can you help me go green???

[tobmac]

i am wanting to go green, now not way out altra green but enough to teach my kids to respect the enviroment. The kids are pretty good as they love the outdoors but what can i teach them inside the house? we do rent so we cant change too much with the house and i am trying to cut back on certain cleaning products but as i have 2 toilet trainers the toilet gets bleached daily or i find it stinks.

so does anyone have any ideas where we can start??

[mumkc]

Well done! I am a "basic" greenie and these are the steps I have taken:
- recycling reusable products
- using green bags at the supermarket
- composting waste food instead of throwing out
- using low energy light bulbs
- turning off lights and electrical equipment not being used
- walking instead of driving where possible

Hope this helps!

[canberramomma]

Have you tried the Earth Choice toilet/floor/household cleaners? They are much better for the environment than bleach and still leave a fresh scent. Also, mopping the floors with a solution of warm water, white vinegar and lavender oil helps keep the floors smelling nice as well as disinfecting while not using any 'nasties'. Well done your decision to try to 'go green'.

[WorkingClassMum]

Reject - dont use - plastic bags etc where ever possible. Don't use the car if you can walk etc

Reduce - use less of - shorter showers, turn the lights off, turn the heater down (and put on a jumper),

Reuse - re-use plastic bags to bring home shopping or line bins:rolleyes:, get re-usable containers to house food/lunches/sandwiches.

Recycle - use bath water on the garden, buy and take clothes to the op shop, get toys from toy libraries, toy swaps and op shops.

80% of my kids clothes and 20% of mine are from the op-shops. Our prams where 2nd hand etc etc etc


Grow your own herbs and vegies

Have vegetarian at least once a week

Cook as much from scratch as possible

Shop local

Use Shanks Pony and public transport

Use a solar powered clothes line

[westerner]

Reuse - re-use plastic bags to bring home shopping or line bins:rolleyes:,
Use a solar powered clothes line

I have two quick questions.. :o

Why is there a rolly eyes after that comment? Whats wrong with using the plastic bags from shops and then reusing them at home??

Also why to you need power to a clothes line.. :confused:

[WorkingClassMum]

I have two quick questions.. :o

Why is there a rolly eyes after that comment? Whats wrong with using the plastic bags from shops and then reusing them at home??

Also why to you need power to a clothes line.. :confused:


the roll eyes was sarcasm - not at the op, just at the idea that using the plastic bags in the bin solves the problem of plastic bags

a solar powered clothes line is a cute name for the old backyard clothesline positioned inthe sun

[westerner]

the roll eyes was sarcasm - not at the op, just at the idea that using the plastic bags in the bin solves the problem of plastic bags

a solar powered clothes line is a cute name for the old backyard clothesline positioned inthe sun


Oh good..:laughing: I thought i was going crazy.. :dizzy:
Im thinking but a clothes line is in the sun... whats she on about... :laughing: :o

I personally use the plastic shopping bags.. as i then reuse them in my bin.. I dont think there is anything wrong with it at all..
Either that or i say no to the bags and then buy a roll of plastic bags anyway.. No difference so its just silly for me to pay money for them imo.. ;)

[canberramomma]

Is it soooo crazy not to line your bin at all? Not wanting to pick a fight, but assuming most of us have a compost or worm farm and don't really need a bin liner?

[WorkingClassMum]

Is it soooo crazy not to line your bin at all? Not wanting to pick a fight, but assuming most of us have a compost or worm farm and don't really need a bin liner?


At the insistance of our council, we use a bin liner now for our 120l bin, but I don't use bin liners for the inside bins - except the toilet bin.

The bin in the bedroom has nothing, and I empty it into the 120l bin, the kitchen bin has newspaper on the bottom, but I rarely put drippy things in it. I do put a bag in the toilet bin:barf: though.

The food scraps either go into the worm far, the compost bin, to the dogs or the cat, all other stuff either goes in the recycle bin, or the 120l garbage bin.

[canberramomma]

Man, your council! Is that crazy or what???? Maybe your garbage mad who doesn't actually touch the bins objects? I mean ... WTF!!!!! Haven''t they heard of the waste reduction bill that they backed??? That's shocking! We don't line our toilet bin, but seeing that we don't use disposable menstrual products, it's not a problem. I can see how it would be if you did, though.

[WorkingClassMum]

Man, your council! Is that crazy or what???? Maybe your garbage mad who doesn't actually touch the bins objects? I mean ... WTF!!!!! Haven''t they heard of the waste reduction bill that they backed??? That's shocking! We don't line our toilet bin, but seeing that we don't use disposable menstrual products, it's not a problem. I can see how it would be if you did, though.

unless the rubbish is bagged, they cannot guarantee that the lighter rubbish won't be strewn all over the street.....:rolleyes:

we had a note sent to us after we complained about the rubbish up and down the street - so you see - it's our fault....:rolleyes:

I either idividually bag up each bin's worth of rubbish - or line the bin....:rolleyes:

and I figure eirther I use one of the big bags that breaks down, or twenty little bags...

[A Party of Five]

Shopping
- Use enviro bags when shopping (put them back into the car after you've unloaded the shopping)

- Minimise purchases of products with excessive packaging, or buy from a bulk foods store, where you take your own containers.

- Buy your food from a local farmer's market, and try buying in bulk, share between baskets for family/neighbours and sharing the cost.

- Buy organic if you can, the less pesticides used the better.

- Look for local, organic, free range, and in season produce.

- Look for recycled, unbleached, Australian made and owned, low packaging household products, such as toilet paper and paper towel.

- Try to buy Australian when you can - the further it comes from, the further emissions given to get it here.

- When buying appliances, look for their Energy Rating label.

Housework/ household
- Recycle our recyclable rubbish, esp. aluminium.

- Only do full loads of washing to save water and energy, and use the 'eco' option on your appliances.

- Wash sheets/ towels once a week, and use the clothes line instead of the dryer and if you do use a dryer, keep it lint free, so it works better.

- Avoid softeners, they can also ruin your washing machine, and easily replaced by natural recipes.

- Use natural products or make your own.

- Switch to more environmentally friendly cleaning options. Enjo or microfiber cloths. Earth's Choice or other brand cleaners, or bicarb and vinegar for general cleaning, laundry, toilets etc.

- Use a cloth instead of paper towel, and avoid throw away cleaners.

- Pay bills on line and choose to receive statements on line too.

- Get a "No Junk Mail" (http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=168656)sticker and contact companies who don't abide by your sign.

- Line your indoor recycle bin with newspaper or junk mail, (that you were going to put in there anyway) to prevent having to wash out your bin, or use garbage bags.

- Use re-useable containers, instead of throw away ones or cling wrap.

House
- When building or renovating choosing 'greener' building options.

- Install water tanks, grey water systems, insulation.

- Buy a grey water hose for your washing machine (available from hardwares stores) - use it to water your lawn, garden etc etc.

- Make sure you use phosphate free powder/liquid though.

- Recycle retro/ vintage fabrics and furniture for furnishings, or use natural fabrics and source local crafts/ art.

Garden
- Grow your own veggies (even if it is just a couple of planter pots on a balcony)

- Ensure your garden is free of noxious weeds (eg ivy, blackberries) to help stop the spread and deadhead your flowers so the seeds don't scatter for potentially invasive weedy plants (eg agapanthus).

- Mulch your garden to help keep in the water.

- Set up a composting system. If you are in a unit or high rise, petition the landlord to set one up for the building or use a bokashi bin.

- Kill weeds using a combination of vinegar and salt or hot water instead of Glycophosphate products etc.

- Get some chickens fresh eggs, and fertiliser/pest eaters.

- Use old newspaper as weed mat, and use shredded paper as mulch.

- If you have any leftover vegetable soup, lentils etc just dilute it and fertilise plants with it.

- Plant drought resistant shrubs, like natives and here is a list of drought resistant plants http://www.savewater.com.au/index.php?sectionid=684 (http://www.savewater.com.au/index.php?sectionid=684)

Water
- Reduce water usage by shorter showers, less on gardens etc, catch shower water for nappy rinsing/toilet flushing.

- Install a water tank.

- Follow the motto: If it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down for the toilet.

- Use a Twin tub washing machine.

- Put a large tub in your kitchen sink to catch the water you use every day. Then use that water on your garden.

- Put a bucket in the shower and catch the water as you wait for it to heat up. This can be used for anything, to start to fill the washing machine, to flush the toilet, to water some veggies etc.

Electricity
- Change over to Green power/ energy with your local electricity provider.

- Replace light globes with energy efficient ones.

- Change light globes slowly to energy saving ones and buy a twin pack each time you do a grocery shop.

- Have your roof cavity insulated to reduce heating-cooling costs.

- Install movement sensors for lights in hallways and other transit areas of the house so you don't have to worry about turning these lights on or off.

- Instead of using the heat lamps when it is cold I just don't put the fan on and let the room just stay warm until after I'm dressed then I put on the fan and just open the window, it's actually pretty fast with absorbing the moisture with the window open as well.

- Avoid heaters/air con wherever you can, but remember to close doors and get your family into one room, to make it more efficient.

Transport
- Catch public transport where possible.

- Wash your car at a local car wash that recycles their water.

- Change to a smaller car or an softeners-carmicrofiberon lineon line if you can afford it.

- Car pool, or walk/ride to work and wherever you can.

- Keep your car maintained and tuned up, so it runs more efficiently and with less pollution.

Personal/ hygiene
- Change to 'natural products' particularly Australian made and owned, organic, local, toiletries and cosmetics.

- Make your own products.

- Use a hanky instead of tissues.

- Try the 'no shampoo' challenge, (or try shaving your hair off altogether)

- Try a bucket bath, or put a timer in your shower.

- Get used to having your showers at a slightly cooler temperature. Over a year, this saves a huge amount of energy in heating bills, and is much much better for your skin.

- Try a menstrual cup (or use cloth pads, or flushable pads, or organic tampons).

- Make your own clothes, recycle fabric and wool.

- Look for organic cotton and hemp clothing, designed and made locally.

Baby/ kids
- Flush baby poo down the toilet (not into the rubbish)

- Start using cloth nappies, dry pailing and using organic fabrics if making your own.

- Start by using just one cloth nappy per day. Put it on your baby after they have just had a dirty nappy. You can throw it in the wash with your usual load.

- Use washable wipes and make your own solution, such as cooled chamomile tea, or just water.

- Use washable breast pads, and if you can, try breastfeeding.

- If you formula feed, recycle the scoops for kids toys, or use in your home made cleaning products.

- Take babies for a walk in the pram for entertainment, try buying toys from op shops or on eBay or join a toy library (they often only have the baby toys for a short time)

- Get kids outdoors for a 'nature treasure hunt', or into gardening or the local library or sport, rather than TV/ video or computer games.

- Encourage children to recycle - after all, all this is going to become their problem very quickly.

Pets
- Make your own dog food

- Keep your pets away from wildlife and natural habitat.

- De-sex your animals.

- Have them washed/groomed by a professional who are efficient and use less water, and use enviro friendly products.

- Do the scoop with the poop and use biodegradable baggies.

- Avoid clumping clay cat litter

Eating/ drinking
- Cut down on meat based meals.

- Look for organic wine.

- Eat more whole, unprocessed foods, and raw foods, such as salads.

- Indulge, but try organic chocolate, beer and cheeses.

Entertainment
- Watch An Inconvenient Truth (with your friends)

- Subscribe to G magazine

http://www.gmagazine.com.au/ (http://www.gmagazine.com.au/)

- Join a library, go to a book exchange or share books around.

- Read some of the many books about being 'green'.

- Start a book club or a knitting circle.

Computer/ technology
- Turn your computer/ appliances off when you can, not just to stand by.

- Print on both sides of the paper, look for recycled computer paper, and turn scrap paper into notepads or use for kids art/ craft.

- If you get junk mail etc. thats printed on A4 pieces of paper, keep it next to the printer. Great if you want to print something out for proofreading etc, where the copy doesn't have to be perfect.

- Buy disc's in bulk, to avoid single disc packaging and use re-writeables where possible.

- Have your appliances repaired, rather than just thrown away when broken.

Travel
- Travel locally, avoiding alot of flights.

- Support softeners-toumicrofiberrism http://www.thegreendirectory.com.au/ecotou...ecotourism.html (http://www.thegreendirectory.com.au/ecotou...ecotourism.html)

Job/ career/ business
- Support businesses who support the earth, and boycott those who don't.

- Use shredded paper for mulch.

- Keep post satchels to reuse - turn inside out and use that way, they're quite tough too.

- Get your workplace on board with green practices

- Visit http://www.thegreendirectory.com.au/employ...employment.html (http://www.thegreendirectory.com.au/employ...employment.html)

Finances
- Invest in green companies

http://www.thegreendirectory.com.au/invePolyphosphatest...inveggiescar washsoftenersvestment.html (http://www.thegreendirectory.com.au/invePolyphosphatest...inveggiescar%20washsofteners vestment.html)

Education
- Study Environmental sciences or another green course

- Visit http://www.thegreendirectory.com.au/education/education.html (http://www.thegreendirectory.com.au/education/education.html)

Charities/ Volunteering
- Just google for a list or see the Planet Ark website (below)

Spreading the word
- Show people how easy (and nice) being green is by example.

- Don't overwhelm people or get them on the defensive by confronting them.

Links
http://www.thegreendirectory.com.au/index.html (http://www.thegreendirectory.com.au/index.html)
http://www.treehugger.com/ (http://www.treehugger.com/)
http://www.seql.org/100ways.cfm (http://www.seql.org/100ways.cfm)
http://www.planetark.com.au/index.cfm (http://www.planetark.com.au/index.cfm)
http://www.savewater.com.au/index.php?sectionid=1 (http://www.savewater.com.au/index.php?sectionid=1)
http://www.cleanup.com.au/au/LivingGreener/ (http://www.cleanup.com.au/au/LivingGreener/)
http://www.greenpeace.org/australia/ (http://www.greenpeace.org/australia/)