July 26

Need to make a Book Cover at Home?


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New Website for Authors and Writers


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July 16

Ten Reasons to Stop Cleaning You house


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part III Living Green Tight Budget

 

   You’re a busy working man or woman already. If it seems overwhelming and you don’t know where to start, just pick one thing you think will be easy for you and get into the habit of doing it. Once you feel good about that one, pick another … and so forth until you are doing as much as you comfortably can.

 

 

 

   Another Note … Don’t get gimmicked into green fads. Along with anything else that grows in popularity, there’s always someone trying to screw people. And you’re on a budget! Do your research before making any important green purchases. Make sure you are getting the best deal, and, that what you’re buying is really doing what it claims it should.

 

 

 

   Also, don’t feel guilty, ever, that you can’t afford that rebuilt house, or Hybrid car. There are some in the Green Living World that would say I’m not being tough enough … I think they’ve lost touch with reality … and what it means to live on a tight budget.  Some day, options like Hybrids will hopefully become cheaper and easier to attain. For now, just do what you can, when you can!

 

  

Now, let’s move on to some more fun topics that can help you save money, as well as save our planet.

 

 

   When you are connected to the world wide wonderful web, an endless amount of knowledge and ideas are at your fingertips. You can find just about anything you can imagine online these days … but the internet can also be a very easy way to live more green. How? By making it easier for people to trade, give away, or receive something someone else wants to part with. There’s practically no more need to buy anything new …

 

As homework … yes, I’m assigning homework … here are some websites to check out … it’ll be worth your time.

 

freecycle.org  - This is a way awesome site that allows people to give away or post things they are looking for. There’s no money involved. You got a bed you need to part with … post it here. Looking for a printer … post it here … it’s the ultimate in free exchanges of goods. Are you looking for that electric blanket … this is the place.

 

craigslist.org -  Or simply do an internet search for craigslist and your state. This is another rockin site … it allows free stuff to be posted, as well as things for sale, sometimes really great deals. It also posts those yard sales and garage sales and what time they start. And is also a place to post things you wish to sell. It even has discounts on places to stay while traveling (if that’s something you ever get to do). Check it out… pretty cool! And posting an add is FREE! There are no advertisements either.

 

efreeko.co.uk -  A site similar to those above, available in the UK.

 

swapstyle.com – An online clothing swap … need I say more … it’s free to post, some things are traded some can be purchased… all at discounted prices.

 

barterbee.com – trade movies, music, dvd’s … if it’s you’re a buff and can’t get enough  … hop on and check’em out! 

 

paperbackswap.com – trade and swap paper back books with fellow readers. The only money spent is for shipping …

 

 

   Of course, you could always go the library as well. If you’re not aware, most state run libraries will ship books to your local branch … you simply request the title and it shows up a couple days later. So save some gas and time and have the library do it. They do it in bulk. Plus, for rural communities, some libraries will even ship books to your house!  Check with your local library and see if these options are open to you.

 

  

   Basically, the internet is there and waiting. Need something specific, just do a search and you’ll be surprised at what might pop up. It’s a money saver … and very green! Just be careful not to get sucked in to staying online too long. It can become an addiction … waiting for that next free item to be posted … don’t forget you have a life outside of the internet!

 

  

 

Neighborhood Cleanups and The Dump  …

 

   Some dreaded words to some … but this is what I have to say.

 

   You’re lucky if you live in a city where there are neighborhood clean up’s; to get rid of all that crap you got lying around. But as they say, someone else’s trash can be another’s treasure.

 

   Okay, so you’re driving around running errands and suddenly you stop in place, almost causing an accident. There sitting on a pile is a dresser, just the size you need. Maybe it needs a coat of paint… or maybe not. It will even fit into your vehicle. But, in your mind this is what you hear  … but people might see me picking that pile!

So what! Grab it!

 

   More people than would ever admit have done it … and do you know how much simpler your life would be if you stopped worrying about what others think of you and your actions, to live green or save money.

 

   Pile picking can really turn up some great finds … from wood for a building project to full on usable furniture… I’ve actually read a story where a husband and wife who didn’t have the money to just build the house of their dreams, picked pile after pile until there house was completely built … and it was a nice house … built completely of thrown away things … you can’t get any greener than that!

 

   The same goes for a dump. You would be surprised what you can find there, too. Growing up as I did in a small rural town, a weekly trip to the dump was a welcomed adventure. Now, you might find only crap, but if you have to deliver something to the dump and actually do see something that catches your eye, and makes you say, “I can’t believe someone threw that away!” Again I ask … what’s stopping you from grabbing it? It’s time to get over pride and keeping up with the Jones’! Live green and don’t ever be ashamed of how you do it. In a world where more is seen as better, it’s time to realize that less or used can work just as well… if not better, by simplifying your life along with helping save the planet.

 

   Being Green is a good thing. But again, do it as you can!  Or, as you are willing. When it’s all said and done … are people gonna remember you as the person who decided to pile pick and thrift shop? Or even remember you as a recycler? They’ll hopefully just remember you as someone who lived how they wanted to live –without the cares of what others thought (and secretly have been jealous over it for years).

 

   Plus, both of these methods are practically cost free (other than the 4$ a gallon gas to drive around).

 

 

 

Clothing Exchanges …

 

This is where a group of friends, church or schools, or maybe even your office, bring in used clothing … put it on a giant table and start searching through for things you or your children can use. This is fabulous for growing children and infants. The leftovers can be given to a shelter or charitable organization. I’ve actually found some very stylish things this way.

 

  

Some words about cars …

 

   Cars are responsible for so many grams of Carbon being released into the air. And when you’re living on a budget it can be difficult, if not impossible, to keep your vehicle in tip top shape… which burns the fewest emissions possible.

   But what if it’s time to get a new car? Your’s is on its last legs and you’ll be lucky to drive it onto a lot. Or, maybe it’s found a permanent home in your driveway or backyard - If you’re not going to be able to get any money for the vehicle, consider donating it… it can be stripped for parts and at least a lot of the car will be used. Or sell it as a parts car. A few bucks is better than none!

 

   So what kind of car should you buy … or will you even have a choice? Below I have listed some older cars that are known for having good emissions and gas mileage. You might not be able to find one, and if you can buy newer, you’re probably better off. These days, with climbing gas prices, even taking on a bit of a payment can even out in the end over the gas money you can save. So consider all options… if you have any when it comes time to buy. Getting into a huge loan might not be right for you … don’t feel pressured to do it! I’ve had plenty of 500.00 cars that got me through tough years.

 

   The following cars are from the 1990’s and into 2000 … when buying used, and you’re possibly a pro at this… make sure the emissions has been passed very recently, otherwise, there is most likely a problem that needs fixing. But this is a constant mantra of those of us stuck buying used cars anyway… something always needs fixing (and typically just as you’ve actually gotten a few extra dollars in the bank). But remember, you are still living green, because you are reusing something someone else doesn’t need.

 

Cars known for decent gas mileage …

 

Honda Civic 4 cylinder

Toyota Corolla 4 Cylinder

Chevy Malibu … until 2006 when they changed to All Wheel Drive

Honda Accord

Hyundai Elantra

Geo Metro

Chevy Aveo

Suzuki Swift

Volkswagon Jetta

 

 

 

   There are others I’m sure, you can always do more research online if you have a certain car in mind … do a search for what the EPA gas mileage should be …

 

   Remember that even though these cars may be good with gas, they may not be so great on your pocket book if they are too old. But, if you need to buy a car today otherwise you’re gonna get fired tomorrow … buy what you can afford. If you can’t do better with your car in saving emissions, don’t stress! Again, you can only do what you can afford.

 

 

 

 

Other Tips for vehicles …

 

1-      Ski and Roof Racks on top of your car can hurt your mileage. So take it down until that trip actually happens.

 

 

2-      Extra large tires also hurt mileage … but if you’re on a budget, I don’t imagine you’re splurge this month will be extra large tires! And if it is … hmm … priorities please.

 

 

3-      If you can, get a tune up. Spark plugs, wires, air filters, etc. Oil changes – on time are a plus.

 

 

4-      Run your AC a little less. Let in some of that fine fresh air.

 

 

5-      When driving, try to keep your speed more even. Try not to have the constant stop and go. It may help your temper to take off like a race car … but then you just find yourself sitting at another light …you coulda just started slow and used less gas … it uses way more gas and emissions to stop and go quickly than to take off slowly and drive a little slower.

 

 

6-       Don’t keep stuff stored in your car that you don’t need in there. Take out that camping gear from two months ago … face it, you’re one summer trip has come and gone … it’s not gonna happen again this year. A lighter car takes less gas to move.

 

 

7-      Don’t idle in your car … now this theory applies to those that have a car they dare shut off while out of their driveway! When you’re at a long light, drive thru line, bank line, waiting for your spouse to get off work (cause you have to share a car) etc … turn off the engine. This can save big!

 

 

8-      All Wheel Drive even with a 4 cylinder car does not get good gas mileage. It’s like having 4 wheel drive on all the time. It sucks down your fuel faster than aunt Margaret sucks down her Whiskey.

 

 

9-      Lastly, a note to truck owners. It is a myth that driving with your tailgate down save’s you gas! It’s been scientifically proven that it actually uses more … so stop doing this so I can stop laughing at you as I watch you drive by.

 

 

  

   Okay, this has been a lot of information. But like I’ve said, if you can even do just one or two of these green ideas, you can do your part while not breaking the bank or your back!

 

   Living Green is becoming a way of life … it’s about making choices that insure our planets healthy future.

 

   Start with just one or two green things and get them to be habitual. Teach your children (if you have them) to live the same way. Focus on one thing to start if two is simply too much. By simply being aware, you’d be surprised how your attitudes about living green can change.

 

   I’m going to end this blog by listing some unfortunate facts about garbage and global warming, and why it’s so vital to start living green whenever possible.

 

 

 

 

-          Did you know that as the temperature warms, mosquitoes populate and travel further … bringing more diseases along with them; like Malaria, which we think of as a third world country disease.

 

 

-          Disposable diapers take over 500 years to decompose.  So much for disposable.

 

 

-          Styrofoam takes up to a million years to properly decompose. Get those out of your office coffee corner … bad, bad, bad!

 

 

-          Up to 50% of junk mail is never even opened. You can contact the direct marketing association to have yourself removed from many lists. How many times do you need to pre approved anyway? 

 

 

-          During the Christmas Holidays, Americans throw away an extra 5 million pounds of garbage … mostly wrapping paper … what the HELL? Is it worth it? Do you even recall what you got for Christmas last year? Didn’t think so …

 

 

-          Aluminum cans take a few hundred years to break down, however, they are easily recyclable, and be turned around into a new can within weeks.

 

 

-          Wool takes just one year to break down; hence my missing woolen socks.

 

 

-          Banana Peels takes 3 -4 weeks to break down.  

 

 

-          About one billion trees worth of paper are thrown out and not recycled each year. With numbers like this it’s a wonder we even still have trees! And this number doesn’t include how many trees are cut and used for paper over all …

 

 

-          Plastic thrown into our lakes and oceans kill over one million water animals each year.

 

 

-          Approximately 1/3 of each house holds water usage is from flushing the toilet. Maybe we can pee one more time before hitting that flush!

 

   Are we getting the picture that natural products seem to break down easier … hmmm, food for thought …  

 

These facts are frightening; and they don’t stop there! You can easily do a search online and find many lists of scary facts like these … these facts seem unfortunately endless. So I will stop and try not to frighten you away. It’s not hopeless. Thousands start living greener lives every day!

 

   But it does make you wonder how much longer our planet can produce what we need to survive, as the human population keeps growing and growing; obviously making the need for food, clothing and shelter even higher. We only have one planet, let’s take care of it.    

 

 

 

   I’ve kept this Blog short and sweet, as you are a busy person … trying to keep yourself in a house … never mind a greener house. Plus, if you have a specific question not addressed here, go online and do a search… it’s very possible someone else has done it or answered it already.

 

 

So here you go … your first steps into a greener world. They do say the grass is greener on the other side of the fence … so hop over and take a look … but not until you get off work, your boss might get angry that you were online reading during working again!

 

                                                                                         Rachel M. D'aigle

                                                                                      Author of The Journals of The Jacoby Odyssey

 

 

 

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Part II Living Green Tight Budget

 

 

 

   As with anything important, living a Greener lifestyle does take some effort. However, you’d be surprised how many little things you can do, that are just a little effort; literally a few seconds or minutes. Some of these topics I’ll discuss are more widely known than others; but they are tested and true… so it seems silly not to mention them all.  

 

 

1-      As your light bulbs die out (Hopefully you’re lights haven’t been cut due to lack of paying your bill), replace them with Compact Fluorescent Bulbs. You can find them just about anywhere now. They can be a tiny bit more expensive to buy upfront (prices are dropping all the time as they are now more popular), but, they do last longer and they use way less energy, which puts fewer emissions (the bad stuff) into our precious air.

 

 

2-      If you use a Computer or Laptop, if you can, opt for the Lap Top. It uses 1/3 the emissions that a full on PC does. If you can’t access or afford a Lap Top, at least shut down the computer when not in use, or at night (Do I hear grumbling… c’mon, it’s really only a minor inconvenience).  

 

 

3-      On average, 8% of the electricity we use is from keeping things on “standby” … things like cell phone chargers, toasters, coffee makers, hair dryers, microwaves, lamps, IPod chargers … you get the picture. Even if the item is not in use it still draws power. So, unplug! If it’s on a counter or wall that can be easily reached (aka, not moving the sofa which hides the 3 extensions you know you shouldn’t be using in that one outlet) …take that extra second and unplug it. Not only will you save a few dollars on your power bill, but you’ll help put fewer emissions into the air. If you’re leaving your abode for any length of time … you’re finally taking that earned and well deserved weekend getaway… to your parents house (better than the growing popular "Staycation" I suppose) … unplug everything you can… again, you don’t want to be moving mountains to unplug items … but if it’s reachable, unplug it.

 

 

4-      Recycle … seems obvious doesn’t it! But surprisingly enough, many states, cities and towns do not have mandatory recycling … or even offer voluntary recycling. If your location does offer… take advantage. Make it a game to see how much recycling you can put in your can… and how often you can go without putting out the garbage can for emptying. If you’re not lucky enough to live in a place that offers recycling … check in your phone book or do a search online and see if there are recycling locations in your area. It may take an extra moment to drop things off … but if you can find the time… it’s well worth it. Often, supermarkets and the like will have large blue recycling bins in their parking lots. So plan to do your shopping and your recycling at one time .. easy …

 

 

5-      Shopping … we all do it! It’s a necessary thing no matter who you are or where you live. We need food, clothes, etc. If you can - buy a reusable bag. Check out your local thrift store, or keep an eye out for a yard/garage sale. Or use one of the free websites I’ll talk about later. If you can’t afford the reusable bag, or forget it when you leave the house ( we all do sometimes), and you end up getting those dreaded plastic or paper bags … try your best to reuse them on your next trip back to the grocer.  Many stores will recycle them for you too!    *TIP*  If you use a reusable grocer bag … grab a few smaller bags or totes that are clean and use them for your fresh produce (if you can afford anything fresh this week). This way you can cut back on the packaging that comes with many fresh items… or again, those dreaded plastic bags every grocer has in their fresh produce section.    This can be a hard habit to get into. It may take 50 times to get it in your head to bring the tote with you.      If you live in a city, or area where you walk a lot, or ride trains, etc, maybe a backpack would work better. Or even a roller bag. Also, if you’re having a good week and can afford those fresh fruits and veggies …remember to buy local produce if you can. These often have less packaging, plus fewer emissions are used in getting that produce to your grocer. Or better yet, if you’ve got them, buy at the farmers market or your friendly road side stand. These are some cheap ways to buy local, be green, and get some fresh stuff into your diet at typically lower costs than your grocer. If you’re really having a great week … buy organic! Fewer pesticides also mean fewer emissions and better for your health, too. Organic is getting easier all the time as more and more grocers have offerings … even our dreaded mallwart store we discussed earlier.  

 

 

6-      Use your Microwave and Toaster Oven. Think of it this way. When you use your Stove Top Range, for just 4 minutes of time, on average you would put 385 grams of carbon emissions into the air. When you use a Microwave or Toaster Oven, that number is cut down to 22grams. WOW! That’s huge. Now, not everything can be cooked in a toaster oven or microwave … you’re gonna use that range. So, when you do, here’s a *TIP* ... Make sure your pan size matches your stove rings … and when you use a small pan reduce the heat so that the rings not under the pan aren’t lighting up. Most of the emissions wasted on a stove are due to using rings not needed for your pan size. Also, make sure to use a lid on your pan … less energy escapes. So basically … no more cans of soup heated up with your stove! Use that microwave.

 

 

7-      Another seemingly obvious point … TURN OFF THE LIGHTS!!! Just turning off the lights as you leave a room, even if you plan on coming right back, can save hundreds of grams of emissions. How many times do you leave a room thinking you’ll return in a moment, only to get sidetracked by a phone call, a knock at the door, your child injuring themselves … etc …  Just make it a habit!

 

 

8-      If it’s possible, and you live in an area where it’s safe to do so, and your stores aren’t too far away … walk! Not only do you save emissions and gas money in your vehicle… you get exercise. Plus, you will only buy what you can carry, which is probably enough! (Unless you’re feeding growing children … then you’d need some full sized luggage) It will really make you think when you shop… can I carry this? Do I really need it? Just making one less trip to the store can make a difference.

 

 

9-      If you have access to your water heater … and especially during the hot summer months where cool showers are more likely … turn down the temperature of your heater to below 140 degrees. You will save hundreds of Carbon Emission Grams every month you do this!

 

 

10-  During the winter … if you are lucky enough to still be able to afford heat, turn it down a degree (I know, your happy to have heat... and it’s your only luxury right now … like heat should be a luxury). Try just one little degree. You’ll never miss it … and if you do, keep a blanket or robe handy to cover your feet while sitting and watching the TV. Or have another glass of wine, you’ll feel toasty in no time! This one degree can also save you loads of emissions. If you’re really daring … turn it down even more at night … wrap up tight to your loved one, or if you don’t have a loved one, perhaps a pet … along with an extra layer incase you wake up cold, because your dog stole all the blankets. Another trick … turn the heat waaaay down … try an electric blanket. It uses way less power and keeps you toasty all night. Can’t afford one … try some of the websites I’ll have listed later.

 

 

11-   Still one of those few people holding into your water bed? Well now might be the time to ditch that … it’s immensely bad for your own bills and for the earth. It’s costly to own.

 

12-   If you own a washer or dishwasher, be sure when you turn them on they are full! If it comes to a time when you must replace a washer… if you can, replace it with a front loading machine. These are better on emissions and water usage than their top loading counterparts. And a note about your dryer … when was the last time you emptied that darned lint tray? Well clean off the top of your dryer and empty it! It not only collects lint and pet hair and dirt that got on your clean sock that you just dropped onto the floor on its way to the dryer … it helps the air in your dryer circulate; it can do this much more efficiently when the filter is clean. An even better option … although this can be time consuming … is line dry your clothes. Of course you need space for this … but it is a cheap alternative and better for the environment. Plus you might get to smell some of that fresh air we’re trying so hard to preserve. And uh, let me guess… you’re the dishwasher … try to not run the water straight down the drain as you wash and rinse. Use a large bowl or stopper your sink to wash and rinse.

 

13-   If you don’t mind you’re nosy neighbors seeing what you’re up to during the day, open up those curtains, blinds, or blankets covering what were once used as windows. Let some light shine in … unfortunate side effect … you can see all that dust that’s been collecting… benefit… there’s a couple; first, using natural light allows you to keep your electric lights off. Second, during cold winter days, it will help add heat to your home, naturally. 

 

 

14-   Cold winter nights … or if you are really desperate cause you have no heat… put those blankets back up on those windows after the sun disappears and trap in some of that heat. Plus, thick, dark curtains can help keep the cold out. Especially if you do have heat, but live in a run down rental with major draftage issues. Use towels or blankets to block nasty gaps under doors, and if you have it in your budget buy some plastic that can cover your drafty windows, but still let in light. I know… I’m advising buying plastic … it’s the lesser of the two evils in really drafty homes, where you have no current control over the situation.

 

 

15-   This one’s pretty simple … when brushing your teeth or shaving, don’t let the water just run. Turn it off until you need it.

 

 

16-   Another water tip … do you live in one of those places that takes water forever to get hot, and it just sickens you as to how much water is wasted by simply waiting for the heated water. Take an empty bucket, milk jug, glass jar, whatever you have that can hold water and fill it as your waiting. This water can be used for such things as watering plants, watering your pets, making sun tea, or if you have good water, even drinking.

 

17-   Do you drive a car? Check your tire pressure! Driving under pressure (in all senses of the meaning) can be bad for you! It’s quick and cheap… sometimes free if you have the right gas station nearby. Bad pressure in your tires adds up to more gas used, and therefore more emissions.

 

 

18-   Shop thrift stores …some people don’t like this. “It’s dirty”, “It smells” … well that’s what the washer is for(just make sure your load is full). You can find some great bargains at thrift stores … my entire wardrobe is from them (now I can be known as a bit of an oddball, but also … for my fashionable entrances)! It can be done. And you are reusing clothing … and many thrift stores earnings go to charities. Plus, if you need household items … you’d be surprised what is given away to these places. Take a look, it can’t hurt. Plus, some of these discount stores even have their own loyalty programs … like coupons for dollars off, etc.  So save money and don’t buy new!   Now due to budgetary constraints, you may already do this along with the next point … if you do… hooray … you’re already living green. Maybe not by choice … but you are!

 

 

19-   Along the same vein … Yard sales and Garage sales. The key is to drag your ass out of bed early … the early arrivers get the coolest stuff. *TIP*  Don’t show up before the posted start time … the host or hostess of the yard sale will be really grumpy! (I'm speaking from personal experience ... if you choose to host your own yard sale, I'd recommend a few mimosa's to get your day started!)

 

 

20-   Reusable Mugs … sometimes, honestly, these can be a pain in the ass. You forget them at work, in your car … you have five of them and they’re all dirty, and you’re just not ready to tackle those two sink’s full of dishes (never mind the ones hidden in your oven). But try to use them …even using them part time makes a difference. But if you insist on grabbing that cup up coffee, at least try to save the ring that goes around your cup … the one that allows you to hold that insanely hot cup… and reuse them! And recycle that cup, too! Every little bit helps. I even came across this hand made crocheted version, which just slipped over the cup … if you’re handy you could probably make one cheap. Or maybe call your grandmother and have her do it … she’d probably love to hear from you!

 

 

21-   Keep old clothes that aren’t wearable and use them as rags in place of paper towels. This is of course if you don’t need those run down clothes to work on your car this weekend J

 

 

22-   Use recycled paper whenever you can. This doesn’t really cost a lot more than regular paper … if you can buy in bulk; always a better deal!

 

 

23-  Eat Vegetarian! This is not high up on everyone’s lists of what their willing to do to better the environment, however, emissions used by processing meat are enormous! Plus, many people who switch to a vegetarian diet actually loose weight and feel healthier. There are so many growth hormones and pesticides used in meat, more and more people are getting sick by eating it. And, when you stop eating meat, you should have more money in your budget for fresher, more locally made produce.

 

 

 

24-  To the best of your ability … and even though you still haven’t washed those dishes and there’s nothing clean … try to get into the habit of NOT using disposable things. Napkins, paper plates, plastic cups … you know the drill. Sometimes, after a long day, or a 60 hour or more work week, the last thing you want to do is make another mess on top of the mess that’s already there … so just try your best. If you use a paper plate, or three or four at a time as is often the case, at least only recycle the top one. If the others are still clean… keep them and reuse them. If you're having a good week, buy plates that are bio-degradable ... then you can use without guilt.

 

 

25-  Finally, a few choice words about plastic. No not your credit cards (that’s a lecture for another day) … I know I said earlier to cover your drafty windows in plastic… that’s an exception … plastics = petroleum. OIL BAD!  They can be toxic for your body … plastics can transfer their toxins too easily into the food or drink’s you store in them. Plastic’s are the toughest thing to get over using … from food storage containers, to plastic bags and garbage bags, to water and soda bottles … When ever possible buy glass, which can be recycled easier … or just try to avoid plastic whenever possible; if you have to buy that bottled water, be sure to recycle the bottle. Save your spaghetti sauce jars and reuse them for food storage instead. Use a trashcan that can be easily emptied and try going without plastic garbage bags.

 

 

  

   Okay, so there are the basics. Maybe you’re already doing some of those … and most are pretty easy and require little effort. But again … anything you do is good!

 

 

                                        end part 2

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

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