Tuesday, April 19, 2011

WONDERFULLY WYCKKED

EARTH DAY BABY

With Earth Day just around the corner, April 22 to be exact, there are so many ways in which we would like to contribute on a grand scale but so many reasons we may not be able to whether it be time, money, distance, etc. I have found some really easy ways to save Mum Earth by just doing a few things around the house. If everybody everywhere could do just a few of the things on this list routinely can you imagine the enormously positive effect they would have on our Earthly home? I am an old school hippie and personally think Earth Day should be celebrated as Earth Awareness Month, if not year, lol.



So with that being said have a great Earth Day and enjoy the ideas. Love, Peace and Chicken Grease! Far Out Man!


Simple Ways To Save Energy



As the days get hotter, close curtains to block out the sun and stop it from heating up your home.
 
Replace ordinary light bulbs with energy saving bulbs that use a quarter of the electricity to produce the same amount of light.
 
Pull the plug - Your mobile only takes a couple of hours to charge, so don't leave it plugged in overnight.
Give your computer a good night's rest too, and you'll save money and CO2.
 
The screensaver on your computer uses the same amount of power as when it's on and being used. Switch your PC off if you're going to be away for a while.
 
Turn your heating down before bedtime saves energy, and once you're tucked in you'll never notice the difference.
 
Drive off as soon as you start your car's engine. Modern engines don't need much time to warm up, so idling creates unnecessary pollution and mechanical wear.


Simple Ways to Save Water



Every flush counts - An estimated 30% of household water usage is flushed down the toilet. If your toilet is more than 30 years old, upgrading to a low-consumption toilet can save you up to 4 gallons per flush.
 
Use barrels to capture rain from your eaves trough and save it for the next time you have to water your garden or lawn.
 
Keep a cover on your swimming pool when it's not in use. This will decrease water loss due to evaporation by 90%.
 
You'll use a lot less water if you only run your laundry or dishwasher with a full load. Running two half loads uses twice as much water.
 
Use water you've boiled your veggies in to make stocks, soups or, pour it on your garden when it's cooled.
 
If you're running the bath or shower waiting for the water to heat up, put a large bucket under to catch the water. Use this water for plants, pets, cleaning etc.
 
Get into the habit of turning the tap off when washing your face, brushing your teeth or shaving, and only have it on when necessary. Water running when it's not in direct use is needlessly soaking up your money.
 
See for yourself - Conduct a household water audit to help identify areas that you can cut water usage.
 
Half the time we're in the shower is spent avoiding the water while we soap up - so switch off while you lather for big water and energy savings.
 
Cool it - Keep some water in the fridge for an instant refreshing ice cold glass of water. No need to run the tap.
 
The silent seeper - A leaky toilet may go unnoticed, as will the extra cash absorbed by your water bill. To check for leaks, add enough food coloring to your toilet tank to really brighten the water. After 30 minutes look to see if any of the dye has leaked into the bowl.
 

Simple Ways To Reduce Waste

                                                          (Minnie Hippies Rock!)


Think before you print - Do you really need a hard copy? Use both sides of the paper if you do and add a 'think before you print' footer to your emails

Donate your old furniture to a local furniture recycler. They’ll turn your unwanted pieces into something covetable, saving it from the landfill.

If you're planning to do some spring cleaning, hold a yard sale or donate old items to a second hand shop. You'll be surprised how valuable your junk is to someone else.

Mow your lawn when it's dry, and leave the clippings lying on the grass to break down and feed the lawn underneath.

If you have a water cooler at work, use a glass to fill up instead of using paper or plastic cups from the dispenser.

Go vintage! - Check out some local used clothing stores to find vintage fashions. it's a great way to recycle, cuts out carbon emissions made by making new clothes and it's unique!

Crafty wrapping - Use up scraps of material from curtains, dressmaking or unwanted clothes to make beautiful personalized gift bags. Your gifts will look unique and you'll save bags of cash

Ice wine - Rather than throwing away leftover wine, pour it into an ice cube tray and store in the freezer until the next time you need to cook with wine. That way you won't waste a drop!

Instead of buying little plastic packets of herbs, grow your own - if you don't have a garden, even a pot or window box will do.

Bulk up - Buying non-perishable items in bulk is a great way of cutting down on unnecessary packaging.
 

6 comments:

  1. This is wonderful... but really... who has leftover wine????!!! LOL

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  2. Great suggestions! I have some more, straight from the kitchen... ^^

    * If you've got an electric stove, switch it off about 2 minutes before your pasta etc. is supposed to be done. There will be enough left-over heat.

    * Cut your potatoes into nice little cubes or slices (for gratins or potato salad) before boiling them - this way they will be done much faster.

    * For most things, it is completely unnecesary to pre-heat your oven. Put your pizza, cake, gratin, ... into the cold oven - this will save you the pre-heating time minus about two minutes (the amount of time it takes longer to get your food done in comparison to putting it into a pre-heated oven).

    * If you have left-over vegetables or stuff getting old in your pantry, clean and cut it and freeze it. Use the frozen bits, once you've got enough, for vegetable soup or (purreed) sauces.

    * When you've taken a bath, don't let the water go down the drain un-recycled... put a bucket (about 5-10l) next to the filled bath tub and use the water to flush the toilet. (My aunt actually does this - our bath tub and toilet are in different rooms, so it's rather unpractical... but with a bath tub holding approx. 120l, this goes a long way.)

    * Find ways of cleaning without store-bought chemical stuff... use baking powder for the mold stains in your bath room, for example, and leftover lemon peels to clean greasy spots and make metal sparkle. There's plenty of info out on the internet, look it up!

    * Walk short distances, even for (minor and medium) grocery shopping. a) You won't buy as much because you'll have to carry it. b) You'll get in some exercise. c) Less air pollution. (If distances are too far for walking, consider using public transportation if possible.)

    * Bring your own cloth or recycled plastic/paper bags when grocery shopping.

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  3. @ Gumbo Soul - LOL, I know right?!!

    @ Diandra - Thanks for the extra ideas! I believe we can never have enough when it comes to helping Mother Earth!

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  4. Great ideas! I'm glad I'm not the only one who never has leftover wine. ;)

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  5. LOL, I am actually allergic to wine. I break out in hives, get red in the face and get really drunk from just a small amount...but all that doesn't stop me from drinking it though...Oh Well we all have to make sacrifices right? I only drink it home though, lol.

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  6. Sister of mine you are such a hippie witch! LOL Love ya
    Inis

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