Making a green home

My DH and I have decided to really work on going green, and these are some things that we have put into action that really work for us.

• When we moved into our new house we put in all CFL bulbs and kept some old bulbs that they had in for spares.  I must admit that I was a little leary once I had them in and realized they had mercury in them.  Be careful if they break and know how to handle them if something were to happen.
• I have some canvas bags that I use for shopping that I keep in the car for unexpected trips.  I also put in some plastic bags as well, so they aren’t just one use bags.
• I use paper bags for cleaning the kitty litter.
• I do the “if it’s yellow let it mellow” since our toilets aren’t water efficient.
• I make my own cleaners with vinegar, water, and baking soda.  I use rags that I make from old towels or shirts instead of paper towel for clean up.
• I wash and reuse plastic baggies.  Generally, I use baggies for the same thing over and over again anyway (one for the lid of the dog food, partially used onions, freezing veggies, so I thought I may as well just rinse them and use them again).
• We recycle.
• I have a compost in my back yard.
• I am going to grow my own garden this year.  I have watermelon, herbs, and tomatoes started so far.
• We are working on eating in more and being conscious about the things we buy.  We try to buy more second hand and think about if we really need the things first.
• I have been trying to shower every other day and not wash my clothes after one wear (unless it is a piece of clothing I workout in).
• I buy local beef and free range eggs from my brother who is a farmer (and I get a discount ).  I also joined a CSA for the first time.

There are still many things I can do in order to help the Earth be a better place, so if you have any ideas to share – please feel free.  I’d love to hear what others are doing in regards to going green.

 For other Works for me Wednesday ideas, visit Rocks in my Dryer.