Mom's Ratings:
 Good Idea
Great Idea
Green Hero |
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Mountain Mom's 'If You Can't' List
You say you tried a few Green projects and
failed? So did I. So I put together a list
of what to do if you reach a road block in
your other attempts to be Green. If you just
can't recycle, or buy a new car or refrigerator,
here's your list of the next best, and easiest,
steps to take. "So, if you can't..."
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If you can't Recycle at the Curb:
Recycle those things that can be taken somewhere
else to recycle. Grocery store bags can go
back to the store, and not necessarily the
same store where you got them. Wal-Mart has
a bin for all plastic bags. From time to
time, some communities accept large or hazardous
items for recycling for free or for a small
charge. Some office items, like paper, batteries
and print cartridges can be taken to work
to be recycled. Also, avoid buying products
in containers, like getting a water filter
for your tap water instead of getting water
in plastic bottles.
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If you can't Buy a More Efficient Vehicle:
Use the best vehicle you have
access to,
there's no reason to take the
SUV to the
store when a family member has
a smaller
sedan available. Drive or accelerate
slower.
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If you can't Live with the Air Conditioning Turned Higher:
Get a cheap table or floor fan.
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If you can't Live With a Lower Heat Setting:
If you're smart, you probably already wear
a sweater. Even better is to wear slippers.
Warm feet add a lot to your overall comfort.
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If you can't Use Less Hot Water:
Turn the thermostat on the hot water heater
down. You won't use any more water, and a
cooler water heater loses less heat. Also
see how to Use Less Water.
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If you can't Plant Trees and Bushes:
Open your picnic table umbrella. Leave it up during the heat of
the day and use it to shade a window, a door,
the patio, or...the picnic table. If they
absorb less heat, they'll re-radiate less
heat toward you or the house. Consider an
awning or two.
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If you can't Use Less Water:
Add flow restrictors to all your faucets,
they're about $1 each at the hardware store.
You'll slow down the usage of the family
members who always turn on the water full
force.
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If you can't Get the Family to Go Green:
Negotiate. Tell them you'll turn up the thermostat
if they'll turn off the lights. But be sure
the trade-off makes sense.
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If you failed at Doing Anything Green:
Be a Green Advocate, or give Green Gifts...put it on someone else's shoulders. However,
some things are so easy, like
Dumpster Diving, a Dish Towel, or opening and closing the curtains to
control Solar Heat, you need to return to my Green List and try again. It's not hopeless.
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