Sustainability

Here is a look at little things you can do to make a difference in your life and community. Sustainability can be protecting our environment, simplifying our lives, saving our money, using our spare time effectively, working on our health, or spending more quality time with our children.

Save Water:

Although 10% of the earth is covered by water, only 0.3% is drinkable by humans. Reducing shower time, sink usage, and car washing can help us and future generations make the most of that 0.3%. Cutting water usage can also cut your water bill. Here are some ways to do this:

Take a shallow-water bath instead of a shower and save 15-20 gallons a day

Run only full loads in the washer and dishwasher and save 75-200 gallons a week.

Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator and save 200-300 gallons a month

Rinse vegetables in a filled sink rather than under running water and save 15-250 gallons a month

Water the lawn in the evening instead of at midday and save 300 gallons a month

Use native or drought resistant

 plants and save 750-1,500 gallons a month

  (Cut Your Spending in Half Without Settling for Less by the Editors of Rodale Press)

Turn Off the TV and….

1.     Start a journal. Record your dreams, your goals, your accomplishments, 5 things you are thankful for, as well as daily events. It is a great way to stay connected with yourself, track who you are, where you are going, and where you have been.

2.     Take a walk in your neighborhood. Pick up trash. Recycle what you can and throw away the rest.

               3.     Volunteer your time. Help an elderly neighbor with yard or house work. Read to a class at a school. Join an organization such as Red Cross or a volunteer rescue squad.

Stay Healthy

1.     If you are trying to lose weight, chew your food slower and take more breaks   between bites. It takes approximately 20 minutes for your brain to tell your stomach that you are full.

2.     Forget sodas and drink water. Water is good for your overall health, as it washes away toxins from your body. Sodas have no nutritional value and are packed with calories. Go easy on the diet sodas. They are full of sodium

3.     Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day. This is good for your overall health and will reduce the risk of cancer

Save Money

1.     Unplug unused electrical items around your house. This can save you up to 26% on your electric bill each month.

2.     Look at the magazines you are getting in the mail. If you find you do not read them because you don’t have the time, cancel your subscription. You can get a refund for the unused months. Don’t throw away magazines. Recycle or pass them on

3.     Check the air in your tires. Keeping your tires properly aired will help the gas mileage of your car.

4.     If you have access to the internet, go to Walmart.com, click In Stores Now, then click free samples. Free samples change all the time, and this is a good way to try before you buy.

Random Tips

Fertilize your garden naturally. Banana peels and eggshells are great for plants. They also enjoy a drink of flat club soda occasionally. Place a small amount of old fat drippings at the base of your rose bushes to make them healthier and bloom more frequent. After you use up all the milk, put some water in the container, swish it around and water your plants. It is a growth booster.

Recycle ruined cds, dvds, or the internet software you receive in the mail. Nail them to stakes in your garden. The suns glare will keep out some of the unwanted birds and animals.