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EarthSmart New Year's
Resolutions
The EarthSmart Life | by Kim Carlson
What does it mean to be an EarthSmart Consumer? Most people think it means replacing
your car with a hybrid, or installing solar panels on your roof. Or some other equally
time consuming and expensive task that will turn your life upside-down.
Well, maybe you can afford a new car, but most of us are looking for easy ways to
live a more planet-friendly and human-healthy lifestyle. And guess what? It doesn't
have to take any more time or even cost more than what you're doing now.
For many of us, it seems overwhelming to try to stop global warming or reduce the
pollution in our air and water. My goal is to show people how to make a difference,
a little bit at a time. Because New Year is a great time to be a little greener,
I've developed several Green New Year's resolutions you can make to do your part
preserving our world while making your home a little healthier. Let's get started.
It's easy!
First of all, indoor air quality is very important for everyone -- even more so if
you have children. The next time you go buy some new houseplants, buy a spider plant.
Spider plants are the champion of all plants at cleaning indoor air. Feel like having
a few more flowers around? Pick up an azalea plant. They're proven to remove toxins
from the air!
When it's time to pick up light bulbs, buy compact fluorescents, instead of your
usual incandescent bulbs. Replace the bulbs in five of your most used fixtures. Fluorescents
use 25 to 30 percent less electricity and last 10 times longer. As you can see, being
EarthSmart can be friendly to your budget, as well.
On your way to the store, stop at the gas station and check your tire pressure. Low
tires can hurt your gas mileage in a big way. Keep a pair of old work gloves in your
glove compartment so you don't get your hands full of dirt and grease. Getting the
best gas mileage from your car will help stop global warming, because you'll be burning
less gas.
Who doesn't have kids who need a science project? Your child can go through all the
cupboards in your home and find out home many of your main cleaning products contain
the words "DANGER," "HAZARDOUS" and "WARNING." Make
a list and replace with natural products that use botanicals, enzymes or biodegradable
ingredients. Simply replace them when you go on your next grocery store trip! For
a spring project, have the kids go through the garage, as well, and start thinking
about replacing some of those lawn and garden products.
Fumes from paints in the home can really damage indoor air and make breathing problems
worse. When it's time to paint, ask for paints with low "VOCs" (Volitile
Organic Compounds). They're durable and come in most colors, and they're much better
for indoor air quality. Hospitals have been using them for years for just that reason.
You probably had your silver out for the holidays. When you polish those keepsakes,
polish with non-toxic toothpaste. Just rub on it with a cloth, rinse with warm water
and polish with a dry, soft cloth. Bigger trays and bowls will shine using baking
soda paste on a wet sponge.
Your holiday wardrobe may need some cleaning, too. If you have a dry clean-only label,
try a non-PERC cleaners. Perchloroethylene (PERC) is a hazardous chemical that's
been linked to cancer. It's the strong smell when your clothes come back from being
dry cleaned. You can find less-toxic cleaners by looking for a "wet cleaners,"
carbon dioxide cleaners or a silicone solvent-based cleaners.
Shopping is one of my favorite pastimes, so I always look for ways to buy earth-friendly
gifts. Going shopping for a housewarming gift? Try some organic wines. They're tasty
and available at most liquor stores. Some of my favorite brands are Fetzer, Bonterra
and China Mountain. Of course, it's great for your own dinners, too.
If you're hitting those after holiday sales to get a new TV or fridge, look for the
Energy Star label. Appliances with this Environmental Protection Agency backed label
can save you up to one third on your electric bill. Also remember to turn computers,
monitors and other electronics all the way off to avoid a trickle of energy use called
a phantom load.
Most of us do our best. We try to turn the lights out when we leave a room. We put
our recycling on the curb. We buy organic fruits and veggies. But many of the other
simple things get lost in the shuffle of schedules and habitual routines.
Be adventurous in the New Year. Step out on a limb and do something green for your
household and old mother earth. It feels good and you'll step into the next calendar
year being part of the solution as an EarthSmart Consumer.
Kim Carlson, the EarthSmart Consumer, shares fun and practical ways to live a
more planet friendly and human healthy lifestyle. From natural beauty and green gifts,
to providing eco-makeovers for entire homes, Kim blends responsible consumerism with
her own brand of "eco-chic." Kim regularly promotes EarthSmart tips on
local and national television. She is also a frequent guest on talk radio programs,
and is a contributing editor to several major magazines. Kim can be reached at kim@earthsmartconsumer.com.
Copyright © 2005 Kim Carlson. All rights reserved. |
| January 2005 |
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