Crafts For Less

Many of us are very familiar with the “Green Movement” and all the fuzz it has created.  But, the whole concept has taken a whole new meaning.  As we have watched the economy flip and flop, and after witnessing what has probably been one of the harshest winters in recent history, we are all beginning to wonder if this whole “going green” thing might have its merits.  Is it really possible to live the green life at home?  Actually, there are some simple, easy to implement, ideas that can not only have your entire family going green, but will save you some money in the process.

Conservation

Let’s begin with the most obvious, and simple to execute green solution: conservation.  Water and energy conservation are key elements to save both money and the environment.  While at some point in history we treated water and fuel as though they were impossible to deplete, we have found out the hard way that they will not last forever.  To conserve water try the following; set time limits on showers.  It is totally unnecessary to take 20-minute long showers.  Give each family member an allotted time, and keep tabs of the time used.  After a while they will be so used to 5-minute showers, you won’t need to keep checking on them.  Also, if you, or anyone in the family, can’t live without taking a bath, don’t waste bath water.  Use it to flush toilets and water plants.  Finally, don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth.  Get the brush wet, close the tab, brush and scrub, and use a little water, poured into a glass, to rinse.  You’ll be amazed at how much your water bill is reduced.

Energy conservation can be just as simple, and you can also implement some ideas to make it fun in the process.  The obvious answer, turn off any lights and appliances you are not actively using.  Unplug big appliances like television and the computer when they will be unused for a while.  Replace television time with fun, family activities that do not require electricity.  Try stepping outside for a BBQ, or have a board game night.  Reading to young children is also fun, inexpensive, and they really come to value the time you spend with them.  For grown ups, try having a romantic candle-light dinner.

Management

Conservation will only get us so far.  For things like waste and toxic exposure, management is the key.  Waste management is by far the most important skill to learn and implement.  Recycling has come a long way, but we still need to make improvements.  Get your children involved in the process.  Teach them how to separate recyclables, and reward them for placing items in the correct bins.  When faced with a project or craft, challenge yourself, and your kids, to see if you can find ways to reuse waste from the recycle bins as part of those projects.  For example, if your child needs to create a model of the solar system, reused newspaper makes great papier-mâché.  Research the internet for fun, green craft projects to complete with your kids.  You can teach them how to recycle paper, or use old cookie tins to make creative scrapbooks.

As far as managing toxic exposure, a bit of research, and old-school wisdom can go a long way.  Replace harsh chemicals with wonderful products you already have around the house.  Try cleaning your window panes with white vinegar.  It actually works better than any product I’ve ever used.  For the bathroom, make a paste of baking soda and water.  It makes a wonderful scrub with no fumes.  Need to clean leather, including shoes, try a bit of black coffee.  To remove stains, lemon juice and water usually do the trick.  Really, anything that needs to be done around the house can be completed with just a bit of research and imagination

Education

Re-educating yourself and your family is really the key to living the green life at home.  Learn to shop the local farmer’s market.  Fruits and vegetables are tastier, less expensive and even healthier when they are in season.  Whenever possible, walk or ride a bike.  You’ll save money on gas, reduce your carbon footprint on the planet, and get healthier in the process.  Plan family activities which take you outdoors.  Fresh air promotes healthier living, and helps you conserve resources at home.  Get involved in, or plan, community activities which help the environment and your budget.  Creating a community garden is the latest rage, and, when done properly, it can actually be the best time and resource investment your community ever makes.

While it may take some getting used to and some time, all these tips will not only move you closer to living the green life at home, but they will also save you a few bucks in the process.  Get your family involved and enjoy each moment.  You will find that, in no time. Living the green life will be the only way you know how to live.

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