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on March 28, 2020, 04:48:42 PM
Because I haven’t really worn clothing this week in self isolation I decided my laundry could wait until I’m off again.  I’m trying to wait until the loads are larger for a more efficient use of my washer and water supply. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on March 28, 2020, 05:28:12 PM
Cleaned my oven today. I started with a can of commercial oven cleaner that I've had for years, the kind that's so poisonous that I need to have the windows open and wear gloves. It didn't do a very good job, though I followed the the directions exactly.
I tried regular dish soap (I have a biodegradable kind) and it worked! I slathered on the soap with a bit of water on an 'unpaper towel' and a sponge. Let it sit for a few minutes, then got a bucket of water to rinse the towel and SCRUBBED. It looks brand new and the by products are safe enough to dump in the yard. (Next time I clean it, since this time had oven cleaner residue.) The can of poison is off to the chemical waste recycling. No more spraying that stuff in my house!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on March 31, 2020, 08:13:07 AM
Laundry on the line again.
Lots of cooking at home
We are really working on reducing food waste.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Miss Stachio on April 10, 2020, 04:59:32 PM
Used baking soda to clean the bathroom sink, tub, and toilet. Planted more seeds in the garden. Snipped some escaped vines that are choking the neighborhood trees.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BECABECA on April 10, 2020, 05:11:39 PM
Started a compost pile!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: trashtalk on April 10, 2020, 09:39:42 PM
* Walked (instead of driving) to the ATM and a small local market to pick up coffee beans, flour, yeast and some treats for the kids for Easter.

* Got out our box of hollow wooden Easter eggs--we will use these for a backyard egg hunt on Sunday and then they are storable and reusable for next year
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BuffaloStache on April 13, 2020, 07:29:26 AM
I feel like I've done a lot since being on a "stay-at-Home Order" during this Pandemic, but the biggest by far is going 100% remote at work. I *hides my head in shame* drive ~56 mi (90 km) round trip per day to and from work, something In loathe but do so that my family can live in a centralized location and my wife can minimize her commute (& actually use public transport a lot). I've easily not-driven 100's of miles due to working from home.

Another thought is that before this pandemic I tried to work at least ~one day per week at home. I'm hopeful I can stretch that to ~2 days per week when this is all over.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: ZsaZsa on April 13, 2020, 07:47:29 AM
Working from home three days a week.
Digging dandelions out of the yard, rather than spraying them with toxic chemicals.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: diapasoun on April 13, 2020, 12:02:56 PM
Our freezer is fuller than normal (not packed, but full), which is a nice bonus to freezer efficiency.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: screwit on April 17, 2020, 12:45:18 AM
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MrGrossGoatee on April 17, 2020, 01:43:15 AM
Well, this is kind of the opposite, but I hadn't driven my car for about two weeks before today, when I went to get groceries. Hopefully the two weeks buy me a few bragging points....
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on April 17, 2020, 05:53:50 AM
I made a nearly vegetarian meal - and using a lot of the ingredients from last season's garden.  I have been storing potatoes, garlic and onions in the cold cellar.  The onion supply is exhausted but potatoes and garlic are still holding out.  Although both are trying to grow.  Somehow they know it is almost spring.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: diapasoun on April 17, 2020, 10:36:29 AM
Foraging! Miner's lettuce and three cornered leek.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Miss Stachio on April 18, 2020, 08:45:33 AM
Foraging is so fun! The chickweed is getting nice and juicy now too. Darned the heels of some nice fluffy wool socks and now they are good as new.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on April 21, 2020, 06:32:04 PM
Stasher bags are having a 25% off sale on their website, so I decided to buy a few of their larger size bags. I've been using a few single-use plastic freezer bags recently because I'm trying to keep a bigger stockpile of food in the freezer in case I get sick, and I didn't have enough reusable containers for that plus my day-to-day use for leftovers etc. This should help a lot.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: LWYRUP on April 24, 2020, 10:09:39 AM
Stasher bags are having a 25% off sale on their website, so I decided to buy a few of their larger size bags. I've been using a few single-use plastic freezer bags recently because I'm trying to keep a bigger stockpile of food in the freezer in case I get sick, and I didn't have enough reusable containers for that plus my day-to-day use for leftovers etc. This should help a lot.

I don't see any sale pricing.  These seem cool and I do always feel bad about using ziploc bags.  But they are pricey, I might get them for 25% off what I'm seeing now but it would take a lot of uses for them to be cost effective based on current pricing. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on April 24, 2020, 10:56:33 AM
Stasher bags are having a 25% off sale on their website, so I decided to buy a few of their larger size bags. I've been using a few single-use plastic freezer bags recently because I'm trying to keep a bigger stockpile of food in the freezer in case I get sick, and I didn't have enough reusable containers for that plus my day-to-day use for leftovers etc. This should help a lot.

I don't see any sale pricing.  These seem cool and I do always feel bad about using ziploc bags.  But they are pricey, I might get them for 25% off what I'm seeing now but it would take a lot of uses for them to be cost effective based on current pricing.

Yeah, the sale is over now. I think it was for Earth Day.

This thread isn't about money savings, it's about reducing your environmental impact. I didn't buy them with the expectation of making my money back - I bought them in the hope I would keep hundreds of plastic bags out of the landfill.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: LWYRUP on April 24, 2020, 11:32:55 AM
Stasher bags are having a 25% off sale on their website, so I decided to buy a few of their larger size bags. I've been using a few single-use plastic freezer bags recently because I'm trying to keep a bigger stockpile of food in the freezer in case I get sick, and I didn't have enough reusable containers for that plus my day-to-day use for leftovers etc. This should help a lot.

I don't see any sale pricing.  These seem cool and I do always feel bad about using ziploc bags.  But they are pricey, I might get them for 25% off what I'm seeing now but it would take a lot of uses for them to be cost effective based on current pricing.

Yeah, the sale is over now. I think it was for Earth Day.

This thread isn't about money savings, it's about reducing your environmental impact. I didn't buy them with the expectation of making my money back - I bought them in the hope I would keep hundreds of plastic bags out of the landfill.

Understood, but there are so many free and cheap ways to reduce your environmental impact, so I tend to prioritize those pre-FIRE.   But I applaud your efforts and hopefully I can snag some next time there's a sale.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on April 26, 2020, 08:04:07 PM
Refashioned a shirt from the ragbag into a wearable shirt again. The larger scraps went back into the ragbag for another project. The tiny scraps and threads go to the compost pile, as they are 100% cotton.

Brought home another bag of leftover vegetables from work to turn into a delicious sauce or soup.

Picked up pinecones for a craft project using scrap paper and old candle wax--firestarters for the firepit where we burn the chopped-up Christmas tree branches and fallen tree limbs.  Googled campfire food and learned you can cook pizza on an open fire!

Cut open plastic packaging to use as dog poop picker-uppers.

Borrowed a book from a friend that I will return when I'm done with it instead of buying new.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on April 30, 2020, 02:30:34 PM
I am knitting socks for myself. Hand-knitted socks are more comfortable and don't wear out as fast as machine-knitted socks and when they eventually do they are easier to mend. Plus most of my sock yarn was inherited.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on April 30, 2020, 06:22:16 PM
Found a gimme tote bag in the hall closet. With some judicious cutting and minimal sewing, I now have an over-the-shoulder messenger bag. I had a metal snap in my notions stash, so didn't have to buy anything. I'll try it out next week on my first bike commute!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on May 07, 2020, 09:40:36 PM
Last weekend my son wanted to paint his very small bedroom (it's not even eight by twelve). We did the whole thing with a single gallon of paint, even though Ace Hardware's Benjamin Moore machine was broken and we had gotten some awful store brand stuff. There was a tiny bit left over, which I have stored in an old jam jar in case we need to touch something up later.

Bonus: Also saved the $35 another gallon would have cost us!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MasterStache on May 08, 2020, 06:00:04 AM
Last weekend my son wanted to paint his very small bedroom (it's not even eight by twelve). We did the whole thing with a single gallon of paint, even though Ace Hardware's Benjamin Moore machine was broken and we had gotten some awful store brand stuff. There was a tiny bit left over, which I have stored in an old jam jar in case we need to touch something up later.

Bonus: Also saved the $35 another gallon would have cost us!
I know it's expensive but I love Benjamin Moore paint. I've done a lot of painting and it definitely ranks at the top of my list in terms of quality. In fact I am painting the new doors and trim I am installing in our house with the Benjamin Moore Advance. Used it on our cabinets a few years ago and still going strong. Dries hard as a rock, extremely durable and is easy to wipe. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MasterStache on May 08, 2020, 06:01:53 AM
Hopped on the bike today and hauled some recycling up to the recycle containers a few miles away. It was a beautiful day as well.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: LWYRUP on May 09, 2020, 12:05:07 PM
After turning a bunch of lights off around the house (in the middle of the day, with blinds closed), I showed my bigger kids (6 and 4) a youtube video for kids about climate change.

I figured that was more effective than just hectoring them to turn out the lights.   

After the video, the kids agreed, because they like playing in the snow. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Sugaree on May 09, 2020, 03:41:05 PM
I planted a tree this morning. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: lazycow on May 16, 2020, 06:09:35 AM
Used my wee wipes (so much softer and nicer than tp) and convinced a friend to make some too. Everyone else in our respective families is horrified and revolted, hahaha.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on May 17, 2020, 01:14:09 PM
Brought back our road trip detritus instead of throwing it away at various gas stations or whatever. Most of it was recyclable or compostable.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: ZsaZsa on May 17, 2020, 05:52:04 PM
Hung Mr. Z's overalls to dry, used up the last of the lentils and brown rice to make a vegetarian casserole recipe I found in the Tightwad Gazette. Using the ceiling fans and open windows to cool, trying to put off the use of the air conditioner as long as possible. Have only used the car twice a week since March, only on Monday and Friday when I have to go to the office for half a day. I keep an ongoing errand list so I can do whatever needs done on my way home from work.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on May 21, 2020, 08:40:28 AM
a load of whites is on the line.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on May 21, 2020, 08:50:43 PM
Used my wee wipes (so much softer and nicer than tp) and convinced a friend to make some too. Everyone else in our respective families is horrified and revolted, hahaha.

Read about wee wipes here yesterday, looked them up online, made some from scrap flannel last night and am now a convert.
Thank you @lazycow

I had read about these ages ago, but couldn't quite get there. With the crazy TP hoarding, I decided it was time. I had plenty of scrap flannel and thread. Whipped up a batch of two dozen, and it has really stretched my TP stash! I just toss them in the wash with other clothes. I figure it has lowered my TP use by 4x, at least.

Brought home more food scraps from work to make sauces with.

I'm quite proud of my little garden, made from formerly rock-hard clay 'flower beds' that were terribly neglected, full of weeds and a few surviving decorative shrubs. With some leaf mold, compost, and some seeds, I have flourishing little garden! Most of the plants are from my compost pile or seeds I'd saved from foods I like to eat. I bought the leaf mold and tools locally on FB, too.

Mended one of my SO's shirts, for the second time.

We had some obsolete materials at work that my boss told me to toss. I took them to our corporate office since I needed to go anyway, and tossed them into the shred/recycle bin instead of the trash. (No recycling for paper products at that particular jobsite, but there is a wide range of recycling at CO.) An entire copy paper box of old paper that will be reused instead of going to the landfill.

Went through my craft supplies and organized them better. Now I realize that I have a ton of supplies for one hobby that I've been neglecting, and used some cardboard packing materials to make a project for another hobby. It got my creative juices flowing for ways to use the stuff I have instead of getting more.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: diapasoun on May 21, 2020, 08:57:36 PM
I made supports for my tomatoes and pole beans from bamboo sticks that a neighbor was throwing away after trimming their bamboo, plus a little cotton thread I already had.

Making sure to eat the loquats on the tree out front.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: middo on May 21, 2020, 09:12:41 PM
Stopped burning natural gas for heating.  Our wood burning slow combustion heater was installed.  I'm sooooo happy.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on May 22, 2020, 06:02:15 AM
Our additional insulation meant that we used 19% less natural gas in April 2020 than April 2019.  And it was colder.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on May 22, 2020, 09:11:44 AM
I try to bring back one or two pieces of recyclable littler every time my husband and I are out walking, and put it in our recycling bin.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on May 23, 2020, 11:42:05 AM
I have started a serious veggie patch for the first time this year. Most of the wood for the raised beds was reclaimed and I am using water from the rain barrel. So far things are going great!

I'm also spending more time than ever mending and altering clothing because I lost nearly 12 lbs since the start of the lockdown. Plus I fit into my old pair of jeans again so I don't have to buy a new one (I didn't have a pair that fit anymore, I wear skirts most of the time but I like to have at least one pair of trousers). It's fairly worn but it will last the summer. Same goes for my summer shoes - I have 2 pairs that look terrible but will last for another couple of months. For the very few formal occasions I'll have I can just wear my work shoes (black pumps).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: draco44 on May 23, 2020, 07:38:32 PM
I taught someone (over Zoom) how to sew a button back onto a shirt.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: lazycow on May 23, 2020, 10:48:09 PM
Used my wee wipes (so much softer and nicer than tp) and convinced a friend to make some too. Everyone else in our respective families is horrified and revolted, hahaha.

Read about wee wipes here yesterday, looked them up online, made some from scrap flannel last night and am now a convert.
Thank you @lazycow

Oh I am so chuffed to have been a force for Good!  It has made my week.

Today I used an old pair of pyjamas as a pattern to make my daughter a new pair, using material from a vintage bed sheet. If they sew up OK I will make myself a pair as well.
I had read about these ages ago, but couldn't quite get there. With the crazy TP hoarding, I decided it was time. I had plenty of scrap flannel and thread. Whipped up a batch of two dozen, and it has really stretched my TP stash! I just toss them in the wash with other clothes. I figure it has lowered my TP use by 4x, at least.

I'm seeing a similar reduction and can only assume our private septic system is benefitting as well.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on May 25, 2020, 06:55:56 AM
My DH rode his bike to work.
I shut down the whole HVAC system for the weekend.  Just running the furnace fan for an hour to cool down the upstairs as much as possible before shutting the whole house down for the day.  It is gonna be hot - 29C. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: ZsaZsa on June 05, 2020, 07:12:30 AM
Yesterday evening we set all of the plants on the front porch out in the yard to be watered by the rain. This morning I saved the dishwashing rinse water in my watering cans to water them next time.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on June 06, 2020, 03:14:30 AM
My DH rode his bike to work.
I shut down the whole HVAC system for the weekend.  Just running the furnace fan for an hour to cool down the upstairs as much as possible before shutting the whole house down for the day.  It is gonna be hot - 29C.

29C outside? Is your house so poorly insulated that 29C makes it intolerably warm inside? I don't mean to sound judgmental but I live in a pretty old house with large windows facing south, and when it's around 30C I close the curtains and it doesn't get warmer than 23/24C inside. We are adding insulation this month (primarily to make the house warmer during winter) but it should help keep the heat out on very hot days as well.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: lexde on June 06, 2020, 10:22:03 AM
I negotiated 1x per week working from home so I cut my commuting down by 20%!

I ate all vegetarian yesterday and plan to do the same today.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on June 06, 2020, 10:24:56 AM
Yesterday afternoon before the thunderstorms I walked to my local supermercado for tortillas, quesadilla cheese and tostadas to use with food I already had in my fridge. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MudPuppy on June 06, 2020, 11:18:48 AM
Walked to the bakery with spouse this morning and got a pastry each for breakfast. As a bonus, we made a date out of it by stopping at the park to eat them.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on June 06, 2020, 11:55:43 AM
I have been baking Pullman loaves, and re-using commercial bread bags to keep them fresh.  Also, I have been posting items on our local Buy Nothing group, which presumably keeps new items from being purchased and manufactured.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: diapasoun on June 06, 2020, 12:13:17 PM
We've been making our bread and tortillas from scratch, which means we've been saving a lot of plastic on commercial bread and tortillas.

We need to get better about making our own frozen pizzas.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on June 06, 2020, 01:08:21 PM
I'm staying with my parents for a week, and every time my dad makes a joke about packing up dinner leftovers "so we can throw it away in two weeks" I make sure I eat it for lunch the next day.

I also saved a few extra condiments from a takeout dinner to avoid waste, and we're using the leftover appetizer as a homemade pizza topping tonight.

Wanted to buy a gift for a couple of people, but stores are closed so I have to order online. So I found a place selling in New York to minimize fuel/energy expenditure to get it here.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on June 08, 2020, 05:29:54 AM
17 year old DD has become very interested in Zero Waste and is leading a family project to decrease her and our family's waste further.   I'm proud of her!  So far she has:

* Done a complete inventory of the packaging our usual groceries come in.  We're consciously adding "less waste" as  one of the main factors in our decisionmaking for what groceries to buy.
* Done deep-dive research into our local recycling policies and practices.  (She created a list of the "store-drop-off-only" plastic items that our county says they take.  They include things I didn't think were recyclable, so that's a big win.  Not sure what really happens to these things after the store drop off, but this first step is good.)
* Switched to reusable menstrual products
* Switched to compostable dental floss.  This means that our bathroom trash (components = toilet paper, hair [from cleaning brushes] and floss) is now compostable

Title: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: lexde on June 19, 2020, 10:05:30 AM
• Ate Vegan (less water usage, fewer emissions, less demand for deforestation, less pollution from factory farming)
• Slowly removing animal products from my pantry and freezer - today I gave away some Nutrigrain and Clif bars to someone less fortunate who I see regularly on my commute.
• Appeared via Zoom to a deposition, less car usage.
• (this week) Worked from home 3 days, no emissions.
• Cooked all of my meals at home.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: RainyDay on June 19, 2020, 10:21:02 AM
Started a compost bin after taking a 30 min "Easy Composting in 5 Steps" online thingy!  Since I do a lot of gardening and native landscaping, this is a double win -- free dirt!

Had my SO put up a clothesline.  No more dryer usage! 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Optimiser on June 19, 2020, 10:27:16 AM
I e-biked to work for the 19th day in a row
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on June 19, 2020, 11:44:15 AM
Shut down the house to keep the heat out.  It is forecast to be 29C with a humidex of 34C.  This morning I opened up the house and tried to get it cooled down first.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on June 21, 2020, 01:49:56 PM
Today: 

I took my recycling down this morning.  I used a fairly gentle cleaner called Angry Orange with hot water to mop up some cat barf...  why oh why do cats always seem to want to barf on clean things?  Ate my 1030 lunch leftovers again at 1300.  Freecycled a small appliance and sold a picture on Craigslist.  I’m currently making sun tea on my balcony. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Ducknald Don on June 23, 2020, 08:23:06 AM
Ate my 1030 lunch leftovers again at 1300.

Taking lessons from your cat?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on June 23, 2020, 02:28:33 PM
Used the water from the dehumidifier to water my plants.  Going to try to make this a habit - it will save water, remind me to check/empty the dehumidifier every day, AND remind me to check/water the plants every day.  Triple win!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on June 23, 2020, 03:16:23 PM
Took my used printer cartridge to the post office to return it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on June 25, 2020, 01:14:38 PM
Ate the older, less-desirable leftover AND rode my bike to work, even though this meant that I had to only bring back some of my stuff.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on June 25, 2020, 01:55:20 PM
Rode my bike to the dentist today.
Yesterday I walked to my haircut.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on June 28, 2020, 09:55:54 PM
I've been going through my predecessor's files at work. I could've just dumped the whole closetful into the trash, BUT environmental reasons. Instead, I spent down time over the week going through each file, removing it from the folder, and making a 'reuse' pile and a 'recycle' pile.
I sorted out all the paper clips and folders and returned them to the office supply area for reuse by coworkers. The blank papers went in to the copier paper tray, and the confidential papers are going to the shredding/recycling service. I brought the cardboard boxes home and put them in my recycling bin. Now I've filled my personal printer with the pages that were only printed on one side. The only trash generated was laminated or otherwise non-recyclable items, instead of several boxes of trash.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on June 29, 2020, 04:26:55 AM
I've been going through my predecessor's files at work. I could've just dumped the whole closetful into the trash, BUT environmental reasons. Instead, I spent down time over the week going through each file, removing it from the folder, and making a 'reuse' pile and a 'recycle' pile.
I sorted out all the paper clips and folders and returned them to the office supply area for reuse by coworkers. The blank papers went in to the copier paper tray, and the confidential papers are going to the shredding/recycling service. I brought the cardboard boxes home and put them in my recycling bin. Now I've filled my personal printer with the pages that were only printed on one side. The only trash generated was laminated or otherwise non-recyclable items, instead of several boxes of trash.

Great job @okcisok !
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on July 02, 2020, 01:03:35 PM
watered using the rain barrel collected water.
swept all the paint flakes off the driveway instead of letting them get washed into the storm drains.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BuffaloStache on July 07, 2020, 09:40:03 PM
watered using the rain barrel collected water. ...

I'm interested in doing this as well- did you build your own rain barrel system? Where did you get your barrels?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: ericbonabike on July 08, 2020, 09:14:12 AM
I started using a 5 gallon bucket to catch the condensation from my AC.  It generates about 10 gallons a day ( i live in the Southeast).  This, plus another 5 gallon bucket I use to catch the water from my shower while I'm waiting for it to warm-up, is enough to water my garden every single day.



Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Roots&Wings on July 29, 2020, 08:42:51 AM
I started using a 5 gallon bucket to catch the condensation from my AC.  It generates about 10 gallons a day ( i live in the Southeast).  This, plus another 5 gallon bucket I use to catch the water from my shower while I'm waiting for it to warm-up, is enough to water my garden every single day.

After reading your post (thank you for the motivation), I moved a 5 gallon bucket into the shower to catch my warm-up water.  I was pleasantly surprised to learn I waste less than I thought, delighted to know I was no longer wasting it regardless of quantity (it now goes to water the multitude of houseplants I own) and astonished to discover a few days later, that the DH was now saving his warm-up water as well without my having asked him too.  We're now putting the excess water (more than the houseplants can swallow) into the half full rain barrel where it gets used on the garden.

This is great! I just started using rainwater for toilet flushing (since the plants here don't need it in the rainy summer), and can grab the shower warm up water too.

Where did you get your barrels?

@BuffaloStache your city or county might have rain barrels available at reduced cost. I've bought Upcycle rainbarrels online from both Hayneedle and Walmart for $55 (this one: https://www.hayneedle.com/product/upcycle48galterracottarainbarrel.cfm).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Buffaloski Boris on August 02, 2020, 05:23:51 PM
I started using a 5 gallon bucket to catch the condensation from my AC.  It generates about 10 gallons a day ( i live in the Southeast).  This, plus another 5 gallon bucket I use to catch the water from my shower while I'm waiting for it to warm-up, is enough to water my garden every single day.

After reading your post (thank you for the motivation), I moved a 5 gallon bucket into the shower to catch my warm-up water.  I was pleasantly surprised to learn I waste less than I thought, delighted to know I was no longer wasting it regardless of quantity (it now goes to water the multitude of houseplants I own) and astonished to discover a few days later, that the DH was now saving his warm-up water as well without my having asked him too.  We're now putting the excess water (more than the houseplants can swallow) into the half full rain barrel where it gets used on the garden.

I guess I should get out a bucket.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: middo on August 03, 2020, 12:33:20 AM
I installed about 40 square metres of insulation in our uninsulated house over the weekend.  Not a fun job as the ceiling space is no more than 2 feet high at the highest point.  I just bought another 40 square metres to do the bedrooms at the other end of the house.  It should make the house a lot warmer in our current winter, and reduce our need to air condition in summer.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on August 13, 2020, 02:03:38 PM
Im recycling bottles for my container garden irrigation system.  I’ve only gotten 4 cherry tomatoes off my plant thus far, so I’m hoping for a big August yield.  I also fertilized some coffee grounds and epsom salt.  I deadheaded my sunflowers (they sadly only looked good for about a week). 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: lazycow on August 17, 2020, 01:55:46 AM
Made my teen daughter 2 dozen reusable makeup remover wipes. I used flannelette material from her worn out pajama pants as it is super soft, cut 2 small circles per wipe and zig zag stitched them together. And I made a little wash bag for her to chuck them in when used so they can be washed in one go. Hopefully this will lead to no more disposable cotton wipes which a) come in plastic and b) she doesn't bother composting.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on August 17, 2020, 09:47:36 AM
We got an e-bike and are using it instead of the car for a lot more of our errands.  And since I am now in the habit, I took my regular bike on a short errand that didn't involve the big hill.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on August 18, 2020, 06:51:18 AM
When I cleaned out my mom's house, I posted every usable random item on Craigslist for free, including her cleaning supplies and random shed stuff. It went immediately. Generally people advise hiring a dumpster, but we produced only about 10 bags of trash (including kitchen trash generated by us during the cleanout process).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on August 18, 2020, 06:52:28 AM
Also, watered garden with fish tank water (which also fertilizes) though water scarcity is not really an issue in our area.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Abe on August 18, 2020, 07:48:53 PM
We got an e-bike and are using it instead of the car for a lot more of our errands.  And since I am now in the habit, I took my regular bike on a short errand that didn't involve the big hill.

What brand do you have? I'm considering getting one!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on August 22, 2020, 04:09:11 PM
We got an e-bike and are using it instead of the car for a lot more of our errands.  And since I am now in the habit, I took my regular bike on a short errand that didn't involve the big hill.

What brand do you have? I'm considering getting one!
We wanted to buy Canadian so DH ended up with a Rook assembled by surface604.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on August 25, 2020, 02:21:59 PM
Joined a group that is examining greening footprints.  The proposed action was to commit to a 5-week challenge.  I chose menu planning to reduce food waste and eat what we have as my son moves out to university. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: ZsaZsa on September 01, 2020, 08:21:31 AM
I used a drying rack instead of drying 2 loads of wet clothes
I also resurrected my old drying rack...and even use it to dry re-washed ziploc bags.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: tawyer on September 01, 2020, 05:21:28 PM
Repaired another pair of kid's shoes with Shoe Goo. After countless repairs, the tube is finally finished! The repairs made in the past have generally lasted until the shoe is outgrown or worn out.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on September 04, 2020, 12:37:36 PM
Sorted through my cookbooks and gave away the ones I don't want anymore through a local Buy Nothing group.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Abe on September 04, 2020, 04:08:54 PM
Opening windows at night to cool down the house as much as possible, keeping AC at 80 during day when occupied with the incoming heatwave and running a ceiling fan as needed. Hopefully can avoid rolling blackouts this weekend in CA!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on September 04, 2020, 08:16:16 PM
I repair my head phones - some crazy glue and hockey tape for the win.  I dare not use them for anything but meetings at my desk top but they stay on and you can't see the repair.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on October 09, 2020, 10:48:21 PM
Started a new job a few weeks ago. There wasn't any kind of recycling in the office, just a shredder bin for sensitive documents. While we provide plastic water bottles and canned soda for clients and go through reams of copy paper a day!

I ordered some recycling totes for the break room and take each one home to my city recycling bin when they get full since there's no commercial bins. It's been two weeks and I've already emptied three bags. One of the partners (and her visiting husband) have both asked who brought them and thanked me for it.

Next is a visit to a thrift store to get some flatware, plates, and bowls. Right now the break room is single-use plastic and disposable *everything*. I bring my lunch in reusable containers with flatware wrapped in a cloth napkin.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Trifle on October 11, 2020, 03:48:08 AM
Started a new job a few weeks ago. There wasn't any kind of recycling in the office, just a shredder bin for sensitive documents. While we provide plastic water bottles and canned soda for clients and go through reams of copy paper a day!

I ordered some recycling totes for the break room and take each one home to my city recycling bin when they get full since there's no commercial bins. It's been two weeks and I've already emptied three bags. One of the partners (and her visiting husband) have both asked who brought them and thanked me for it.

Next is a visit to a thrift store to get some flatware, plates, and bowls. Right now the break room is single-use plastic and disposable *everything*. I bring my lunch in reusable containers with flatware wrapped in a cloth napkin.

Great job @okcisok !  I did something similar at a prior job -- brought in a bunch of thrifted dishes, cups and silverware, and a drainer for next to the sink.  Then the challenge was to get everyone to wash their stuff!   
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Buffaloski Boris on October 11, 2020, 02:29:51 PM
I suspect most people here won't like this one, but I didn't register to vote.  Once you register to vote, your personal info is given to the political factions who in turn proceed to send you an endless deluge of political circulars that end up being landfilled. Skip the registration, save the waste.     
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on October 11, 2020, 06:46:16 PM

Next is a visit to a thrift store to get some flatware, plates, and bowls. Right now the break room is single-use plastic and disposable *everything*. I bring my lunch in reusable containers with flatware wrapped in a cloth napkin.

Great job @okcisok !  I did something similar at a prior job -- brought in a bunch of thrifted dishes, cups and silverware, and a drainer for next to the sink.  Then the challenge was to get everyone to wash their stuff!

I thought of that! :) But right now we do have coffee mugs that everyone is very good about washing at the end of the day, so I think it'll be an easy segue. Worth a try! At least I'll do it and try to be a good example.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: okisok on October 13, 2020, 08:46:19 PM
The DH installed a much needed high efficiency mini-split hvac system replacing an ancient and unreliable energy-hog heat exchanger.  We used the squishy foam packing material to block off/seal the no longer needed air vents and put the packing cardboard down as the first layer in new sheet composting pile.  We still have to responsibly dispose of the compressor, but the duct system we pulled out of the crawlspace has been recycled and we’re very happy with the small amount of waste created overall.

Impressive that you had so little waste on a home improvement project! Plus you'll be using less energy.

Brought home a copy paper box stuffed with paper and cardboard from work and put the whole thing in the recycling bin.
Was able to reuse plastic packaging as dog poop bags.
Picked up cans and other assorted trash on my walk and put them in the appropriate bins.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on October 29, 2020, 10:14:38 AM
Yesterday I helped my late friend's sister clear out the freezers in her apartment.  We diverted a lot of food from the garbage.  Some items were just so old (my friend died in April) that they were unrecognizable, so I hauled them home for my compost.  I separated all the plastic from the organics and salvaged the reusable containers.  I am getting myself geared up to wash all the resealable bags.

All the 'treats' will go to my son and his buddies.  I filled our fridge and freezer to the gills.  I am hoping some of my neighbours will help eat some of the 6L of squash soup. 
My friend was a home economist and foodie but also a bit of a pack rat.  The great thing is - everything is labelled in her beautiful handwriting.  Hopefully I can use up a number of the sauces and pestos.  It will be like having dinner with her again almost.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: LightTripper on October 29, 2020, 10:19:25 AM
So sorry for your loss @Frugal Lizard.  It sounds like it's a kind of way to keep your friend close, and I hope that brings some comfort.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on March 07, 2021, 03:33:16 PM
Tonight I'll be taking my recycling down to the recycling bins in my building and then later this week I'll be donating some shoes to the thrift store.  I am also recycling some AMZ boxes for returns. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Chaplin on March 07, 2021, 04:10:55 PM
Our old box spring started creaking with even the slightest movement so we pulled it out and put the mattress on the floor for now. Rather than sending the box spring to the landfill we disassembled it ourselves and kept some of the wood for building shelves and the wire mesh on top is now a trellis in the garden. Rather than getting another box spring, we'll get a bed frame with slats that makes all future box springs unnecessary.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Roots&Wings on March 08, 2021, 06:41:04 AM
Love that @Chaplin!

A project I'm doing is repurposing used cardboard boxes (beer boxes are especially nice/heavy duty with carry handles) with leftover contact paper to make easy to clean organizing bins.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on August 14, 2021, 09:55:48 AM
Finally set up my clothesline again and have been drying a load daily.  In this heat, they dry as fast as the dryer. Our clothes and towels wear out slower when line dried, too.

Speaking of textiles, I saved all the tattered sheets, odd socks, etc. that were too shabby to give away, then dropped them off to the textile recycling booth at the farmers market.  Got some nice veggies at half price and picked up a Too Good To Go bakery box... win win win!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Jenny Wren on August 14, 2021, 10:22:30 AM
I did my weekly sort of our complex's recycling. My neighbors are all lazy and don't separate the recycling, which means it gets thrown in with regular trash at pickup. I go out every week ahead of pickup and separate out the 4 bins. It's not too hard, mainly removing paper bags from the aluminum bin because I guess it is too complicated to turn a bag upside down and dump the cans out.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on August 14, 2021, 10:31:55 AM
I did my weekly sort of our complex's recycling. My neighbors are all lazy and don't separate the recycling, which means it gets thrown in with regular trash at pickup. I go out every week ahead of pickup and separate out the 4 bins. It's not too hard, mainly removing paper bags from the aluminum bin because I guess it is too complicated to turn a bag upside down and dump the cans out.

That is awesome of you!  Though lazy of your neighbors.

I just went to the website of the makers of Scotch-Brite sponges, and sent a message asking them would they consider removing individual plastic wrapping of their sponges in bulk packs.  It seems unnecessary... I know they want to keep the sponges moist and soft but who really cares.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on August 14, 2021, 10:52:48 AM
I bought a new battery from my Toyota dealership who I hope recycles my old dead battery from my Prius.

Used my own bag at 7-11.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on August 14, 2021, 11:12:33 AM
Rode my bike to work and didn't bring a lunch because we are getting free subs--preventing food waste even though a sub is not my first choice for lunch (because it is already on the dinner menu... oops!).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Monocle Money Mouth on August 14, 2021, 11:13:31 AM
I forgot to buy garlic at Walmart yesterday. I walked back to Walmart this morning instead of driving to get what I forgot. It was about 30 minutes each way.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: draco44 on August 14, 2021, 03:00:00 PM
Used a half-gallon mason jar to make sun tea.

Used various food scraps such as leftover jam and a bit of dried coconut to make a big batch of granola.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jade on August 16, 2021, 08:21:12 AM
We donated our old duvet to a local kennel for their dogs in the winter.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: TrMama on August 20, 2021, 10:32:34 AM
Cut our garbage pickup from once a week to once every 2 weeks. We're consistently producing less than a can/week so it doesn't make sense to pay for the extra pickups.

Next week, we're having a heat pump installed that will heat/cool half the house. I'm not sure this will be a net environmental positive since our current system is baseboard heat, supplemented by a gas fireplace, in the winter and no cooling in the summer. I know we'll be doing better in the winter, but it'll be partly offset by increasing our summer electricity usage. Anyway, I'm looking forward to being a lot more comfortable in the summer.

This weekend I'll make jam from berries I picked on the side of the road all from within a 200m radius of my house.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Monocle Money Mouth on August 20, 2021, 10:36:28 AM
Cut our garbage pickup from once a week to once every 2 weeks. We're consistently producing less than a can/week so it doesn't make sense to pay for the extra pickups.

Nice. I love it when the more eco friendly option also saves money. 😎
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Christof on August 20, 2021, 04:43:54 PM
When we wanted to reduce garbage pickup we found out that our city enforces a 5 liter per person per week minimum which is twice what we need.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: cannotWAIT on August 20, 2021, 06:32:52 PM
I got approved to continue working from home until February. It's probably the single biggest thing I can do to reduce my impact. I don't drive my car anywhere other than to go hiking (which I can't do right now anyway because all the trails are closed due to fire risk). I have time to hang my laundry out to dry. I don't buy clothes or really anything else. I waste almost no food (and food waste has been a huge sin of mine) because I have the mental wherewithal to be more conscientious about it. I don't travel to any stupid conferences. I don't buy stupid gifts for co-workers (that I'm sure they don't want anyway but we're all socially obligated to participate in the potlatch). And I have the time and energy to solve my little problems with effort and ingenuity, as opposed to Amazon.

Imagine if everyone who could WFH did!

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on August 21, 2021, 11:12:08 AM
Went along behind my husband to put the leftover hamburger buns in the freezer so they won't go to waste. Took apart the packaging that came with my mail-order pharmacy "stuff" so that it could be recycled (the wrapper, with my grocery bags) and composted (the filling, hopefully--they might toss it at the municipal composting facility but since it said compostable, I thought it was worth a try). I haven't taken the freezer packs apart yet but I will--the wrapper should be recyclable and apparently the filling can be poured on plants!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Christof on August 21, 2021, 02:08:24 PM
Six miles into our bike ride we noticed that a bottle was missing. I turned around and rode all the way back to the train station to find it. I din‘t find the bottle but at least had another 12 miles of biking exercise. On the way back we took the same trains (contrary to what we planned) and found the bottle in the tracks at one station where we changed trains. The lid broke, so tomorrow we‘ll see if we can fix it or if we continue to use the bottle without a lid.

We insist that our son is bringing everything back from school that he took there including bottles. So it was good to show him that we demand the same from us when we loose a bottle.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Jenny Wren on August 21, 2021, 04:37:03 PM
Shopped from our Buy Nothing group's traveling women's clothing box, and passed on some of our own no longer needed items.

Our bathroom sink faucet broke this morning and the hot water won't shut off completely. As in there is a steady flow of hot water, not a drip. Maintenance won't come in until Monday to fix it. So I shut off the water to the sink completely to stop the water and energy waste.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: trashtalk on August 21, 2021, 07:42:45 PM
Stored saved seeds for chard from the garden in old prescription containers with the labels removed. Will share with my Buy Nothing Group over winter.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: draco44 on August 21, 2021, 07:48:58 PM
Received a kitchen gadget I'd been looking for from Buy Nothing instead of purchasing a new one.

Wrapped and gave a gift using a nice gift bag and decorative shredded paper that I'd saved from a gift I'd previously received from a different person.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MudPuppy on August 21, 2021, 08:11:14 PM
Made some new toys for the birdie friends out of old cardboard, old popsicle sticks, food coloring, and sisal twine
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on August 22, 2021, 06:20:52 AM
Yesterday I recycled a bunch of Amazon boxes.  This morning, perhaps not a total win but I bought and installed an attractive wall-mounted container to better wrangle my plastic bags for scooping and disposing of cat litter. 

Last night I ate 2 individual sized containers of strawberry ice cream I purchased when I was recovering from surgery in the winter. Food waste is my big area to tackle.  I have zero likelihood of cooking yet I buy ingredients to make dishes. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on August 22, 2021, 07:11:50 AM
Went to a farm that does pick-your-own and also has a market, and bought a 1/2 bushel of seconds peaches.  Canned two batches of peach butter, with enough left over for a batch of raw-pack peach halves.  It's such a good feeling to turn bruised and "ugly" fruit into something delicious, and bring that much more of our eating, especially our winter eating, closer to home.  As a bonus, the whole box only cost $18.  Even after pitting, peeling, and discarding bruised sections, that's still 1$/lb of usable fruit.  Even counting a few bucks of gas and tolls, that's way better than we could get at a local farmer's market or our CSA box.

I plan to go back and do the same for apples in the fall.  Nothing beats homemade applesauce!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on August 22, 2021, 08:22:59 AM
Went to a farm that does pick-your-own and also has a market, and bought a 1/2 bushel of seconds peaches.  Canned two batches of peach butter, with enough left over for a batch of raw-pack peach halves.  It's such a good feeling to turn bruised and "ugly" fruit into something delicious, and bring that much more of our eating, especially our winter eating, closer to home.  As a bonus, the whole box only cost $18.  Even after pitting, peeling, and discarding bruised sections, that's still 1$/lb of usable fruit.  Even counting a few bucks of gas and tolls, that's way better than we could get at a local farmer's market or our CSA box.

I plan to go back and do the same for apples in the fall.  Nothing beats homemade applesauce!

That is amazing! You are making me hungry! I did something similar last week with our Misfits box... they gave us a combination of bruised and unripe nectarines. After I noticed fruitflies buzzing around, I undertook to make a nectarine cobbler which despite my misgivings, was absolutely delicious (added a teeny bit of extra sugar to make up for unripeness of the fruit.) 

I am planning to double up errands at a mall. Even though some of the stores are not my favorite, at least it will be a single trip instead of three separate car trips.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Christof on August 23, 2021, 01:50:40 AM
Seven miles into our bike trip we noticed that our reusable water bottle was missing. I turned around and rode all the way back to the train station without success. On the way back we changed plans and took the same train route back that we came in. Turned out we had lost the bottle earlier when we changed trains with our bikes. The bottle was still waiting for us in the tracks. Cap was broken, but it‘s still fully functional.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Sugaree on August 23, 2021, 05:41:29 AM
Found two new pairs of jeans at the thrift store.  At least one of them will replace a pair that I've patched and repatched and have reached their lifespan for use as work clothes.  I'll probably keep the patched pair, but move it into the only-wear-at-home drawer to wear when I'm working in the yard. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: stoaX on August 24, 2021, 12:07:23 PM
For the last 2 weeks I have taken cold showers instead of warm. That's about 7 showers.  It's still shocking and I am still not used to it.  But I think I will keep on trying.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: trashtalk on August 24, 2021, 02:17:57 PM
Rather than driving, took transit to a doctor’s appointment.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Chaplin on August 24, 2021, 03:02:06 PM
We had our once-per-month take-out meal yesterday. I brought back the plastic containers they served the food in last time and they reused them for us.
They even seemed reasonably happy about it. I imagine that those containers, especially since the cheapest Styrofoam ones are no longer allowed, represent a noticeable expense for them. To deliver the containers I went and placed my order in person and enjoyed a walk around the neighborhood while I waited for the food. I don't think there would be a way to do this with a phone or online order, although for regular customers they could have two sets of take-out containers and just swap back-and-forth. There are coffee cup schemes like that in a few places although I haven't tried one (and would rather make my own anyway).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on September 13, 2021, 11:09:46 AM
I have been putting away the harvest using my dehydrator a lot more.  I love eating dried fruit and it is expensive bought at a store and has lots of packaging.  It is a lot less work than canning and a lot less GHG if I buy local or grow my own.  And being shelf stable, means I am not paying for freezer capacity.  Win win.

Dehydrated watermelon is my most favourite thing ever.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on September 13, 2021, 11:16:15 AM
Went to a farm that does pick-your-own and also has a market, and bought a 1/2 bushel of seconds peaches.  Canned two batches of peach butter, with enough left over for a batch of raw-pack peach halves.  It's such a good feeling to turn bruised and "ugly" fruit into something delicious, and bring that much more of our eating, especially our winter eating, closer to home.  As a bonus, the whole box only cost $18.  Even after pitting, peeling, and discarding bruised sections, that's still 1$/lb of usable fruit.  Even counting a few bucks of gas and tolls, that's way better than we could get at a local farmer's market or our CSA box.

I plan to go back and do the same for apples in the fall.  Nothing beats homemade applesauce!

Went back to the orchard on Saturday for a half-bushel box of #2 pears!  Made ginger-pear marmalade, spiced pear butter, and some "pear sauce" (applesauce texture).  Still have enough pears left for a week of fresh eating, and maybe a pear tatin tart or a crisp or something.  Also picked up some locally produced apple cider.  Fall is here!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Jenny Wren on September 13, 2021, 11:17:20 AM
I have been putting away the harvest using my dehydrator a lot more.  I love eating dried fruit and it is expensive bought at a store and has lots of packaging.  It is a lot less work than canning and a lot less GHG if I buy local or grow my own.  And being shelf stable, means I am not paying for freezer capacity.  Win win.

Dehydrated watermelon is my most favourite thing ever.

I love this. We're trying to dehydrate more of our gleaned and foraged fruit this year. I used to can a lot, but between a smaller place and a canning lid shortage, other options were needed. I'm really digging dehydrated cinnamon apple rings. Great for snacking, but they rehydrate quickly for use in baked goods or even apple sauce.

I'm intrigued and am going to try that watermelon. I've always enjoyed watermelon rind pickles, but never tried to dehydrate watermelon. Any advice on dehydrating?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on September 13, 2021, 11:41:07 AM
Based on my experience with four trays of watermelon and one quick mention during a food storage webinar, I cut the watermelon in a 1 and a half inch slice through the equator.  Then I sliced off the peel.  Then I as evenly as I could in 1/4 inch slices.  I then cut the mushy bits and seeds out.  (my watermelon was getting over ripe, which is why I was dehydrating it in the first place) This resulted in slices that varied in length but were 1/4 thick and 1-1/2" wide.  Put them on lightly oiled silicon perforated mats that came with the dehydrator and it took almost 24 hours at 135.  They shrunk to a fraction of the size (a fifth maybe).  They taste more like good tasting papaya with the intensified waterless flavour. I am going to buy a whole long striped watermelon and do all 8 trays - this is such a tasty treat.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Jenny Wren on September 13, 2021, 11:42:12 AM
Based on my experience with four trays of watermelon and one quick mention during a food storage webinar, I cut the watermelon in a 1 and a half inch slice through the equator.  Then I sliced off the peel.  Then I as evenly as I could in 1/4 inch slices.  I then cut the mushy bits and seeds out.  (my watermelon was getting over ripe, which is why I was dehydrating it in the first place) This resulted in slices that varied in length but were 1/4 thick and 1-1/2" wide.  Put them on lightly oiled silicon perforated mats that came with the dehydrator and it took almost 24 hours at 135.  They shrunk to a fraction of the size (a fifth maybe).  They taste more like good tasting papaya with the intensified waterless flavour. I am going to buy a whole long striped watermelon and do all 8 trays - this is such a tasty treat.

Thank you!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on September 14, 2021, 03:07:05 AM
I bought a blue recycling bin to keep in my kitchen for various bottles and boxes, to have a big visual reminder to recycle, reuse, reduce.  So far I’ve filled it up once and thankfully the weight wasn’t too heavy to carry to my building’s recycling bins. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086XLRN7W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought a new kind of hand soap refill that comes in a carton.   

Sunday a friend and I donated about 5 bags of clothes and housewares to the local thrift shop, so that others might enjoy our Stuff more than we did. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: diapasoun on September 15, 2021, 02:24:07 PM
We switched from plastic sponges to sisal-fiber scrubbies for our kitchen. The scrubbies last longer, work just as well, AND I can compost them when they're dead.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MaybeBabyMustache on September 15, 2021, 02:51:08 PM
I'm embarrassed to say that we just started saving our shower warm up water. But, we did, and we're a family of four (including two teens, who take long showers, if allowed). I'm really surprised by how much water we can collect in a day, and we are now using this to water our plants.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on September 15, 2021, 03:32:18 PM
We switched from plastic sponges to sisal-fiber scrubbies for our kitchen. The scrubbies last longer, work just as well, AND I can compost them when they're dead.

I have been knitting cotton dish cloths and asked my husband to pick up coconut scrubbers at Target. We have actually been using compostable sponges but they are not entirely satisfactory.

Also on the list were lemon-lime soda drops for the SodaStream (for the kids; we have Bubly drops for ourselves). If I ever, you know, take it out of the box, we will save so many cans, if no money.

And I remembered to both bring and use a cloth napkin at work!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: lazycow on September 15, 2021, 06:27:19 PM
Set washing machine to 30 min daily wash in cold water. It is a beautiful sunny day so hanging eveverything on the clothesline will sanitise and naturally bleach the teatowels and crocheted wash clothes.
And am going to make my own hooded towel poncho for the beach using a bath sheet that is too big.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Weisass on September 15, 2021, 08:30:11 PM
Ditched the car today and took the train one way, my bike the other. Was glorious, would do again!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on September 18, 2021, 10:43:49 AM
I'm embarrassed to say that we just started saving our shower warm up water. But, we did, and we're a family of four (including two teens, who take long showers, if allowed). I'm really surprised by how much water we can collect in a day, and we are now using this to water our plants.

That is great! While water waste does not seem to be an issue where I live, I usually stick my head first into the warm up water to dampen my hair, since for some reason my head does not feel the cold the way the rest of my body does.

We've been using the newly resuscitated laundry line daily.  I also have started shopping for bicycles. We used to be a cycling kind of family but everybody outgrew their bikes, and suddenly bikes became expensive so I kind of put off the bike purchases.

I also signed up to help out at an upcoming Repair Fair that somebody has been organizing.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on September 18, 2021, 07:25:50 PM
I recycled some plastic bags and used the appropriate amount of detergent so that my wash did not require an additional spin and rinse.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: rockeTree on January 26, 2022, 07:40:42 AM
Did some decluttering over the winter break and instead of just dropping stuff at goodwill that I know might not find a home went to the trouble of next-door/freecycle etc to make sure usable things got to people who could use them. (Giving things away: always more trouble than I expect). This included some fairly large stuff needing repairs beyond my abilities that is not going in the landfill; got picked up this weekend.

Today will be vegan except for the half tablespoon of butter I fried some stale bread in (no food waste at least!)

Switched prescriptions to a place I can and will walk to from I place I sort of could walk to but usually don't

Picked up a full bag of recyclable litter on my way to and from said pharmacy
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on March 12, 2022, 08:21:57 PM
It's not something we've done yet, but I did some research into replacing our aging asphalt driveway with permeable grid-style pavers that can be planted over. https://www.carbibles.com/best-driveway-pavers/
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jnw on March 15, 2022, 08:27:13 AM
It was the other day, but I ordered a 1.5gpm shower head and a shut off valve to go behind it.  Also recently switched from distilling water to berkey filtration.. saving 20 cents of electricity per gallon made, and reducing cost to 2.5 cents per gallon for the filtering with Berkey.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: LightTripper on March 15, 2022, 08:40:52 AM
War has a way of really focusing our minds on our gas consumption (being in the UK where 5% of our gas comes from Russia, and where in any case prices are going to really squeeze lots of household budgets in the coming years).  It feels like this may be the bit of history where a bunch of other pressures help push behind the environmental pressures - thought it's sad we needed that.

Anyway, a lot of blether to say we turned our thermostat down from 19.5c to 17c and actually it's been fine.  Should have done it years ago. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jnw on March 15, 2022, 08:41:58 AM
Wow I just read that America consumes 19.6 million barrels of oil per day.  That's 7.2 billion barrels of oil per year.   7,154 million barrels of oil per year divided by about 350 million people is 20 barrels of oil per year per each person.  1.7 barrels of oil per month per person.  Or 1.7 x 55 = 93.5 gallons of oil per month per person (including infants).   1 barrel of oil weighs about 425 pounds.  1.7 barrels x 425 = 722 lbs of oil per month per person.  Or about 5 times of the weight of 150 pound person each month in oil.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: tygertygertyger on March 15, 2022, 08:56:43 AM
It's not something we've done yet, but I did some research into replacing our aging asphalt driveway with permeable grid-style pavers that can be planted over. https://www.carbibles.com/best-driveway-pavers/

I actually have bids out right now to have this done.  Our paved driveway is pitched wrong, shedding water directly towards the house.  Since I need to tear the asphalt up anyways to regrade, I figured why not.

Neat!

My current projects:

(Planning) - replace as much front lawn as possible with native perennials.
(Mid-project) - cut up old sheets to turn into handkerchiefs. (sheets were not in good shape for mending)
(Mid-project) - patching more of Partner's jeans. Always the same mend.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on March 15, 2022, 09:52:00 AM
It's not something we've done yet, but I did some research into replacing our aging asphalt driveway with permeable grid-style pavers that can be planted over. https://www.carbibles.com/best-driveway-pavers/

I actually have bids out right now to have this done.  Our paved driveway is pitched wrong, shedding water directly towards the house.  Since I need to tear the asphalt up anyways to regrade, I figured why not.

In your bids, how does the cost compare to asphalt? I'm hoping that I can show my spouse that it's cheaper to install (he cares for the environment but in practice he is nervous of innovation especially if it costs more.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on March 16, 2022, 07:10:26 AM
It's not something we've done yet, but I did some research into replacing our aging asphalt driveway with permeable grid-style pavers that can be planted over. https://www.carbibles.com/best-driveway-pavers/

I actually have bids out right now to have this done.  Our paved driveway is pitched wrong, shedding water directly towards the house.  Since I need to tear the asphalt up anyways to regrade, I figured why not.

In your bids, how does the cost compare to asphalt? I'm hoping that I can show my spouse that it's cheaper to install (he cares for the environment but in practice he is nervous of innovation especially if it costs more.)
I won’t know until the contractors get back to me and being in an area where it seems everyone is renovating right now it might be a while before I find out.

Thanks, keep us posted!  It seems to me that it ought to be a lot easier and require less equipment to lay down interlocking tiles than to pour hot asphalt.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on March 16, 2022, 09:40:44 AM
It's not something we've done yet, but I did some research into replacing our aging asphalt driveway with permeable grid-style pavers that can be planted over. https://www.carbibles.com/best-driveway-pavers/

I actually have bids out right now to have this done.  Our paved driveway is pitched wrong, shedding water directly towards the house.  Since I need to tear the asphalt up anyways to regrade, I figured why not.

In your bids, how does the cost compare to asphalt? I'm hoping that I can show my spouse that it's cheaper to install (he cares for the environment but in practice he is nervous of innovation especially if it costs more.)
I won’t know until the contractors get back to me and being in an area where it seems everyone is renovating right now it might be a while before I find out.

I will be interested to hear more about this! We need a new driveway. You know, eventually. We live in a drought area and I would love to reduce our impermeable square footage. I am less convinced that you can get actual grass to grow in there as opposed to just weeds!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on March 19, 2022, 09:47:05 AM
I turned off the light in a public bathroom.  I am taking my recycling bin to the basement of my building for collection!  Trying to buy less shite in plastic containers. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fishindude on March 20, 2022, 09:14:19 AM
Slowed down and swerved to avoid a squirrel.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: KYFIRE on March 20, 2022, 09:30:07 AM
My boys helped me get the seeds started for the garden. 

Hopefully better luck this year than last!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on March 20, 2022, 10:53:07 AM
Switched from sponges (disposable) to a washrag (washable) in my kitchen.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jnw on March 20, 2022, 10:01:55 PM
Installed shower head shut off valve today.  Will turn off water while lathering and shampooing.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on March 21, 2022, 09:21:40 AM
Slowed down and swerved to avoid a squirrel.

Ha! :D

I broke my foot and now my kids are not expecting me to drive them everywhere. Amazing motivator for carpooling as well!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nessness on March 21, 2022, 11:25:50 AM
Slowed down and swerved to avoid a squirrel.
I stopped and waited for a wild turkey to get out of the road this morning. I expressed some mild annoyance with the turkey, who was taking his sweet time, and got a lecture from my 7-year-old about how turkeys have been around way longer than roads and cars. I didn't bother pointing out that wild turkeys are actually an invasive species where we live...
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: EchoStache on March 21, 2022, 04:54:24 PM
Not a small thing, probably a HUGE thing.  My family of five started recycling a couple of weeks ago.  Seems like we are filling two bags of recycle per bag of trash, essentially reducing 3 bags of trash down to 1.  Wish we had started decades ago but really happy we started.

Also, bought an EV.  Did we reduce our environmental impact…maybe…..will probably take a while but over time I think so.  I'd like to go solar by next year so I think that will definitely tip the scales in our favor.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Tyson on March 21, 2022, 07:10:41 PM
Not a small thing, probably a HUGE thing.  My family of five started recycling a couple of weeks ago.  Seems like we are filling two bags of recycle per bag of trash, essentially reducing 3 bags of trash down to 1.  Wish we had started decades ago but really happy we started.

Also, bought an EV.  Did we reduce our environmental impact…maybe…..will probably take a while but over time I think so.  I'd like to go solar by next year so I think that will definitely tip the scales in our favor.

When all factors are accounted for, a full EV is 4x less impactful on the environment vs. an ICE car.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: nessness on April 01, 2022, 09:05:35 PM
I sent a message to a local business complaining about the plastic mailers they sent out. I have no idea if it will make a difference, but it couldn't hurt to try.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on June 24, 2022, 07:25:24 PM
On my way to Costco, I texted a friend to see if I could pick up something for her. She gladly replied that she needed eggs, so I got her some and dropped them off at her house on the way home.  She often does the same for me and this has saved us many trips!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on June 24, 2022, 08:55:18 PM
I was unexpectedly out of the house from about 6-10 without having eaten since lunch, so I decided to grab some take out... got a veggie burrito bowl to minimize carbon emissions and when she said they didn't have any guacamole (normally included in the price) because they were just about to close, I asked if she could give me a bunch of extra stuff to make up for it. (When she said they were out of guac and I looked disappointed, she first offered to throw away all the food she'd put in the bowl so far "if you don't want it" - AAAAH!) I figured they were just about to throw everything in the burrito bar away when they closed and it would all be wasted. She ended up piling it to the absolute brim for me and I only managed to eat about a third of it for dinner. Two more meals for tomorrow, saved from the landfill :-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Josiecat22222 on June 26, 2022, 09:03:52 PM
@Dollar Slice , that is the best win win I've heard in a while! Strong work!!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on June 26, 2022, 09:23:38 PM
@Dollar Slice , that is the best win win I've heard in a while! Strong work!!

Definitely a big win! I had some small flour tortillas hanging around in the fridge, so I used it as taco filling and got three more meals.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Imma on July 01, 2022, 01:35:20 PM
I really had to print out something that needed to be signed by hand, scanned and then e-mailed (why?? in the 21st century? Please let me sign digitally). I printed the whole 100 page document on the back of used paper.

We had some veggies that were going to go bad soon but we're invited for dinner at a friend's tomorrow. So we prepared them all and froze 3 meals that we'll eat some time next week.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: stoaX on July 03, 2022, 05:00:42 AM
I printed the whole 100 page document on the back of used paper.

Impressive!   Sorry you had to use all that ink, and it must have been annoying to go through all that. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on July 03, 2022, 01:36:14 PM
I took my plastic recycling down to the recycling room of my building this morning. 

I  bought a small Christmas Cactus plant for $3 at my local botanic garden.  I also renewed my membership at the botanic gardens. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MaybeBabyMustache on July 03, 2022, 09:56:05 PM
I gave away of ton of outgrown kids clothing, games, puzzles, sports equipment, etc on Buy Nothing. I picked up a pantry item someone was giving away (unopened almonds) & walked to pick it up.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Abe on July 04, 2022, 08:27:18 PM
Bought a used Tesla to replace our remaining gas car. Prior owner moved to Manhattan so won't be replacing it any time soon, and we would've otherwise bought a new EV at some point. It's moderately reducing our impact.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: jeninco on July 05, 2022, 05:21:12 PM
Nice score, @Abe !

I drove our Prius Plug-in hybrid almost an hour each way to go visit a friend in hospital. He's at a highly-regarded place for spinal-cord injuries for three months, and I'm trying to get down there to see him about once/week. If I start the trip with a full charge in both batteries, I get about 100 MPGe, which means about a gallon per visit.
Title: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: trashtalk on August 24, 2022, 08:01:08 PM
Took transit to my kid’s doctor’s appointment. We took a route on the way there that minimized walking because 3yos are known to dawdle and I was worried about being late. (We were very early.) We took the train part of the way home, which is eco-friendly AND very entertaining for a small person.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: MaybeBabyMustache on August 25, 2022, 07:31:32 AM
I continue to arrange LOTS of teen carpools. They save us a lot of time, but also extra driving for others. We drive our electric car.

I've also gotten my teens to switch to Nuun vs Gatorade. They play a lot of sports, and in the summer, we allow an electrolyte when they have 2-3+ hours of outdoor sports. Nuun comes in tablets that you can drop into your own water bottle, vs Gatorade's giant plastic tubs. I much prefer Nuun, as it's also better  for them (no sugar). It is quite a bit more expensive, and I don't love that they come in small plastic containers. Maybe I'll inquire why they don't make larger packs, to reduce on plastics. Ideally, I'd make something with electrolytes at home for them. They are lazy & will grab whatever is readily available.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Aardvark on August 25, 2022, 08:14:10 AM
I'd like to pose a question to this group. But I am worried that my question will make it sound as though I am opposed to what this thread is about. So - to begin with - I want to make it clear that I am not at all opposed to small actions.

My question is whether the people in this group are also taking big actions like:
-Voting locally and nationally in support of candidates that have social and environmental action on their agenda
-Driving smaller, preferably electric, cars
-Home improvements like insulation, heat pumps and accessing renewable electricity
-Eating less animal products
-Impacting decisions at work to move your company towards more sustainable systems

...Or are the big actions seen as taking things a bit outside of the comfort zone?
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Raenia on August 25, 2022, 08:43:04 AM
I'd like to pose a question to this group. But I am worried that my question will make it sound as though I am opposed to what this thread is about. So - to begin with - I want to make it clear that I am not at all opposed to small actions.

My question is whether the people in this group are also taking big actions like:
-Voting locally and nationally in support of candidates that have social and environmental action on their agenda
-Driving smaller, preferably electric, cars
-Home improvements like insulation, heat pumps and accessing renewable electricity
-Eating less animal products
-Impacting decisions at work to move your company towards more sustainable systems

...Or are the big actions seen as taking things a bit outside of the comfort zone?

Personally, yes, I vote in every election I'm eligible for (thanks mail-in voting!), I've cut my family's meat consumption down to less than once a week, I buy locally raised poultry and very occasional fish, and I participate in environmental initiatives at my company whenever they are available.  I pay extra to get 100% renewable electricity.  I live in an apartment with nowhere to charge, so no EV yet, but I drive a small sedan and try to drive as little as possible.  Single car household, DH takes the train to work, and we use the train/bus when possible, and I walk most errands under 2 miles.  We've cut way down on flying, down to once every 2-3 years to see family, no vacations.

But those actions are routine, habit, or one-time choices, and don't keep environmental impact front of mind the same way as taking a walk around the neighborhood and picking up trash.

You might also like to check out some of these other threads:

https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/stopburningstuff-by-2030-or-sooner/
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/off-topic/electric-cars-can-they-finally-become-popular-in-the-united-states/
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/do-it-yourself-forum!/heat-pumps-gas-vs-electric-costs/
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/off-topic/one-year-of-solar-panels/
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/budget-your-emissions-like-your-finances!/
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on August 25, 2022, 08:58:17 AM
I am personally taking as many big and small actions as I can.
I am a member of both the Green Party of Canada and Ontario.  I vote municipally and do a lot of advocacy for environmental sustainability in public engagement opportunities.
I bought an EV - used Leaf - in 2018.  Replaced it with a 2022 Leaf when it was totaled last year.  But I take public transit as much as possible.  We went from having 2 cars for three drivers to one car and four drivers in our family this past year. It has been an adjustment. 
We commissioned a report from a building science company for a pathway to net zero on our house in 2016 and have been slowly implementing all the recommendations.  We are done all the easy ones.  The next few involve major renovations that are beyond our skill set.  This will involve the very hard to insulate walls and a cathedral ceiling, heat pumps and hot water conversion to electric.  50% of the walls have been thickened and insulated from the inside. Another 10% can be done from the inside.  The balance involves doing it from the outside.
Our roof has a 10kW photo voltaic system.  It was installed in November of 2015.
I grow a huge amount of our food. I preserve a lot of it as efficiently as possible.
We just got an induction stove in March.
We have converted 65% of the lawn to gardens - mostly native plants.  The remaining lawn will be converted this fall.  It is so shady now, it grows so poorly.
We do eat a lot less meat and I try to buy it from small farms.
My paid work involves a lot of impact on sustainable systems.
I volunteer a lot of time with a not-for-profit organization that increases urban canopy and does environmental education.
Really trying to cut back on air travel.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fru-Gal on August 25, 2022, 09:11:54 AM
Very inspiring list!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on August 25, 2022, 09:58:15 AM
My question is whether the people in this group are also taking big actions like:
-Voting locally and nationally in support of candidates that have social and environmental action on their agenda
-Driving smaller, preferably electric, cars
-Home improvements like insulation, heat pumps and accessing renewable electricity
-Eating less animal products
-Impacting decisions at work to move your company towards more sustainable systems

Voting: yes, climate change and local pollution is high on my list
Driving: I've never owned a vehicle at all; I walk or take transit almost 100% of the time
Home improvements: I rent a small apartment and can't control much (except size of living space)
Eating: I eat with carbon emissions in mind; almost no red meat, less meat in general; I tend to batch cook which increases energy efficiency
Work: I'm not working right now - and I didn't really have a lot of opportunities to steer things that way when I did work. Our physical production happened in another state and was done by another company that we contracted out to. We did try to use our overruns instead of trashing them like a lot of companies did.

I think the reason we don't discuss this sort of stuff in this thread is that they tend to be things you decide once, or very occasionally. I haven't been on an airplane in seven years. I'm not going to post every day "didn't get on an airplane again today!" I haven't owned any vehicle other than a bicycle in my 45-year life. Not going to post "Didn't buy an ICE vehicle again today!" every day for decades. :-) Once people make the decision not to buy a car or to avoid flying or to become vegan and so on, you move on to the small decisions that you can make every day - cutting back on trash, cutting back on plastic use, cutting back on carbon emissions, etc.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: trashtalk on August 25, 2022, 06:22:17 PM
I'd like to pose a question to this group. But I am worried that my question will make it sound as though I am opposed to what this thread is about. So - to begin with - I want to make it clear that I am not at all opposed to small actions.

My question is whether the people in this group are also taking big actions like:
-Voting locally and nationally in support of candidates that have social and environmental action on their agenda
-Driving smaller, preferably electric, cars
-Home improvements like insulation, heat pumps and accessing renewable electricity
-Eating less animal products
-Impacting decisions at work to move your company towards more sustainable systems

...Or are the big actions seen as taking things a bit outside of the comfort zone?
Speaking for myself, absolutely yes I’m working on the Big stuff but this thread is specifically and importantly about the Little things because, IMHO:

sometimes those little actions are the ones that are internally Encouraging and that are a daily reflection of my values

even if I wasn’t able to go door-to-door canvassing that day for the City Council candidate who supports greater urban density and transit.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Abe on August 25, 2022, 08:44:48 PM
-Voting locally and nationally in support of candidates that have social and environmental action on their agenda: yes, both voting and in campaign contributions.
-Driving smaller, preferably electric, cars: yes, switched to all electric cars (both). We live relatively close to work, so don't drive much anyway.
-Home improvements like insulation, heat pumps and accessing renewable electricity: yes to all (except ACs were just replaced before we bought the house, but they run off our solar + batteries)
-Eating less animal products: yes, occasional fish (1-2 times a week) but that's it
-Impacting decisions at work to move your company towards more sustainable systems: trying to convince my massive hospital to install solar panels on our huge parking decks.

A lot of our individual footprints can be mitigated to a large extent with the above measures. #1 and 4 are free to implement, #2 can be substituted by more conscious of wasteful driving (thus saving money), and the rest are relatively cheap for anyone with a middle-class income.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on August 29, 2022, 03:36:51 PM
Haven't received it yet so I'm still crossing fingers that it actually works, but I found something second-hand on eBay located here in NY to replace a broken piece of electronics; so I don't have to buy something new that would almost certainly be manufactured and shipped from abroad.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: lifeisshort123 on August 29, 2022, 05:33:23 PM
Had time in the middle of the day to run errands, but would have been “out of the way”.  Waited until after work to run the errands and save gas, help the earth, etc.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on August 30, 2022, 04:55:32 AM
Got my pricey meds today!  Went into CVS instead of idling in the drive through.  They’re severely understaffed so I woulda been waiting an eternity in the drive through.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on August 30, 2022, 07:00:16 AM
Instead of buying the pre-packed school supplies offered by the PTA, I just bought what my kids need and had them reuse binders, pencil cases, plastic folders, and scissors in good condition.  This also saves money and reduces clutter.

Though, I typically donate to the PTA to make up for the small loss from not joining the fundraiser.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on August 30, 2022, 04:28:28 PM
I submitted a comment during the public commenting period (there must be a better way to word that...) supporting a new law that is pro-transit/anti-car. And added a request that they enforce existing regulations better, because they don't enforce them basically at all. (Like letting trucks park in bus stops and bike lanes.)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on September 04, 2022, 11:14:59 AM
Another school related action: once again, reached out to neighbors to set up more carpools/walking schoolbus. This year I'm going to see if we can get this to work with more than one neighbor.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: stoaX on September 04, 2022, 01:14:47 PM
My question is whether the people in this group are also taking big actions like:
-Voting locally and nationally in support of candidates that have social and environmental action on their agenda
-Driving smaller, preferably electric, cars
-Home improvements like insulation, heat pumps and accessing renewable electricity
-Eating less animal products
-Impacting decisions at work to move your company towards more sustainable systems

Voting: yes, climate change and local pollution is high on my list
Driving: I've never owned a vehicle at all; I walk or take transit almost 100% of the time
Home improvements: I rent a small apartment and can't control much (except size of living space)
Eating: I eat with carbon emissions in mind; almost no red meat, less meat in general; I tend to batch cook which increases energy efficiency
Work: I'm not working right now - and I didn't really have a lot of opportunities to steer things that way when I did work. Our physical production happened in another state and was done by another company that we contracted out to. We did try to use our overruns instead of trashing them like a lot of companies did.

I think the reason we don't discuss this sort of stuff in this thread is that they tend to be things you decide once, or very occasionally. I haven't been on an airplane in seven years. I'm not going to post every day "didn't get on an airplane again today!" I haven't owned any vehicle other than a bicycle in my 45-year life. Not going to post "Didn't buy an ICE vehicle again today!" every day for decades. :-) Once people make the decision not to buy a car or to avoid flying or to become vegan and so on, you move on to the small decisions that you can make every day - cutting back on trash, cutting back on plastic use, cutting back on carbon emissions, etc.

I also did not get on a plane today!  And I didn't buy a new car. One small detail is that I was thinking about getting rid of an old vehicle and replacing it with a new one.  Fortunately my mechanic BIL looked over my older car and assured me it was in fine shape. So I guess I didn't add to the environmental impact that comes from manufacturing a new car.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: lifeisshort123 on September 04, 2022, 05:08:21 PM
Carpooled… saved money and environmental impact… cost me an extra 45 minutes, but I think on the whole was worth it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Wolfpack Mustachian on September 05, 2022, 03:46:20 PM
Bought some freezer safe containers to reuse rather than plastic bags. It makes me nuts to use so much single use plastic - finally took a step to reduce it somewhat.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: StarBright on September 05, 2022, 05:18:50 PM
I split some native plantings (bee balm and cardinal flower) and planted the splits in another part of my yard.

It has taken 4 years for the native pollinator plants to establish. My goal is to eventually have them line my whole fence (a few hundred feet).

I get a lot of joy every time I walk by my original patch and see bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies doing their thing.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: EchoStache on September 06, 2022, 06:22:11 AM
I've done quite a lot in recent months/past year, basically a complete shift from uber consumer to some reasonable level of frugality/environmental friendliness.

When showering, I now only use water to wash my hair, then off.  Back on only to rinse off. Obviously, saving water, sewer, and energy for hot/warm water.  I haven't done much in reducing water temp so room for improvement there.

I make sure I don't leave the water running when brushing my teeth.

I never turn on the faucet wide open unless I'm filling something.  When using water, I turn it on just enough.  I'm encouraging my household of 5 to partake in these to develop new habits on all of us, hopefully.  I'm sure many on these forums have already been doing this for as long as they can remember, but I have definitely not.  So I feel like these are big changes, especially as they carry over to the entire household.

Just had a hybrid water heater installed.

Recently moved.  We had five window units on our hold house, and they were always set around 70, and often cooler at night, as low as 66.  New house has central air and is easier to maintain a constant temp and good humidity level in the house.  Keeping the AC set warmer was an important goal.  So far, we have settled on 73 at night while sleeping and 75 during the day.  I think there is room to improve during the day, especially during hot sunny days when the A/C tends to run a lot.

We are trying to be very intentional about buying "stuff" and getting away from the mindset that "buying stuff" is what makes life rewarding.

If I stop in somewhere to pick up a single item or two, I ALWAYS refuse the plastic bag that the cashier automatically places the individual item into.  Half the time I have to take the item back out of the bag.  Is it really easier to carry one item(plastic bag) than one item(item without the bag?  A constant reminder of the sickening wastefulness of our culture.

I mentioned earlier in the thread that we are now recycling for the first time ever.  I feel really good about the improvements we have made.  I feel like, as a household, we have drastically reduced our wastefulness.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on September 06, 2022, 10:05:39 AM
That's some awesome progress, UltraStache!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: chaskavitch on September 06, 2022, 11:38:38 AM
I filled out a survey from the city with answers in enthusiastic favor of their interest in xeric and water-wise landscaping requirements for new commercial and residential construction :)  We've got some beautiful landscaping through most of town, but most of it looks like it takes a LOT of water to maintain, and they replant a lot of it every season/year.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Rollin on September 09, 2022, 01:30:36 PM
I'd like to pose a question to this group. But I am worried that my question will make it sound as though I am opposed to what this thread is about. So - to begin with - I want to make it clear that I am not at all opposed to small actions.

My question is whether the people in this group are also taking big actions like:
-Voting locally and nationally in support of candidates that have social and environmental action on their agenda
-Driving smaller, preferably electric, cars
-Home improvements like insulation, heat pumps and accessing renewable electricity
-Eating less animal products
-Impacting decisions at work to move your company towards more sustainable systems

...Or are the big actions seen as taking things a bit outside of the comfort zone?

If there is not a thread started on this (as opposed to this one about small stuff) maybe it'd be great to start one!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: LD_TAndK on September 25, 2022, 05:33:11 AM
I've been conscientious of our electricity usage in all sorts of small ways, using less hot water, less heating and cooling, re-insulated the attic, no dryer, put things on power strips to cut power when not in use.

The results are we've used 4,476 kWh over the last 365 days for our all-electric house. Car and grill are still using fossil fuels.

National average is 10,715 kWh annually, which doesn't include most people's heating & cooking fuel!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: EchoStache on September 25, 2022, 08:40:18 AM
Another thing I forgot to mention; wife is air drying most of our clothes now.

When driving to work(30 miles each way), we leave in plenty of time that we don't have to speed.  CC gets set to 63 while faster traffic cruises at 70+.  This keeps our efficiency to around 4.2 miles/kWh vs around 3.5 if we drive 70.  Really only changes the commute by 2-3 minutes tops.  Saves about $10/month in electricity.

When we buy eggs, we try to ensure the packaging is cardboard and not styrofoam. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on September 25, 2022, 10:13:00 AM
I just charged up my first electric vehicle. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: EchoStache on September 25, 2022, 10:24:37 AM
I've been conscientious of our electricity usage in all sorts of small ways, using less hot water, less heating and cooling, re-insulated the attic, no dryer, put things on power strips to cut power when not in use.

The results are we've used 4,476 kWh over the last 365 days for our all-electric house. Car and grill are still using fossil fuels.

National average is 10,715 kWh annually, which doesn't include most people's heating & cooking fuel!

Visited Germany last month.  Relative who is single and lives in a small efficiency apartment asked how much electricity we use.  I told him 1300 kWh the previous month...very hot, tons of AC usage, EV charging etc.  He replied that he used 1,000 kWh............last year...
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: bacchi on September 25, 2022, 12:43:39 PM
I've been conscientious of our electricity usage in all sorts of small ways, using less hot water, less heating and cooling, re-insulated the attic, no dryer, put things on power strips to cut power when not in use.

The results are we've used 4,476 kWh over the last 365 days for our all-electric house. Car and grill are still using fossil fuels.

National average is 10,715 kWh annually, which doesn't include most people's heating & cooking fuel!

Visited Germany last month.  Relative who is single and lives in a small efficiency apartment asked how much electricity we use.  I told him 1300 kWh the previous month...very hot, tons of AC usage, EV charging etc.  He replied that he used 1,000 kWh............last year...

Wow. My heat pump water heater alone is 1/4 of that (and that's if I divide it in half assuming a 20g tank instead of a 40g tank).
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: BuffaloStache on September 30, 2022, 03:04:29 PM
I had jury duty this week, and instead of getting to it by car I hopped on my bike for a ride. It was a brisk morning but a lot of fun and I was able to take some new bike-lanes that I had heard about. I was able to make the entire ~25 minute ride without ever needing to share a lane with regular car traffic.

Added bonus, I got dismissed early and the Judge told all of us to "take a court mandated mental health rest of the day. The weather is nice so you should go outside".

I took a scenic route home that effectively doubled the distance, but gave me great views of the mountains and biking along a river for large portions of it. A great day, better for the environment, built-in exercise, and doing my civi duty- what a win!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on September 30, 2022, 04:01:31 PM
@BuffaloStache That sounds great!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: tyrannostache on October 18, 2022, 03:25:53 PM
Walk my children to the bus stop despite their protests and requests for a ride in the car. It's 2 blocks, kids. Walk it.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Frugal Lizard on October 19, 2022, 08:23:01 AM
Two nights in a row without meat.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: rockeTree on November 07, 2022, 12:54:33 PM
More offsetting than reducing but I planted a tree in the yard yesterday, and I made a batch of vegan lunches for during the week.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fru-Gal on November 07, 2022, 04:32:37 PM
Quote
Visited Germany last month.  Relative who is single and lives in a small efficiency apartment asked how much electricity we use.  I told him 1300 kWh the previous month...very hot, tons of AC usage, EV charging etc.  He replied that he used 1,000 kWh............last year...

This made me go look up our usage. We use an average of 250 kWh a month for a family of four adult-sized humans, 1700 square-foot house. So our per-person usage is less than your German friend. Plus avg 18 therms of natural gas/month. So I think that’s pretty good right? According to our utility we use less energy than efficient homes our size. But we could definitely do better.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: EchoStache on November 07, 2022, 04:42:33 PM
Quote
Visited Germany last month.  Relative who is single and lives in a small efficiency apartment asked how much electricity we use.  I told him 1300 kWh the previous month...very hot, tons of AC usage, EV charging etc.  He replied that he used 1,000 kWh............last year...

This made me go look up our usage. We use an average of 250 kWh a month for a family of four, 1700 square-foot house. So I think that’s pretty good right?

Sounds like amazingly low electricity use....well done! 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fru-Gal on November 07, 2022, 04:47:48 PM
We don’t have AC and during heat waves we just use fans plus my patented window insulating techniques (curtains, cardboard, window film, anything to block solarization) and air cooling at night. But we don’t live in a hot area (though due to more frequent heat waves many around here are getting AC now). In winter we use electric heaters sparingly. We love to dress for the weather so we will all be wearing down jackets once it gets cold.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Fresh Bread on November 10, 2022, 10:08:45 PM
There's been a big hoo-hah in Aus this week because the company that offers in-supermarket collection of soft plastics has had to pause due to a backlog. So today I got off my bottom and went to the bulk store. They have veggie chips now so got some of those as well as stocking up on staples. I also made a list of things we eat that I could make to avoid packaging, so maybe I could do one a day. I don't know how likely this is to happen.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: GuitarStv on November 11, 2022, 07:00:33 AM
There's been a big hoo-hah in Aus this week because the company that offers in-supermarket collection of soft plastics has had to pause due to a backlog. So today I got off my bottom and went to the bulk store. They have veggie chips now so got some of those as well as stocking up on staples. I also made a list of things we eat that I could make to avoid packaging, so maybe I could do one a day. I don't know how likely this is to happen.

It's really tricky getting rid of those soft plastics.  There's surprising amount of loose stuff that we buy as a family, lots of drippy/sticky things.  I was using jars and containers for a while, but they're not an ideal solution - the glass ones are too heavy and the plastic ones hard to clean. . . and it's tricky to get the stuff into the container a lot of the time without spilling.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: LD_TAndK on November 15, 2022, 02:46:16 PM
Anytime I'm on a run or walk in my area, which is every day, I play a game where if I see a clean empty plastic bag I have to take it then fill it with other litter. Sometimes it's just a little doggy bag, often a grocery bag, and rarely a large bag.

For some reason this is more fun and motivating than just going out to pick up trash on a regular basis.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: LightTripper on November 18, 2022, 03:48:34 AM
That's a good idea @LD_TAndK !  I keep meaning to stick a spare shopping bag in my pocket for walks with the kids as they can be quite slow/get distracted, and it seems like it would be quite efficient and satisfying to do some tidying up en route!  Maybe next time I will actually remember to do it...
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on November 19, 2022, 09:00:46 AM
There was a lot of kvetching from pet owners in my town when they banned single use plastic bags at grocery stores. I accumulate plastic takeout bags, bread bags, etc.  I posted them on Buy Nothing and now I have a "bag buddy" who picks them up from me when she walks her dog. We've been doing this for half a year and are both very happy with the arrangement.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: rockeTree on November 19, 2022, 03:34:15 PM
I love that! Building some community, reusing the hard to avoid food packaging plastic, keeping dog waste off the streets :-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: PMG on November 19, 2022, 07:02:55 PM
Today I walked down to a couple shops to pick up some gifts for family Christmas next week. Before I left the house I went through Christmas wrapping and bags on hand and realized I didn’t have enough but I thought, that’s no big deal, both the shops put things in nice paper bags, I’ll use them and have enough … but once at the shops I refused the bags out of habit and trotted off with everything in my backpack only to get home and remember that that I had wanted the bags! Hah. Oh well. Im sure I will figure something out! I’m even more determined now to not buy or use anything new.

Our towns still allow plastic bags, but we’ve been quite good at using our own bags… until Covid inspired grocery pick up. The amount of plastic bags is overwhelming. We do have two cats and a baby so currently we reuse a fair number but back before Covid we’d just ask for what we needed from friends and not add to the pile our selves. We’re now only doing grocery pick up about 1/3 of the time and a new locally sourced market has opened so we have been able to cut back again, but it was on my mind today.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Dollar Slice on November 19, 2022, 07:12:27 PM
Before I left the house I went through Christmas wrapping and bags on hand and realized I didn’t have enough but I thought, that’s no big deal, both the shops put things in nice paper bags, I’ll use them and have enough … but once at the shops I refused the bags out of habit and trotted off with everything in my backpack only to get home and remember that that I had wanted the bags! Hah. Oh well. Im sure I will figure something out!

LOL. I get my medications delivered by Capsule pharmacy, and they use stiff brown paper bags to deliver. The outside is minimalist with just their logo, which you can cover pretty easily. I've used a few of them as gift bags, which works fine as long as people don't look too hard at the fun pattern printed on the inside of the bag - little pills and tablets. They're white, so maybe people think it's supposed to be snow. ;-)
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Poundwise on November 20, 2022, 02:55:47 PM
Today I walked down to a couple shops to pick up some gifts for family Christmas next week. Before I left the house I went through Christmas wrapping and bags on hand and realized I didn’t have enough but I thought, that’s no big deal, both the shops put things in nice paper bags, I’ll use them and have enough … but once at the shops I refused the bags out of habit and trotted off with everything in my backpack only to get home and remember that that I had wanted the bags! Hah. Oh well. Im sure I will figure something out! I’m even more determined now to not buy or use anything new.

Not sure how old your baby is, but I find that toddlers begin to produce art at unmanageable quantities. Some of it is precious, but I ended up using some as wrapping paper for grandparent gifts and they love it! Looks great, too.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: PMG on November 20, 2022, 04:11:28 PM
Today I walked down to a couple shops to pick up some gifts for family Christmas next week. Before I left the house I went through Christmas wrapping and bags on hand and realized I didn’t have enough but I thought, that’s no big deal, both the shops put things in nice paper bags, I’ll use them and have enough … but once at the shops I refused the bags out of habit and trotted off with everything in my backpack only to get home and remember that that I had wanted the bags! Hah. Oh well. Im sure I will figure something out! I’m even more determined now to not buy or use anything new.

Not sure how old your baby is, but I find that toddlers begin to produce art at unmanageable quantities. Some of it is precious, but I ended up using some as wrapping paper for grandparent gifts and they love it! Looks great, too.

Ooh that is a fabulous idea. She isn’t old enough but ill tuck that idea away for the future. I ended up finding a plain Kraft bag and a bag with gold dots in my collection of used bags. They aren’t quite the right sizes but they’ll work. I figure both will look Christmas-y with the right tissue paper which I already had.

Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Rollin on March 05, 2023, 02:45:28 PM
Last weekend my son wanted to paint his very small bedroom (it's not even eight by twelve). We did the whole thing with a single gallon of paint, even though Ace Hardware's Benjamin Moore machine was broken and we had gotten some awful store brand stuff. There was a tiny bit left over, which I have stored in an old jam jar in case we need to touch something up later.

Bonus: Also saved the $35 another gallon would have cost us!

Our county has a chemical swap shop that includes lots of good paint. It's at the waste to energy facility. Maybe you have one too.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Rollin on March 05, 2023, 03:31:35 PM
I'd like to pose a question to this group. But I am worried that my question will make it sound as though I am opposed to what this thread is about. So - to begin with - I want to make it clear that I am not at all opposed to small actions.

My question is whether the people in this group are also taking big actions like:
-Voting locally and nationally in support of candidates that have social and environmental action on their agenda
-Driving smaller, preferably electric, cars
-Home improvements like insulation, heat pumps and accessing renewable electricity
-Eating less animal products
-Impacting decisions at work to move your company towards more sustainable systems

...Or are the big actions seen as taking things a bit outside of the comfort zone?

Big Stuff

Installed solar on the roof replacing our use of grid electricity (net zero or better). 1-3 year environmental pay back (ours should be lower because the panels were made in the US).
Hybrid water heater installed (down from $450/year electric costs to $100, commensurate electricity usage).
Foamed the roof/attic (reduced power bill (before solar) by half). Increased life of my AC system by 100%. Glues my roof on for protection against potential hurricane damage.

Small Stuff

Close hurricane shutters on sunny side of the house when we have AC on (shade).
Electric mower instead of gas (no noise pollution either).
Switched to LEDs throughout, and in a couple of places where they get left on we went to auto on and auto off.
Installed motion activated security light powered by small solar panel (no need to hard-wire).
Shoe gu to repair work boots - gets two years out of boots that the sole falls apart after one year.
Sold my rooftop water heater to a local, rather than recycle it.
Van sits unless I work, which I compress to 2 days a week (FIRE job).
E bike all errands, or ride standard bike the other days. When I used to ride to the office 4 days a week I calculated the cost to recharge the battery at $0.10/week! Compare that to driving a car or even taking the bus.
Open house up in AM to cool it by 2 degrees.
Bundle of spare shingles (left over from another neighbor's re roof) reused for a neighbor’s shed repair.
Hang my clothes after 5 minutes or so in the dryer (to get the wrinkles out). They last much longer too.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on March 05, 2023, 06:30:49 PM
I took my cart of recycling down to the recycling bins this morning. 

Earlier this week I reused some boxes from work. 
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Extramedium on March 11, 2023, 11:19:29 AM
Kudos to you, Rollin!  Your example is inspiring.
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: La Bibliotecaria Feroz on March 11, 2023, 11:34:24 AM
Made an appointment for a consult as first step toward getting an energy audit and hopefully eventually electrifying our home!
Title: Re: What small things did you do today to reduce your environmental impact?
Post by: Loretta on March 11, 2023, 03:23:40 PM
Air dried some laundry, drove my passenger and myself in my EV to our charity knitting group, and ate food I mostly had in the fridge already.  Recycled some brown paper bags.