On Being Green

"I AM THE FUTURE"

It isn't always easy being green.... you have to constantly think about re-purposing, recycling, sustainability of goods, buying local, toxicity levels, environmental burdens, using less, wasting very little. It will cost you and the earth a lot less in the long term, so it is definitely worth any extra you put in. Once you get into a green routine, it becomes second nature. You will feel like a better person for doing it.

There are daily, simple and strategic things you can do... combining car trips, ride shares, remembering reusable tote bags for groceries, time your showers, turn-off lights, don't let water run, remember your reusable water bottle, and do without if at all possible.

There are things you can do to convert your home into a more efficient, eco-friendly place. Lower your water heater, do more "cold" washes, experiment with your express setting on your dishwasher and use that if it works, replace old fashioned bulbs with florescent ones, buy recycled furniture off of cragislist, from yard sales or thrift stores, paint your walls with low or no VOC paints, hang clothes out to dry (if you have an outside space), make sure all windows and doors are properly sealed (you can buy special tape at a hardware store for just dollars and it will save you more than you pay for it), use window shades to keep heat out in the summer, change your A/C filters more often, and periodically clean-out your refrigerator coils.

The last step I mentioned has always seemed like such a daunting task. I'm not a handyman, a homeowner, or even a bit mechanically curious. Until today, I have not considered attempting it... but I did request that the landlord take care of it, and I have been meaning to call someone to do it for me.

At any rate, here is detailed info on how to clean your refrigerator coils by yourself. There are photos, and step-by-step instructions. How easy! This simple cleaning project will save you on electric bills, as well as get your fridge running more efficiently.

I hope you find this information useful. Please comment & share your green tips!