Ideas for Environmentally Healthy Living

[Dryadia2]

I'm adding this link for "The Good Gardeners Association", originally posted by Sleep in another thread: "Dig or No-Dig U might Dig this".
http://www.goodgardeners.org.uk/

[karin_68]

This is just an idea, ... not a specific website to mention, but, maybe, you could do something with the idea.
I am for some years already part of an internet group with people all over The Netherlands and Belgium. The original thought of the group was to consume less, and to give tips to each other. Until someone had something that she or he wanted to get rid of. But, the idea was then, that maybe someone else could use that ... and thus, since then we list those things on the list. (thus, a kind of second hand shop, only, we don't charge money for the goods, the one person is happy with the extra space and the other one is happy that she or he found what they were looking for.)
To bring these things from one place to another, ... the people of this group use 'lines'. TO bring something from place A to D for example, one person brings it from A to B on her/his route to work, or whatever, ... then, someone else brings it from B to C ... and so on. It is a green way for bringing non-urgent things from one place to another.

Another tip ... reduce detergents. Normally, companies always want to be sure you use enough, ... thus, they advise you to use too much. If you reduce the advised amount by half until you really think it does its purpose you use less detergent, and the environmental damage is less.

[Dryadia2]

Thanks for the tips, Karin_68!
There are Yahoo groups that make it easy for people to give away unwanted items.
Here are some links to 'The Freecycle Network':
http://www.freecycle.org/
United States:
http://www.freecycle.org/group/US/?noautodetect=1
Other Countries:
http://www.freecycle.org/group/?noautodetect=1

"Our mission is to build a worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources & eases the burden on our landfills while enabling our members to benefit from the strength of a larger community."

I haven't had the opportunity to try it yet, as I usually put any unwanted items out on the curb (before trash pickup day), and someone 'takes them away', before the garbage truck gets them.
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[Holly]

Some of you know that Tionnsgainn and I are currently planning our wedding. We didn't want to buy favors for guests that just clutter space or are thrown away, so we're doing "green" wedding favors. Each guest will receive a seed packet to plant, and our wedding attendants will each receive a tree to plant. We're also thinking of using Endangered Species chocolate bars as part of the desserts. Green favors are great for any sort of special occasion, not just weddings, and this is one of the sites that has been really helpful for us. If you google "green favors" you can find plenty of things, including invitations that can be planted.

http://www.greatgreenwedding.com/favors.php

[Dryadia2]

What a great idea!
Thanks for the link, Holly!

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[amethystDragon]

Have just noticed this thread and its something dear to my heart so I've got to add a few of my favourite sites

http://downsizer.net - Wonderful web resource and engaging forums

http://rivercottage.net - Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's website and forums

http://www.itsnoteasybeinggreen.org/ - The website of Dick Strawbridge and his family who featured in the BBC series of the same name - Another great resource

http://www.selfsufficientish.com/ - Another site in a similar vein - this one particularly geared to those living in less than ideal situations (inner city flats etc)

http://www.cat.org.uk - Centre for Alternative Technology - The world leading centre showing practical solutions to environmental problems to carry us into the twenty-first century

There are others but I think these offer a great start for anyone

[Selene]

Here's a site with links to places that recycle doorknobs, radiators, windows, toothbrushes, foam packing "peanuts," sneakers, wine corks, motor oil, formal dresses, eyeglasses, computers, and cell phones: 10 Things to Recycle That You Never Thought You Could

[myryth]

A wonderful, comprehensive source is "Organic Housekeeping" by Ellen Sandbeck.

Let's also not forget that plain water, a little elbow grease, and a dry towel works wonders.

[Dryadia2]

Greetings and Welcome Myryth!

Thank you for book info, and the 'wise' reminders.

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[Etain]

For the other parents amongst us.... www.thegreenparent.co.uk a great website, magazine and forum!

Etain

[DJ Droood]

Here is a list from the OBOD site..thanks to Corwen for pointing it out:

1. Try eliminating or reducing meat consumption: the most wasteful and polluting way of producing food. (Download the Vegetarian Society's informative booklet 'Why It's Green to Go Vegetarian')

2. Don't waste energy: turn the heating down; insulate; wear more clothes

3. Drive as little as necessary: cycle where possible or walk

4. Refuse excessive packaging: or return it to the shops

5. Recycle what you can: plastics, metal, glass, paper

6. Compost organic waste: build a compost heap or get a bin

7. Reduce consumption: do you really need that much STUFF?

8. Don't fly: holiday at home [try camping, it's great fun and planet friendly]

9. Install energy efficient lightbulbs

10. Plant trees: in your garden or anywhere else you can find

11. Join an environmental, wildlife or conservation group and get active

12. Use less water: bath with a friend; don't flush after peeing; don't clean teeth with tap running

13. Install solar panels or a wind generator

14. Complain when you see wasteful behaviour: whether corporate or private

15. Write to your MP about bad government policies: like airport expansion and road building

http://www.druidry.org/modules.php?op=m ... page_id=81

[Merlyn]

locavore (eat foods from local growers, stop consuming products which require shipping from far away)

Work from home

Stop commuting

Cycle and then recycle. (Re-use, then recycle)

Tune up (check into heat systems, auto engine, anything using power to make it as efficient as possible.

Try walking now & then to the neighbor's house etc.

Stop being over-insured (most people pay three fold what is needed)

Grow your own (if possible)

[Arcanum]

Spend at least one day off the computer and entertain yourself outside

[Muddy Fox]

Or try and stay off the computer for most of the time and get outside and out and about, meeting people and finding avenues for creative and enjoyable community pursuits.