Once you begin to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, it sometimes wind up becoming another thing to obsess about or something to perfect. However, at the end of the day, choosing from different eco-friendly options does not have to be a right or wrong decision. It is often just a matter of personal choice and timing.
For example, as we prepare for the upcoming school year, we decided we will be reusing our existing lunch bags and school bags because they are in great condition. I know some individuals who plan to upgrade all of their "plastic" based bags and items to organic cotton alternatives. But, where do their old items go (most probably they will wind up in the trash)? So, it's important to use some common sense and gradually replace old/worn out items with more eco-friendly items.
For this upcoming school year, I vow to pack a set of silverware for my kids' school lunches along with their lunchboxes. The school supplies free plastic ware so I've been lazy last year and haven't pack their own set of silverware, but now that they are a bit older, I am packing them their own set in hopes that they return safely home with them after school each day.
No need to splurge on fancy silverware sets. Just plan to use spare silverware.
Do you have any suggestions on how to be more eco-friendly this upcoming school year? Please share your ideas.
Recently, I went to a bookstore and made a purchase, forgetting my reusable bag in my car. Instead of running back to the parking lot, I just told the cashier that I don't need a bag, instead I will hold onto the book with the receipt. That is how I walked out of the store.
You often do not need a bag to carry your items out of the store as long as you hold onto the receipts. Keep this in mind the next time you are caught at the checkout aisle without your reusable bags.
With the Fourth of July weekend approaching, stores everywhere are selling theme based decorations. Plates, cups, tableclothes, toys, and anything you can almost dream of can be found with a fourth of July theme on them. Last year, I used to buy theme based items post holiday event so I could benefit from the steep discounts offered. Now I know better. I am avoiding theme based purchases all together. I am sure I will still use my trusty plastic Christmas tree come December, but I vow never to buy any more theme based decorations. Instead, I use generic reusable dinnerware and decorations (if needed).
Just a simple environmental friendly tip.
With the summer heat, I no longer am able to ride my bike outdoors as often as I like so I have ventured into riding a bike indoors (aka spinning). I realized that I can never get to the Y in time to sign up and reserve a bike for the actual spinning class, but I am able to land a stationary bike for a good workout.
It's actually quite challenging to ride a stationary bike for 30 minutes but it's so much easier riding indoors.
When I first became a parent, I was skeptical of hand me downs for my child. Somehow, I associated it with deprivation and injustice. However, seeing how my kids go through clothes and toys so quickly, I understand why there is a huge market for rentals (everything from sports equipment to musical instruments). In addition to renting different items, I participate in informal exchanges (a group of my friends share toys and clothes with each other). We always rent movies instead of buying them (it is better for the environment and for us since we are less likely to view the same movies over and over again).
This summer before you splurge on a sales item, think of whether you can rent it instead.
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