Three R Thursday #3

Welcome to the 3rd edition of Three R Thursday. I know from comments and emails I have received you are making small changes and practicing the 3 Rs . . . YEAH!

This week was a pretty typical week. We put out a lot of paper for curbside pick-up and gave away some things on Freecycle. I was successful with my eBay sells, but decided the last bin of Meg's clothes are going to the consignment shop. I don't want to go to the post office anymore, and I think keeping the clothes local is probably better for the environment in the long run (this is me trying to convince myself I am not lazy because I don't want to go to the post office).

I think I have RECYCLE and REDUSE under control, but I struggle a little with ideas for REUSING things. I would love to hear your ideas.

I did find an interesting organization, EcoMom Alliance. I joined the EcoMom Challenge which basically consists of 10 steps to creating a sustainable future. I am listing the steps below, but you can find out more from their site. Check out #5 (as I pat myself on the back!)

1. Change a light. If every household in America changed out just 5 light bulbs to energy efficient CFL's it would be equivalent to taking 8 million cars off the road.

2. Drive More Efficiently: Car pool, don't idle during drop off and pick up, drive a hybrid and drive less. If we each drove just 10 mile less per week, it would save 20 billion pounds of CO2 - and you'll find more time in your day.

3. Shop local, fair trade and organic. Most food travels an average of 1,200 miles before it reaches your table, so by walking down to your local farmer's market, you'll not only reduce fossil fuel waste, you might also reduce your own waist.

4. Use non toxic products for cleaning, bathing, even make-up and you'll protect the environment as well as reduce you and your family's risk of disease.

5. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Cutting down on garbage by just 10% can save 1,200 pounds of CO2 and you'll have less junk around the house!

6. Turn off and unplug electronic devices and you'll reduce your exposure to electromagnetic radiation, and save on energy and CO2 emissions. You can also start having dinner by candlelight, which your kids, and your partner, will love!

7. Re-think your laundry plan! A favorite of many EcoMoms. Doing less, using cold water and line drying when possible you can save over 500 pounds of CO2 and over $600 per year.

8. Plant a Tree. Or any plant. Just bring more green into your life. This is a great activity to do with your kids to mark special occasions. Over the course of its lifetime, a single tree can absorb one ton of carbon dioxide. Go organic if you can and avoid those nasty pesticides.

9. Buy carbon offsets and reduce mom guilt, like the SUV you still have. Offsets are kind of like eating too many brownies one day and jogging extra the next. For more information you can visit www.nativeenergy.com.

10. Play more. This will be your child's favorite, and hopefully yours too. In today's world, it is easy to get so busy that you forget to take time to connect and play with the people you love, and to do things that feed your mind, body and spirit. So do things that make you feel healthy, good and thriving. It's all connected. Sustain your Home, Sustain Your Planet and Sustain Your Self. You're on your way to being an EcoMom!