STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

kittenheels · Coach

Ways to be more earth friendly?

janey831 · Kate Spade

some ideas:
Use your own reusuable grocery bags. I often keep a couple in my car so I don't forget.
Use your own water bottle.
I use all natural products for my dog and kitchen. Mrs.Meyers makes some great smelling products (and cute packaging too!)
Bring your own tupperware containers to restaurants. Much better than the doggy bag/styrofoam containers.
Buy in bulk--you know the big bulk containers filled with beans, rice, nuts, etc?
Use energy efficient light bulbs.
Unplug appliances such as lamps, computer plugs, etc when not in use. This can save money too.

There are a ton more ideas here: www.treehugger.com

smile

wicked · Coach

That site (www.treehugger.com) is awesome, thanks for posting.

littlebean · Kate Spade

-Keep your tires inflated and remember to change your air filter
-Only run your dishwasher when it's full
-Keep the thermostat one degree warmer in the summer and one degree cooler in the winter
-Unplug electronic devices when you're not using them
-Join www.stopglobalwarming.org

kealoha · Kate Spade

in addition to janey831 and littlebean's suggestions, this is what i do:

recycle newspaper, boxes, bottles and cans
cut & use the backsides of 8 1/2 x 11 paper into notepads
reuse cardboard sleeves from coffee shops such as Starbucks
donate books & magazines to the library or hospitals
minimize using the heater in the winter (we have an apt. so we layer w/clothing and blankets) and minimize A/C use in the summer by opening our sliding doors
air dry my hair whenever possible
walk to work (only 1 mile away from home)
recycle bubble wrap when mailing items
only print work documents when needed

Drew · Gucci

Try to eat organic products as much as possible, but not to the extent that they are being shipped from all over the world, like say Africa. In those cases the fuel required in travel negates the benefits of using non-pesticide produce.

Also, try and switch from regular cleaners including household, laundry, and dish cleaners to non-chemical cleaners that do not have a negative impact on the environment.

Switch to fluerescent bulbs.

Don't leave lights on and encourage others not to waste too.

Don't waste water. Don't leave the water running while brushing your teeth, or in the sink for long periods needlessly. Less water is used in washing even just a few dishes in the dishwasher than what most people would use to wash by hand.

Recycle everything you can, and more importantly try to reuse before recycling.

Buy used goods whenever practical.

We've begun looking into solar panels for our roof, but right now the prices are astronomical. I am hoping very soon that the eco-homes become the fad thing; it seems we are headed in that direction.

Try to use landscaping that doesn't require a lot of water for maintenence. Using local varieties usually helps.

Don't use chemicals in your lawn.

Support businesses that contribute to the benefit of the environment when possible.

AllieGurl · Marc Jacobs

I just changed all our lightbulbs to high energy efficiant light bulbs that last for 7 - 10 years! When I read the statistics on how much electricity and money they save I was shocked.

Also I only run the dishwasher when its full.

Dont do laundry until I have enough for a large load.

ejc423 · Coach

My dad is a financial planner/investment advisor and he has a client who asked my dad to build him an investment portfolio of "green" companies. I thought that was such a great way to be a good steward of one's resources--both monetary and natural.