The Don’t List

Photo Credit: Flickr/Arlette

Okay, I usually try to put a positive spin on things but today I don’t.  I’ve started a don’t list.  A brief list of a few eco-friendly tips to keep in mind as we go through our day.  This is by no means a comprehensive list, and likely something that I will add to in the future.  But we are off to a good start.  Can’t do everything on the list?  That’s okay.  If you can just remember a few of these don’ts and apply these principles a fraction of the time, you can give yourself a pat on the back for greening your day.

• Don’t buy plastic – Buy items made from natural materials like glass, wood, and metal to avoid the waste and toxicity of plastic.
• Don’t eat meat – Meat production is very taxing on the environment, avoid it when you can.
• Don’t leave the lights on – Get your family in the habit of flipping the switch when they leave a room.
• Don’t automatically throw things in the garbage – Take a minute to think if the item can be recycled or composted, or perhaps reused for some other purpose.
• Don’t leave the water running when at all possible – turning off the water for even a short time will save gallons of clean water for later.
• Don’t use chemicals in your home – Find the least toxic products for your needs or make your own.
• Don’t use paper napkins or paper towels – Cloth is washable, more reliable, and usually much more stylish.
• Don’t subscribe to magazines – Most anything you want to read about can be found online.
• Don’t leave appliances plugged in – Only plug thing in when you need them or plug things into a power strip that you can turn on and off when needed.
• Don’t automatically get in your car when you need to go somewhere – Can you take a bus or ride your bike?
• Don’t buy processed foods – fresh foods are better for you and don’t typically come overly packaged.
• Don’t use pesticides in your yard – find natural products or beneficial pests to keep critters under control.
• Don’t order take out – prepare your meals at home or if you must eat out, eat at the restaurant.  They will wash the dishes and you won’t have to throw as much away.

Eco Home Consultations provides green living consultation services in the Seattle area, focusing on practical ways to integrate green living into your household.  Learn more at www.ecohomeconsults.com or email questions about this blog or other green living issues to Melissa@ecohomeconsults.com.