rockin' low impact week

heard of it? no? here's the explanation in its original state. enviro-bloggers of all shapes and sizes are taking part the first week of june to reduce our net (there must be a net/internet pun in there somewhere) impact on the environment. want to do it, too? cool! you don't have to be an enviro-anything in particular. just try reducing your impact for a week. it's probably cheaper, anyway. to take part, try to do at least one thing in each category. the starred suggestions might make the most difference. 1. Reduce energy consumption - don't turn the heat above 65 during the day and 60 at night (put on a sweater and dig out those blankies!); for our southern friends, set the A/C to above 90 unplug appliances when not in use that still draw energy when off (like your cell phone charger) turn off the TV unless you are actually watching something use the air dry on your dishwasher instead of heat dry use only cold water in your washing machine line dry your clothes instead of using the dryer* turn off the TV for the week and do something else instead (read a book, visit with friends/family)* 2. Reduce water usage - take shorter showers and/or use a water saving showerhead turn off the water when you're brushing your teeth be aware of water usage when at the kitchen sink - turn it off in between tasks save the water in a bucket that is discharged while warming up the shower and use it to water plants or for other things* 3. Change your food habits - try to buy organic and/or locally grown food minimize pre-packaged foods and make more of your own from scratch use cloth bags at the grocery store instead of getting paper or plastic* don't get take-out if it means non-recyclable packaging* try eating vegetarian or vegan for the week (choose your level from egg/dairy acceptable to no animals products at all)* 4. Reduce your dependence on paper products - print out only what is necessary try out a a 100% recycled TP and tissue brand don't use paper towels; when you can, use cloth napkins or towels instead (e.g. public restrooms)* 5. Reduce your garbage output - recycle everything you can (for your area) donate used items to a charity (many have pick ups and drop off locations) instead of throwing them out or taking them to the dump compost your food waste and soiled paper products* 6. Reduce Single Occupancy Vehicle usage - carpool when taking trips or going out to eat with friends take the bus or other public transportation to work and on errands* 7. Do something that lasts more than a week - replace one bulb per day with a Compact Fluorescent light bulb take your name off of junk mail and mailing lists for catalogs you don't want sign up for an alternative energy plan if available in your area set up a compost bin for your food scraps* set up a rain barrel to capture water for watering your yard* okay. so what am *I* going to do? line dry your clothes instead of using the dryer* we've already cut our dryer usage in about half, but that week, no dryer at all. no putting the sheets in the wash at dinnertime! take shorter showers and/or use a water saving showerhead i love long, hot showers. that week, i'll pop in and out. really! wash my face after i get out, even, maybe. minimize pre-packaged foods and make more of your own from scratch this is my almost-sustainable pledge: no new plastic. that entire week. just watch me...it should be interesting. compost your food waste and soiled paper products* that's a gimme, because the compost bins at the community garden should be about ready by then. next! take the bus or other public transportation to work and on errands* no driving to work unless i have some work-related driving to do. which, unfortunately, i will about 2 days that week. at least i do good work. sign up for an alternative energy plan if available in your area duke energy is kind of evil, but with all that money we'll save on garbage and electricity, we can sign up for the $5-a-month green extra. what will you do? really? make your own yogurt? not a bad idea! make your own yogurt cheese and try to make frozen yogurt out of it? mmm. i'm not so sure that'll work out for you.