Practical Environmental Solutions

My organic fruits this week.  I wish they were homegrown, but that is not happening this time of year.  Obviously the lemons are not locally grown either. Baby steps.

Cleared out some old toys for donation.

Timed myself today--4-min shower, water turned off for part of it. 

Another short shower--helped along by my desire to maximize my available time for a quick get-together I carved out with my friend. :-) I have also been taking what I think is called a navy shower--turning off the water while I'm soaping up. 

I am harvesting shower water as the water heats.  Then it is used to fill the washing machine and water house plants.  I also use dehumidifier water to sate my thirsty  potted plants.

I've been taking shorter showers--but I have to confess: I have to very consciously work at it. It's so easy for me to zone out once the water hits me. But I'm hoping that over time, as I get used to doing it faster, the habit will take hold.

Having just returned from a trip to the southwest, I was hyper aware of my personal water usage in the desert.  I truly hope that was reclaimed water hydrating the golf course in the photo below. The recent monsoons account for some of the green, but the aridity is harrowing on your skin and body's hydration.

How awesome to have the opportunity to read, return and receive a 50% refund for books bought at participating airport bookstores.  The books are then resold as used books keeping the reading cycle going.  I bought 2 books for a recent trip (I prefer not to bring library books in the event I lose them) and upon my return to the airport, I...

I enjoy drinking Numi Organic Tea.  Furthermore, I am impressed with their commitment to the environment.  Their boxes boast an Eco-Responsibility Audit with the number of trees saved, energy reduced, etc. although I cannot say for certain what the veracity of their claims are.  However, I am bothered by the non-recyclable/non-compostable...

I am currently enrolled in http://reduceyourwasteproject.com/less-is-more-class/ taught by the stupendously knowledgeable Betty Shelly and her husband Jon.  If you live in the Portland area, keep your eye out for the next session. Our first class was Tuesday night, and it was engaging and chock full of useful tidbits.