WHATS YOUR 1 THING?

I started a blog to help green parents reduce their energy use and exposure to toxins.  -Kathleen R., Seattle
using bar soaps instead of plastic bottled soaps = less packaging. also using all natural dish soaps.  -karin, poulsbo
While waiting for hot water to get to the tap, I fill a pitcher and use it to water my plants.  -Debbie, Kingston
I turn of the water while brushing my teeth and doing dishes  -michela, vancouver
save the planet  -bill Sather, monroe
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 recycle all the garbage I can.  -Sheldon, Orting, WA
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 recycle whenever possible. but when im out in public i cant always recycle because there isnt always public recycling cans.  -Kayla, seattle
Make sure the car is running as efficiently as possible  -Laura, seattle
I am parking my car 3 days a week, finding other ways to commute to work.  -Janelle, Bothell
Changed jobs so now I'm only 3 mi from home.  -MB, Seattle
Air-dry my laundry.  -Kristine, Seattle
Changed all my home bulbs to the new hallogen ones.  -Todd, Seattle
Turn off water while washing my hair in the shower and between hand washed dishes.  -Mila, Seattle
I use a "GREEN" product called Eximo to remove oil stains from my driveway to prevent toxic water runoff.  -Derek, Issaquah
Water barrels, CFlightbulbs, organic gardening, mulching, composting, recycling, natural pet food. The Johnsons - Steilacoom  -Joyce, Steilacoom
ALL of the light bulbs in my house and outside are the low energy bulbs(11watts) I use less bulbs in all the rooms esp. the bath  -Kaye, Hemet,Ca
Only printing when I absolutely have to. Take advantage of technology and use less paper, save it online!  -Aileen H., Seattle
I Carry a travel mug with me for coffee.  -Katie, Kelowna
My boyfriend and I (we've been together a long while) shower together every morning. It saves water and energy heating water  -Angie, Port Orchard
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
Stop using poison Roundup. Spray vinegar-kill weeds - driveway, sidewalk, between pavers. Breaks down, doesn't hurt Sound.  -Susan, Seattle
When washing your hands, turn off the faucet while lathering and scrubbing, then turn the water on again to rinse.  -DeDe, Seattle
I've stopped using plastic cutlery when I bring my lunch to work.  -Liz, Bremerton
I started commuting by bike a year ago -- not only do I get some exercise, but it's a great stress reliever :)  -LB, seattle
If I'm not using an electronic or a light it isn't plugged in or turned on.  -Ashley, Seattle
I use reusable canvas bags when grocery shopping.  -Linda, Puyallup
My boyfriend and I ride our bikes to school everday, a gas tank lasts us about two weeks. Take that gas prices!  -Caitie, Bellingham
I try yo use my lights as little as possible and always turn them off when i leave a room.  -Aleena, Carnation
I have carpooled my whole life as I have never owned a car.  -Faith, Everett
I re-use my travel mug instead of accepting disposable coffee cups. Some places even offer a discount when I do this.  -Bill, Issaquah
I drive my motorcycle as often as possible instead of my car - 50 mpg helps some.  -Bruce, Lake City
I recycled a car. Bought a 1990 VW Cabriolet, 32 miles to the gallon, for $950. I make 6 figures but set the standard for reuse!  -David, Kirkland
we raise quarter horses and one thing we do is catch rain water and use it to spray down the arena.  -Leah, Freeland
Riding my bike to work or carpooling.  -Cheryl, Seattle
I only use naturally derived cleaning products in my home. No chemcals. They smell fantastic!  -Mina, Kirkland
I live in the community I work in.  -Kara, Olympia
I switch OFF the print option on my calculator at work. Eliminating the register tape on 99% of the caluations I do.  -Dawn, Marysville
I turn the heat dry cycle off on my dishwasher to save energy.  -Amy, Bellevue
Very simple - stop eating meat! Going veggie drastically reduces your carbon footprint.  -Diane, Seattle
I use biodegradable bags for my dog's waste.  -Monica, Seattle
I don't water my lawn, my clothes dryer broke down in April,as a result I now use clothes racks for drying, & shop thrift stores  -Beverly, Enumclaw
I now bike everywhere i used to go in a car to get to friends houses.  -Steven , Sammamish
to get to places like school, and other towns i walk, ride my bike, rollerblade and when necessary, take the metro.  -kylie repp, snoqualmie
i am launching an eco-conscious clothing line: www.salvationware.com!  -jme, redmond
Alot of people forget about being green at work, put an extra garbage can next to your desk for recyclables.  -Tim, Seattle
I hang my clothes to dry.  -Christy, Seattle
I carpool with my divorced spouse 5 days a week.If we can make it work, you can make it work!  -Sherry, Arlington, WA
I put a sweater on instead of turning up the heat  -Jake, Puyallup
 

Pets

April 4, 2008 - 1:01pm — clybecker

When you think of environmental culprits, dogs and cats don’t come to mind. But the truth is that pets and pet care create waste and contribute to environmental issues. Pet products are prone to over-packaging, generating excess waste that ends up in the landfill. Buying items in bulk reduces this waste. Look for items with recyclable packaging, or no packaging at all. Chew toys are typically made of made of soft PVC plastics, this is toxic and can enter your pets system and have been linked to canine cancer. Replace that squeaky toy with a rope or hemp Frisbee.

An unavoidable source if pollution is your pet’s waste. When owners fail to pick up after their dogs the waste can make its way into storm water and pollute lakes, streams, and the ocean. Not only is it a nuisance to your neighbors, but also it contaminates aquatic systems.

Cat litter poses a completely different issue. The material in most clumping cat litter is not biodegradable and is produced by strip mining, taking a heavy toll on the environment. Some litters claim to be “flushable”. This is not a good idea because cat feces are host to parasites that infect sea otters. Flushing the litter results in it ending up in water systems, exposing sea mammals to these parasites. Look for litters that are made from post consumed newspaper or other recycled ingredients and throw it in the garbage. Avoid putting pet waste in a plastic bag. The plastic traps the particles and prevents them from cycling back into the natural system.

When selecting pet food go organic. The same chemical laden system responsible for producing non-organic human food is the same for pet food production. By opting for organic pet food you are reducing their ecological paw print and supporting healthy agricultural practices, as well as insuring the quality of the product. There is also the option of making your own pet food. Check with your veterinarian to get the proper ingredients and nutrition. This can offer an easy package free way to insure that your pet is eating healthy.