kapachino

Tag: green

  • friday things: odds & ends

    I started watching Glee from the beginning tonight. My brother had told me that there was zero chance that I wouldn’t like it, and he was right. In fact, I teared up in the first episode because of how happy it made me. My husband watched it with me and commented on all the stereotypes and how it’s basically just a cheesy high school movie. I looked him in the eye and said, “I like that.”

    ***

    My in-laws have been keeping Oliver for us since before David’s surgery, but since they’re going on vacation in the morning we got him back tonight. Even though we’re a little nervous about how it’ll work out with the big guy around, I have to say that I’ve missed him.

    It wasn’t two seconds after I sat down that his whole body was in my lap!

    ***

    Here’s a little TMI for you: today was day one of my feminine cycle. I can honestly say that I’ve never looked forward to it so much, because after almost 20 months of trying & waiting for one reason or another we are finally proceeding with fertility treatment: ovulation induction with intrauterine insemination. I debated on whether or not to share this, but I figured I already went through one miscarriage with you and it turned out okay. So today, despite dealing with my usual horrendous cramps and accompanying nausea, I was actually excited. I got a baseline ultrasound and a prescription for Clomid, which I start on Sunday. For anyone who has taken it before, what can I expect?

    ***

    On my way home from the doctor’s office I dug around in my wallet and discovered a long-forgotten gift card to Smoothie King with $7 left on it! Total score. It’s the little things. Then I stopped by a store I had a Groupon for called One Green Street and picked up a few new organic products.

    One of my goals is to transition to all-natural personal care products, so I’m trying out some different kinds to see what I like best. I’ll be sure to let you know how I like these.

    ***

    Today was a success! What about you?

  • How We’re (Eventually) Going Green

    Number 85 on my 101 in 1001 list says: Make an achievable plan of steps to take to have a more environmentally friendly life. Since today is Earth Day, I figured now is a good time to make that list!

    But first, here are some things we already do:

    -Recycle cardboard, paper, aluminum, plastic

    -Drive a hybrid vehicle

    -Use cold water for laundry & dishes

    -Minimize use of electricity & use energy efficient bulbs

    -Use cloth bags for groceries

    -Drink out of reusable mugs for coffee

    -Water lawn at night

    -Buy used when possible

    Now for the list:

    Holidays

    -Put up a real, locally grown tree each year

    -Make my own cards

    -Buy energy efficient outdoor LED lights

    -Choose experiential gifts like show tickets, spa gift certificates, etc.

    -Use homemade wrapping paper like paper bags, magazines, or newspaper

    Home

    -Make our own cleaning supplies

    -Ditch paper towels in favor of microfiber cloths

    -Keep the amount of “stuff” we own to a minimum (we don’t have a lot)

    -Reuse, donate, or recycle anything we don’t need

    -Stem the tide of junk mail

    -Turn off the power strip to the TV when not in use

    -Call electric & gas companies to ask about alternative energy sources

    -Buy used: everything from gadgets to clothing to furniture

    -For future appliance purchases, consider energy-efficient models

    -Install low-flow faucets, showerheads, and low-volume toilets

    -Start harvesting rainwater

    Food

    -Start composting

    -Start shopping at farmer’s markets for produce

    -Find a source of local meat, and eat less of it

    -Buy organic when possible

    -Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste

    -Cook at home more often, and cook just enough

    Personal

    -Shop thrift stores for clothing

    -Take good care of clothes and wash them sparingly

    -Use less products

    -Buy organic products from companies whose philosophy I believe in

    ***

    There are so many more ways than this in which a person can live an environmentally friendly life, and for a comprehensive guide I suggest you visit this website. However, the above are the things I feel are achievable for us. There are some ideas I’m just never going to get behind (anyone heard of the “selective flush”?), and some that just aren’t feasible (like building our own, entirely green home).

    Some of the items on my list will be easy, and others will take time and effort. But if we can get to a place where we’ve basically achieved them, I’ll be proud.

    Tips, links, and advice are always welcome. I’d love to hear about what works for you. :)