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Mom's 'If You Can't Go Green' List
You say you tried a few Green projects and
failed? So did I. Too Lazy? nah.
Just check
the list of what to do if you
reach a road
block in your other attempts
to be Green.
If you just can't recycle, or
buy a new car
or refrigerator, here's your
list of the
next best, and easiest, steps
to take. "So,
if you can't..."
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If you can't Recycle at the Curb:
Recycle those things that can be taken somewhere
else to recycle. Plastic grocery store bags
can go back to the store, and not necessarily
the same store where you got them. From time
to time, some communities accept large or
hazardous items for recycling for free or
for a small charge. Some office items, like
paper, batteries and print cartridges can
be taken to work to be recycled. Also, avoid
buying products in containers, like getting
a water filter for your tap water instead
of getting water in plastic bottles.
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If you can't Buy a More Efficient Vehicle:
Use the best vehicle you have
access to,
there's no reason to take the
SUV to the
store when a family member has
a smaller
sedan available. Drive or accelerate
slower.
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If you can't Live with the Air Conditioning Turned Higher:
Get a cheap table or floor fan.
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If you can't Live With a Lower Heat Setting:
If you're smart, you probably already wear
a sweater. Even better is to wear slippers.
Warm feet add a lot to your overall comfort.
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If you can't Use Less Hot Water:
Turn the thermostat on the hot water heater
down. You won't use any more water, and a
cooler water heater loses less heat. Also
see how to Use Less Water.
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If you can't Plant Trees and Bushes:
Open your picnic table umbrella. Leave it up during the heat of
the day and use it to shade a window, a door,
the patio, or...the picnic table. If they
absorb less heat, they'll re-radiate less
heat toward you or the house. Consider an
awning.
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If you can't Use Less Water:
Add flow restrictors to all your faucets,
they're about $1 each at the hardware store.
You'll slow down the usage of the family
members who always turn on the water full
force.
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If you can't Get the Family to Go Green:
Negotiate. Tell them you'll turn up the thermostat
if they'll turn off the lights. But be sure
the trade-off makes sense.
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If you failed at Doing Anything Green:
Be a Green Advocate or give Green Gifts. Heck, just clicking on some of the ads
on this page helps support a Green web site,
and it's Free! What could be easier than
that? However, some things are so easy, like
using a Dish Towel or opening and closing the curtains to control
Solar Heat, you need to return to my Green List and try again. It's not hopeless.
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