WHATS YOUR 1 THING?

I unplug appliances I don't use on a regular basis like toaster and coffeemaker, microwave and other small appliances.  -Faith, Everett
I replaced all light bulbs in my home with energy efficient bulbs.  -Karri, Bothell
I use the new mesh grocery bags instead of paper or plastic  -Danica, Seattle
I put a watering can under the faucet while I am waiting for the water to get hot.  -Holly, Seattle
I used a refillable water bottle instead of disposable ones.  -Amiee, Seattle
Whenever I find it on, I turn off the light in my company's conference room.  -Jill, Seattle
I use cloth bags instead of taking the plastic bag they offer  -William, Fort Lewis
I drive my motorcycle as often as possible instead of my car - 50 mpg helps some.  -Bruce, Lake City
When shopping, if I can carry my purchase out with my two hands I always refuse the bag. Recycling's good too :)  -Candice, Des Moines
Buy local, support stores that buy from local vendors! Shop seaonal fruits and veg. Minimize shoppping the "commercial stores".  -Virginia, Kitsap County
My home now runs on 100% wind power--the bill is a bit more but I hardly notice considering the impact it makes.  -Tasha, Vancouver
We've changed nearly all our ligh bulbs to the new compact type..they may not look beautiful but it's worth the savings!  -Angela, Black Diamond
We got chickens and reuse other peoples' egg cartons to disperse our extra eggs to family and friends. Commercial eggs, blech!  -Heather, Clinton
Turn off the water heater if away for a few days. Use dimmers on our lights. Use motion lights outside for security.  -Michelle, Redmond
using bar soaps instead of plastic bottled soaps = less packaging. also using all natural dish soaps.  -karin, poulsbo
I use cloth instead of paper:cloth napkins, cloth kitchen towels, bandanas for runny noses, cloth bag instead of paper/plastic  -Tara, Shoreline, WA
I bike to work  -Linda, Anacortes
I work @ home, so have flexibility. From May-Oct, I try to line dry all but 3X/month. I save 100 hours of dryer time a year!  -Deirdre, Vashon
The signature line on my email says:"Save the earth! A tree! Be green!Do not use the print machine!"  -Emily, Lynnwood
I now use my reusable bags when I go to the grocery store instead of using the plastic bags the stores give out.  -Marilene, Seattle
I have compact florescent bulbs in most of my light fixtures at home  -Anne, Seattle
Dry clothes outside as often as possible!  -Jennifer, Redmond
I only use naturally derived cleaning products in my home. No chemcals. They smell fantastic!  -Mina, Kirkland
I have a Klean Kanteen stainess steel water bottle that I carry with me instead of constantly buying plastic disposable ones!  -Laelle, Tacoma
Only printing when I absolutely have to. Take advantage of technology and use less paper, save it online!  -Aileen H., Seattle
Use a commercial car wash - like Brown Bear, that recycles their waste water instead of washing your car at home.  -Janet, Seattle
At work I buy 100% post consumer paper for our office printing & copying needs.  -Averie, Bellevue
If I'm not using an electronic or a light it isn't plugged in or turned on.  -Ashley, Seattle
I recycle my old printed documents by using the clean side as scratch paper before I recycle them in the WOW bin.  -Joanne, Everett
Follow my kids around shutting off lights and making sure the water is shut off.Sounds funny but my house saves elec/water.  -Michel Brooks, Auburn
The paper towel roll sits in a lower drawer where it's hard to find. But we have plenty of cloth towels for cleaning up spills.  -Tom, Seattle
I am parking my car 3 days a week, finding other ways to commute to work.  -Janelle, Bothell
Nutri lawn helps me keep my yard chemical free. Salmon spawn in the river by my house and we want to keep them from being harmed  -Dana, Issaquah
save the planet  -bill Sather, monroe
I buy as much as I can from local farmers and practice being a 'locavore' as much as possible.  -Sean, Camden, SC
We recycle everything we can in the house.  -Michel, Auburn
instead of throwing out old things, i find someone who can use them, i even rehome the things my neighborhood puts on the curb.  -C.P., poulsbo
I went vegetarian.  -Jen, Sedro Woolley
Only buy local produce. -Lindy, Bellevue  -Lindy, Bellevue
Air-dry my laundry.  -Kristine, Seattle
At work, I have a drinking glass at my desk. Can take it home to wash and avoids using disposable cups.  -Erin, Bothell
I check my tire pressure once a month to improve the efficiency of my gas and reduce the amount CO2 into the air.  -Terra Moreland, Tacoma
Changed all my home bulbs to the new hallogen ones.  -Todd, Seattle
I recycle all the garbage I can and compost food scraps. I try to buy organic products with minimal or biodegradable packaging.  -Megan, Tacoma
I never use the heater in my apartment, blankets are cheaper and don't waste energy!  -Catie, Seattle
To conserve water my boyfriend and I shower together.  -Larissa, Mill Creek
Very simple - stop eating meat! Going veggie drastically reduces your carbon footprint.  -Diane, Seattle
I bring my own mug instead of getting a papercup from the Coffee Shop!  -Sarah , Seattle
I Carry a travel mug with me for coffee.  -Katie, Kelowna
We started hanging up our clothes out side to dry them.  -Riley, Kirkland
 

Gardening / Urban Gardening

April 4, 2008 - 12:59pm — clybecker

The practice of gardening is not new to humans. But as we become further removed from the fundamental process of growing our food, gardening is becoming more important. It gives you an active role in what you eat, a heightened awareness for what you put into your body, as well as a better sense of the biological processes that surround us. Additionally, growing your own food can decrease your carbon footprint by alleviating the impact that transporting food across the nation inflicts on the climate.

Unfortunately urban life can curb your gardening options. But there are programs and adaptations that can help the urban horticulturalist thrive. Community gardens provide space for city gardeners. Additionally they aid in preserving open space and strengthening community bonds. Washington is home to the P-Patch community garden program. P-Patches are widespread throughout Seattle, but other community gardens exist that are not part of the P-Patch program. These gardens give the opportunity to get your hands dirty and meet other members of the community, while enjoying the satisfaction of growing your own food. A portion of the food grown in P-Patches is donated to local food banks in Seattle. Not only are you helping yourself, but you are also helping others in the community. These gardens put the phrase “think globally, act locally” into action.

For those not wanting to invest in an entire community garden, container gardens offer a simple solution. Vegetables, herbs, and flowers can be grown in containers. When planning your container garden it is important to consider what you are planting and be sure to match it to the appropriate size of container. Larger containers work the best and allow deep-rooted plants to reach their full potential. Avoid narrow openings and treated woods. Glazed ceramic pots offer the best option; untreated redwood or cedar containers will also work well. Make sure the containers are exposed to at least 5 hours of light a day. Move your containers around and experiment with different options to see which works best in your space. Container gardens are ideal for those that rent because you can take them with you if you move and leave the property without alteration.