Radical changes to make everyday "Earth Day"

Radical Changes to Make Every Day Earth Day

• Build and use a  humanure toilet, composting all your bodily wastes and returning it to the soil. You can leave your current stool in place and just not use it, or reserve it for guests only. Think of how much water is wasted with every flush of the toilet, and add in all of the energy and chemical inputs to treat and clean that water again once it’s used.
• Turn off the hot water to your washing machine. Use cold water water only, and choose a biodegradable laundry soap. Your clothes will get just as clean without having to burn coal or gas to heat the water.
• Run your washer drain hose into a section of your yard, creating a mini-wetland and treating the graywater at the same time. Note: don’t do this if you’re using conventional laundry soap, as you’ll probably do more harm than good.
• Unplug your clothes dryer and install a clothesline. Yes, your neighbors might have a cow because they will see your clothes (and see you saving money and energy), but think of it as an educational opportunity. Clothes feel better and last longer when they don’t get spun around at high heat with a fragrance-infused dryer sheet.
• Purchase a plastic spray bottle, such as is used as a plant sprayer or household cleaner sprayer. Fill it with water and add some drops of lavender or rosemary (or both) essential oils. Instead of turning on the tap to wash your face or hands, simply spray on and wipe off – you’ll be able to wash up with about a tablespoon of water.
• Don’t take a shower every single day. There are probably some occupations where this might seem necessary, but for most of us, it’s just overkill. If we stink after one day, it may be that we need to look more at our diet and lifestyle instead of showering more. The same thing goes for washing hair. If you use a lot of hair products like gel or hair spray that need to be washed out every day, consider changing your hairdo.
• Build or buy a solar hot water heater. The easiest method for personal use is to purchase a  camping solar shower (3 to 5 gallon capacity) and use that for your showers. Fill it with water, place in the sun for several hours (depends on the weather), and then hang up in your shower when ready to use. We used one of these for about 6 years, and a 5 gallon shower would last for two adults and one or two children.
• Refuse to buy products that are over-packaged.  Buy in bulk when possible, and always keep a shopping bag with you so you don’t need a disposable plastic bag.
• Build a  tiny house out of scrounged and scavenged materials. Consider living in an alternative manner, such as  in a camper, a tipi, or a tent. Alternatively, close off or rent out part of your house, living as simply as possible and saving money on utilities at the same time.
• Park your car, unhook the battery and hang up the keys. Buy or rebuild a used  bicycle and use that for your transportation needs. This may mean changing your habits or where you live, but it will save money and resources while keeping you fit at the same time.
• Purchase as much of your food as possible from local growers. Supplement that by growing as much of your own food as possible, whether it’s just  sprouts or  greens or a full-blown garden.
• Don’t buy shit you don’t need. Period. Instead of purchasing cheaply made items, and lots of them, buy quality items made with pride by craftsmen or artisans. Shop at thrift stores, yard sales, or make your own.
• Forget ‘Free Tibet’. Leave the bumper stickers alone and actually work for change in your community instead. Free your mind, meet your neighbors, and be the change you want to see.

Read more: http://naturalpapa.com/environment/radical-changes-to-make-every-day-earth-day/

/ Source: www.NaturalPapa.com / 

Just as a quick note: I'm not Miss Green perfect, I'm not even doing everything listed here (when I should. WE should), but I'll do my best to start TODAY, one by one, I'll apply them all one day, soon! :)  After all, I do want children growing up to be able to live in this planet without using gas masks, weird clothes to protect them from a very crappy weather.  A few years ago, I remember seeing animals and plants that no longer exist today... Change is in our hands only.  As Gandhi said: "Be the change you want to see in the world".

Published from "Momentos" blog: www.leilanigonzalez.com