These days the whole world seems to be turning green, which is a good thing not only for the environment but your bank account.
CafeMom just launched their Small Changes - Big Impact site with lots of tips on how to make small changes that add up to a big difference to the environment. (Full disclosure: I work for them as a community moderator and before that I was a ClubMom blogger.)
Many companies are producing green versions of their regular products, for example Clorox's Green Works, which is very affordable. (Click here for my review of Green Works.)
And like many moms, I'm buying more recycled and earth friendly products like energy saving light bulbs, toilet paper made from recycled paper, and environmentally friendly laundry detergent - all available at my local Costco for the same price (or cheaper) than the regular items.
Plus, I'm eating more organic and locally produced milk, eggs, and veggies. (Click here for my review of Horizon Organic's new DHA Omega-3 milk.) Often the organic stuff costs only a little bit more, plus I find that a lot of it tastes better than the mass-produced stuff.
A Book We Should All Read
So when the folks at FSB Associates told me about Nancy H. Taylor new book, Go Green: How to Build an Earth-Friendly Community
, I was very interested and ask for them to send out a review copy. This book gives readers the tools for a greener lifestyle beyond their own homes by profiling green transportation, schools, hospitals, and businesses. Go Green
also includes tips for building green remodeling and eating locally.
FSB also sent me Nancy's article 10 Ways to Green Your Home and Family, which gives terrific tips on how to save energy in the home. I already do many of the things she suggests like turning down the water heater and using energy saving bulbs. However, I spend way too much energy yelling at my family to turn off the g-damn lights or TV.
10 Ways to Green Your Home and Family
By Nancy H. Taylor, author of Go Green: How to Build an Earth-Friendly Community
We use a lot of energy in our daily lives, for heating, cooling, lighting, appliances and transportation. There are many ways to save energy and money by making a few simple changes.
1. Change your non-dimmable light bulbs from incandescent to compact fluorescents (CFLs). CFLs come in all shapes and sizes and even many shades of the color spectrum. So you do not have to have a white glare or even use the curly bulbs. Incandescent bulbs are going to be obsolete soon, so educate your kids about how much energy CFLs save. Because CFLs have a trace of mercury in the bulb, they must be disposed of at a recycling center.
2. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees F. or 50 degrees C. If your water heater is not insulated, wrap an insulating blanket around it. If your water heater is gas, and not insulated, be sure to leave room for the air vent. Do not cover any venting pipes with a blanket.