Moms can impact their environment

I have always known that there are things I can do to conserve natural resources. With 3 young children, it is not easy to look beyond my family’s health and needs to be aware of what the world may require. Recently, however, I have begun to feel the weight of personal responsibility. I can’t open a magazine or look at my computer without finding an article on how to “green” my home or my life. So call it inspiration or just call it about time, I’ve finally started compiling a list of ways I can contribute to the preservation of our earth.

1. Recycling is a great way to reduce the amount of trash that is sent to landfills every day. Many new, clean, usable products are “reborn” when items are recycled. Many communities have curbside recycling programs. For those communities that don’t come to you for your recyclables, there is usually a station somewhere in the area.
2. Unplugging all unnecessary appliances, such as cell phone chargers, alarm clocks in guest rooms, and lamps in infrequently used bedrooms, is an easy way to save energy. Filling your dishwasher before turning it on or doing a full load of laundry are also ways we can conserve. Imagine if every household in the world used their dishwasher only 5 times a week instead of 7. Teaching children to turn off the lights when they leave the room is great practice.
3. Replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent (cfl) bulbs can save up to $30 over the life of the bulb because they use 70-80% less energy. They cost more up front, but will more than pay for themselves in the years to come.
4. Reducing packaging is a great way to have an impact on the amount of trash that is sent to landfills. Juice boxes are convenient, but they are single-serving, disposable containers. Instead, buy a large bottle of juice and pour the servings into washable, reusable cups or bottles. Do you remember when we used to drink tap water? Water filters that can be easily installed on your kitchen faucet are a great way to reduce the number of bottles of water consumed.
5. Hanging your clothes outside on a simple clothesline to dry in dry weather will not only keep your clothes, sheets, and towels smelling fresh, but it will also help save money on your utility bill. Hang a line in your attic or basement for use in cold or inclement weather.
6. Storing some sturdy, inexpensive duffel bags in your vehicle will remind you to use them when shopping or running errands instead of accepting the plastic versions.
7. Paper plates are a very tempting way to serve lunch or dinner, but all those plates usually go straight in the trash. Buy some melamine plates or bowls for a light, casual dinner. For napkins, consider buying some inexpensive cloth napkins to wash and reuse with each meal. Instead of reaching for a paper towel created by clearcutting virgin forests, hang a tea towel somewhere near the sink. Teach your children to use it to dry their clean hands.
8. Looking for cleaning products and methods that contain natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable ingredients is another great way moms can do their part. A lot can be done with baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. Petroleum-based cleaners contribute to the depletion of natural resources and the destruction of precious land and water environments.

It’s tempting to imagine that one person can’t make a difference, but if we demonstrate ways to lessen our impact on nature to our families and friends, then we are empowering future caregivers. We are creating conscious adults who will understand their duties to the earth and to each other.