The Climate Reality Project

Since we've begun to study the global warming situation, my husband and I have begun to seriously look at ways in which we can make a difference in our lifestyle. I hope to share the simplest of starts with others just starting out here, as well as gather new ideas and ways in which we can leave a smaller footprint. Here's what we've done:

1. RECYCLE! It's so ridiculously easy that it's a wonder we didn't do it before. We started simply with a second trash can in our kitchen to collect all cans and #1 and #2 plastics.
a. Outside the home: I convinced my boss to buy another trash
can for the office. Every week I take the trash bag home and
put it on the curbside for pick-up. I've since had a co-worker
come to me and tell me that he's begun recycling at home
because of how easy it is.

2. REDUCE water usage. As we're desert dwellers, this is something that we've practiced for years. It's not terribly difficult. But I've taken some extra steps, such as using leftover water in glasses to water the plants in the house. We only water our landscaped plants in the early morning or evening, and we've xeriscaped a good portion of our property. Any "grey water" (that is, water that has been used and is not toxic but is also no longer fit for human consumption. i.e. water used for cleaning dishes with biodegradable dish soap, water used for boiling, etc.) can also be used to water certain plants or to clean off the backyard deck.

3. PROPER DISPOSAL. We've created a spot in the garage for hazardous waste. One bag for used up batteries and one for lightbulbs. When these are full, we take them to the appropriate locations for safe disposal. We also take our old paint to the Home Depot and Lowes when they have their disposal weeks.

4. REDUCE use of non-biodegradable items. We've purchased cloth bags to use for shopping trips, even at the mall. When we have to take plastic bags, we make sure to recycle them. We've switched to biodegradable soaps and cleaning products such as Method cleaners. (http://www.methodhome.com/)

5. REDUCE energy consumption. Our house at night often looks mostly empty simply because we keep the lights off in any room we're not using. Often we retire to the office, and so only one room is lit up. Moreover, we've switched almost entirely to compact florescent bulbs. Our energy company offers an option to buy wind-powered electricity, which we have opted to take advantage of.

6. SUPPORT local farmers. We frequent our local farmers markets from spring to fall, buying much of our produce and meat and even our olive oil from local growers who don't use pesticides. All of the meats we buy are wild caught (salmon) or grass fed.

7. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. We are both students and I work full time and we have a daughter. It's difficult to live this modern and hectic lifestyle with only one car. It means a lot of driving each other places and with a less-than-fuel-efficient car, that means more emissions. So until we can afford a car that's more eco-friendly, we do what we can. We take public transportation when we can. We walk. We carpool with friends.

8. BE AN INTELLIGENT CONSUMER. We read the labels. We look at the packaging. We prefer to buy products in biodegradable packaging. That means more cardboard and less celophane type plastics which can't be recycled in our city. We opt for recycled materials. We choose eggs from free-range chickens and we support companies that we know to be genuinely organic in their practices. This is going to take a long time. This is where the change in our lifestyle hits hardest.

What are some other ways that you have changed your lifestyle?