tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post6116499278574062095..comments2024-03-29T16:34:01.380+10:00Comments on down to earth: What will you do?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-81447038343017965932010-01-11T16:49:17.200+10:002010-01-11T16:49:17.200+10:00Here in India its different we still use strainers...Here in India its different we still use strainers for our daily tea and we rarely use tissue rolls or kitchen paper other than when i deep fry stuff to remove excess oil. I normally use small pieces of old towels or small pieces cut from old bedsheets...Mahekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05838929350804595150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-23486602010713733842009-09-02T19:14:53.822+10:002009-09-02T19:14:53.822+10:00I am going to do the same as you and stop buying t...I am going to do the same as you and stop buying tea bags.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09596769198726679931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-68654390168821595292007-09-16T09:31:00.000+10:002007-09-16T09:31:00.000+10:00well done, Kim;. Lots of changes at your place. K...well done, Kim;. Lots of changes at your place. Keep up the good work. : )Rhonda Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175785349529109084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-75625675983800092442007-09-15T14:40:00.000+10:002007-09-15T14:40:00.000+10:00My changes for the month....- I'm making a new set...My changes for the month....<BR/>- I'm making a new set of cloth napkins tomorrow.<BR/>- Pulling out the box of cloth diapers and using what I have on the new baby (we just moved)<BR/>- Making my first dishcloths. I've always crocheted a lot and am leaning to knit but haven't done one yet<BR/>- I'm really fascinated by doing an energy audit so this month I'm going to learn how to read the meter and understand WHAT that means lol and then do a two week audit.<BR/>- Hubby just brought me home some wood palettes from work and am building the new compost bin<BR/>- I've been starting to keep the thermostat turned up higher. <BR/>- All sorts of great changes and more I'm sure. Thanks for the inspiration!<BR/><BR/>KimAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79965291868166210502007-09-14T10:43:00.000+10:002007-09-14T10:43:00.000+10:00Hello Maria, resting temptation is good for the so...Hello Maria, resting temptation is good for the soul, so well done. How are you drying your clothes? Do you have a clothes line?<BR/><BR/>Lisa, that's excellent. Some great steps there. And thanks for helping spread the word. People need to know this stuff! : )<BR/><BR/>Lyn, well done!! Especially as you're not in the best of health. Keep up the good work, friend. : )<BR/><BR/>Hi Debbie, good to read you're changing to loose tea too. Us swap partners need to stick together. ; ) How will you take your tea now - in a teapot or do you have the little metal tea bags?<BR/><BR/>Jules, you're well on the road to a green future too. Excellent! I replaced plastic wrap in the microwave just by putting a bread and butter plate over the bowl. It keeps the steam in and stops splattering on the walls of the microwave oven.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-84445660344827264882007-09-14T04:32:00.000+10:002007-09-14T04:32:00.000+10:00At our house we recycle paper, cans, plastic and g...At our house we recycle paper, cans, plastic and glass. DH has recycling bins at his work and our town has a recycling center. We planted our first garden this year, tomatoes and hot peppers. I'm already expanding for next year. We've been composting for three years now, so no scraps in the garbage. What we don't compost goes to the dogs. We started using cloth napkins at the table, trying to cut back/quit on the paper towels, but DH is hard to change. I've recently made a conscience effort to shut off the water when I brush my teeth. I'd like to figure an alternative to plastic wrap in the microwave. We wash dishes by hand and use the dishwasher as a dish drainer. I've got a clothes line, just need to do laundry on the weekends during the daytime so I can hang it all out. There's more, but this is long already. I'll keep thinking. Thanks for the impetus.juleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16351247097680979735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-9930236502370952792007-09-14T01:06:00.000+10:002007-09-14T01:06:00.000+10:00I am just getting ready to order tea, and since re...I am just getting ready to order tea, and since reading your post I will be ordering just loose tea instead of bags. <BR/>Thanks Rhonda!<BR/><BR/>Debbiehomespun livinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07520148530306239072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-29564211267019767872007-09-14T00:41:00.000+10:002007-09-14T00:41:00.000+10:00Rhonda,I must be honest to say that my simple livi...Rhonda,<BR/>I must be honest to say that my simple living is focused due to my chronic health issues (less physical energy used, downscaling & not wanting to have to run out for something all the time). I have found with my illness that I have little precious energy and I don't want to spend it all on taking care of things! Being green is a another important benefit, just not primary.<BR/><BR/>Some things I do:<BR/>* We own 1 car and I use it only once or twice a week to do errands. Otherwise, I stay home.<BR/>* Lessening paper usage (not totally there yet) but I am using cloth napkins. With paper towels, I cut them to make last longer. Won't give up t.p. though. :)<BR/>* Have compact energy saving lightbulbs in majority of the home.<BR/>* Cook only from scratch and right now only am using a crockpot, stove top, indoor grill and toaster oven to cook all meals (no big oven).<BR/>* Paring down my belongings little by little with no intention to buy unless needed.<BR/>* Did some small gardening this year - lettuce & herbs.<BR/>* Using library again (I love books & am trying not to buy more.)<BR/>* Reducing usage of dryer <BR/>* Set computer to sleep if I plan to still use; if not, turn off.<BR/><BR/>I know there's more, but that's off the top of my head. Great topic.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-13759465734384435432007-09-13T22:34:00.000+10:002007-09-13T22:34:00.000+10:00I've also put a post on my blog of some more thing...I've also put a post on my blog of some more things I do to be "greener" and put the challenge out to my blog readers to do the same :) Thanks for the inspiration Rhonda.Lishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00066863074405512584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-44236011337641924642007-09-13T22:03:00.000+10:002007-09-13T22:03:00.000+10:00This month I am working on my water re-use strateg...This month I am working on my water re-use strategies. I already have a bucket in the shower and have been bucketing the rinse water from the washer to water my garden. Today I purchased a couple of washing machine diverter hoses to make it easier to get the water outside. I am also going to make myself some mesh bags to further reduce my use of plastic bags (already have shopping bags for the groceries). Do not own a clothes dryer, instead I spent the money on a fold down clothes line under my back verandah. If the clothes are still damp in winter I hang them on the clothes horse in the loungeroom - where the heater is.Lishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00066863074405512584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-3156286240159540602007-09-13T21:07:00.000+10:002007-09-13T21:07:00.000+10:00Dear Rhonda Jean; Thank you for this post. Today,...Dear Rhonda Jean; Thank you for this post. Today, I was almost tempted to use my dryer b/c I am so behind with my laundry. First week of homeschooling, back from vacation, etc. Then I read your post and I am so glad I stuck to my guns and said no. I have been slacking off this past couple of weeks, buying bread in plastic wrappers, using paper towels, but I am certainly on-track now. Thank you Rhonda Jean for this post, and for all the ladies that have left their comment. I now feel more motivated than ever to get back on track. <BR/>Blessings, Maria S.The River Househttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16835972681604148095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-7338443797627350462007-09-13T13:51:00.000+10:002007-09-13T13:51:00.000+10:00mrs mk, wow! how fabulous. You're doing really we...mrs mk, wow! how fabulous. You're doing really well. That's excellent. Remember to tell everyone who stands still long enough what you are doing and why. : )Rhonda Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175785349529109084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-21823657254264725852007-09-13T13:04:00.000+10:002007-09-13T13:04:00.000+10:00I am using cloth napkins now, baking our own brea...I am using cloth napkins now, baking our own bread, recyling all sorts of packaging, re-using worn out clothes, no paper towels, hanging more clothes out to dry, not watching any TV, going on walks every day---incorporating trips to the grocery or the library, only buying books that I really love, making all my baby's toys (safer that way---ya know?!!) and composting as much as I can. We are switching to local goats milk bought from a friend, and I really want to start with a couple of chickens next spring.<BR/><BR/>That's all for now!Mrs. MKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04787627259941042609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-9938802085985422702007-09-13T05:49:00.000+10:002007-09-13T05:49:00.000+10:00eva, well done. I think positive role models can ...eva, well done. I think positive role models can encourage huge changes. If you can be a positive role model for your family and friends, you'll probably encourage them to follow your green foot steps. : )<BR/><BR/>Paula, what a great idea - I love what you're including. I'm sure your baskets will be a big hit. It's a good way of combining a green gift with the gift of encouragement.Rhonda Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175785349529109084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-58187533924628022022007-09-13T05:23:00.000+10:002007-09-13T05:23:00.000+10:00Hi Rhonda Jean, I forgot to add that for Christma...Hi Rhonda Jean, <BR/>I forgot to add that for Christmas this year, I'm giving each of my family a basket. It will contain: Cloth napkins, homemade environmentally cleaners (laundry soap etc) with instructions that I will refill the containers for the year, homemade fabric softener sheets, crocheted dishcloths etc.<BR/>This way it kind of shows them how to be more environmentally friendly without having to do anything to start.PaulaBretthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08325105400606691687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-35186196964400171482007-09-13T05:16:00.000+10:002007-09-13T05:16:00.000+10:00This year I started our first garden and dug a big...This year I started our first garden and dug a big hole in the yard to compost food scraps. Use cloth diapers on baby-half of stash was bought second hand, most of childrens clothes are second hand. Follow 'if it's yellow, let it mellow...' Cook and bake from scratch. When bulbs die, replace with CFL's. Use a push mower for lawn, amongst other things.<BR/>I'd like to start baking most of my things on one day, rather than heating the oven several times a week, stop using my dryer, build a worm bin-thanks for the helpful post, buy meat from local farms. I would also like to be a positive role model for friends who don't think about 'green living'. <BR/><BR/>There are many more things, but this is enough to keep us moving in the right direction. Thanks for the inspiration Rhonda!Evahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17268234134454049531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-28910127024590660842007-09-13T05:11:00.000+10:002007-09-13T05:11:00.000+10:00Hello everyone. I can't tell you how proud I am of...Hello everyone. I can't tell you how proud I am of you all for what you're doing. Keep at it and try to get your friends and family to start their own small steps.<BR/><BR/>Wildside, 7 is excellent! I wish mine was that low, we are generally hovering around 10 or 11. Can you email me and let me know what you're doing? I'm doing a water meter post soon and will follow that up with another one on electricity and I'll cut and paste some of your methods into that post if I may. Thank you. : )Rhonda Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175785349529109084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-7339720180254114782007-09-13T05:06:00.000+10:002007-09-13T05:06:00.000+10:00I've had a few people email lately saying they can...I've had a few people email lately saying they can't comment as the comment box is wonky. I received this comment via email:<BR/>Hi, I tried to add a comment this morning to your post about what I would do, but the comment page came up in some sort of asian writing that I can't read. Not a problem, but wanted to let you know that being inspired by your post on tea time, I have started taking my tea to work in a thermos to enjoy during breaks at 10 and 2. I have also decided that September is get back to the family dinner table month which will include meals made with local ingredients and cloth napkins. Thank you for all your insperation. Karen in the USARhonda Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175785349529109084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-4111341926772571952007-09-13T04:21:00.000+10:002007-09-13T04:21:00.000+10:00Hi RJ, I'm back to your energy challenge awhile ba...Hi RJ, I'm back to your energy challenge awhile back, but haven't refound that post... I didn't read our meter, other things came up, but our KWH use is listed on our utility bill on how we are doing now to a year ago this time. Our recent bill came and it appears that we've used on average just under 7 KWH per day during the past month... Last year our useage was lower than that. I was wondering how that was compared to others but didn't see it here anymore. Online I found that in England average use is 14.1 KWH per person per day and in this energy saving website http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/fanmail.html<BR/>the guy says his household is down to 26 KWH per day... So I guess 7.7 is good for a house not off the grid, but still aim to do better by not using the computer & TV so much and keeping up with good habits gained... In winter, it'd be higher due to heat, so??? Hmmm...Still gotta think this through...<BR/><BR/>(Wildside musing on...)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-31350513628132043872007-09-13T01:12:00.000+10:002007-09-13T01:12:00.000+10:00Hi Rhonda Jean, well, I do many things but I am wo...Hi Rhonda Jean, well, I do many things but I am working on not stopping in the thrift shops so much! Even if I only spend a few dollars, if I don't need the item why am I buyng?? Also, to be more diligent about composting EVERYTHING I can. I have used cloth napkins for years and once a visitor said, "You must LOVE to do laundry!" Funny how such a little thing as a few extra napkins in the wash can seem like hard work. Thank you so much for all the ideas and inspiration, deeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-27234536784933611932007-09-13T00:44:00.000+10:002007-09-13T00:44:00.000+10:00We have changed all of our light bulbs to CFL and ...We have changed all of our light bulbs to CFL and turn off all lights, TV's etc when not being used. This alone has cut our Electric Bill by 1/3rd. <BR/>We use fabric bags for shopping and reusable containers for our lunches at work.<BR/>We recycle and green bin and only have one small bag of garbage that goes to the landfill every 2 weeks.<BR/>Today I am going to pick up some material sew some napkins so we can stop using paper ones.<BR/>I am also going to bake our own bread so we don't have to buy bread from the supermarket.PaulaBretthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08325105400606691687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-47455021691017462292007-09-13T00:40:00.000+10:002007-09-13T00:40:00.000+10:00We stopped using the dryer and the dishwasher, pap...We stopped using the dryer and the dishwasher, paper towels are now used for cleaning up hair balls only. I use cotton rags for cleaning. We stopped buying bottled water and are using a filter system instead since our tap water tastes awful. Once the paper napkins I still have are used up we'll switch to fabric ones. Have been using a permanent coffee filter for a while instead of paper ones. Where we currently live we cannot recycle but we are going to move next weekend and at the new place we can and will recycle. We stopped using plastic grocery bags, the paper ones hold a lot more and can be re-used. I am using baking soda, lemons and vinegar for cleaning as much as possible. And I am going to start growing my own veggies next year.Mariahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13784953232176830295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-60917143680505513752007-09-13T00:11:00.000+10:002007-09-13T00:11:00.000+10:00this is my month for stopping the use of plastic g...this is my month for stopping the use of plastic grocery bags. i've gotten some canvas ones and am making some little mesh bags for produce etc.<BR/>we've stopped buying paper plates, nakpins and paper towels.<BR/>i've let go of my van (finally) and will be carpooling with a daughter to do my errands and shopping. the only vehicle we own now is my husbands work truck.<BR/>continuing to compost everything the critters don't eat and we're starting up our worm bin asap.jayedeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17212207586795373262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-65482552640645066472007-09-12T23:24:00.000+10:002007-09-12T23:24:00.000+10:00Karen said...... today I de-cluttered an old towel...Karen said...<BR/><BR/><BR/>... today I de-cluttered an old towel, unused for 1-2 years and turned it into 6 rags for cleaning.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-9811326107632755352007-09-12T22:45:00.000+10:002007-09-12T22:45:00.000+10:00I so agree that if we all did something our enviro...I so agree that if we all did something our environment would be so much better. We are a family of 5 and we recycle everything! We have three huge bins that are always filled. Plastic sandwich bags get washed and re-used again and again. We use cloth napkins. I do not use the car I walk everywhere during the week, weekends are harder. I would love to compost, but I am not sure how to go about it...any ideas? Can I still compost during the winter? I also have made a deal with myself no clothes shopping until spring and that includes second hand.Alexiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14788099869497416916noreply@blogger.com