Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Respect

For a few years now, I have been going through a transformation. A green transformation. I can remember early in high school, at a church bonfire, I threw a styrofoam cup on the fire, knowing full well the environmental ramifications of my audacity. I could not have possibly cared less. Even as recently as a couple of years ago, I poked fun at my Denver-ite sister-in-law for eating wasabi peas and wearing North Face. I believe the exact name I used was "granola-eating tree hugger". Oh, but I shouldn't have spoken so soon.
Jump to the present. A couple of weeks ago I was throwing away some non-recycleable trash at my mom & dad's house when I spotted a food packaging box and a couple of glass bottles in the trash bin. I about had a coronary on the spot. As my most recent converts to the recycling lifestyle, I felt like a teacher whose star pupil just failed his math test. After essentially dumpster-diving through their trash I felt the need to review the "rules" with the parentals.
"It's not enough to have the chasing arrows, mom. You have to look at the number INSIDE the arrows. They only take 1's and 2's here. Well, you're going to need your glasses then."
"No, the McDonald's cups are 5's. They can be recycled somewhere, just not here. Quit going to McDonalds. You're clogging the landfill". Ugh.
Now I'm not saying that the little things I do are going to save the earth, but hopefully the air will be fresh just a little longer. Here are some of the things that my family has incorporated into our lifestyle to do our part. Hopefully, you will find something that fits into your life. Peace.

• Take reusable bags to the store. I like to keep a small bag that folds to the size of a checkbook in my purse at all times. When you get to the store/mall, take the bags in with you. They don't serve much purpose in the backseat. You can find a variety of sizes and styles at many stores. Target has my favorites and they're cheap!
• Wash your clothes on cold. All the time. And use dryer balls to reduce dryer time. Better yet, line dry your laundry in the sunshine and fresh air (not so good if you live upwind from the pork plant. Bacon, anyone?).
• Check out recycling resources in your area. Many places don't even require you to sort. See if curbside is an option. I like to keep different bins for glass/metal, cardboard and food boxes and plastics (1's and 2's, mom). Regular paper and magazines goes with me to the kids' school where they get money for the recycled items. Once you get into the hang of rinsing, breaking down boxes, etc., it's not a burden. Truly.
• See if you can donate empty prescription bottles to a free health clinic in the area. Many provide prescriptions to indigant at no cost and rely on the donations of others to contain costs for these services.
• Compact fluorescent light bulbs. Enough said.
• Stay home more. Carpool. Cluster errands together so you aren't driving all over kingdom come. Walk!!! Bike!!!!
• Unplug things when they're not in use. Cell phone chargers, toasters and other small appliances use tons of energy just being connected to the wall.
• Repurpose. I'm currently turning an old 5 panel door into a headboard for my bed. Hand stuff down and seek out gently used items for your own use. Hold a freecycle at the curb. It's amazing what people will take if it says "free" on it.
• Buy local when possible. Farmers markets and local dairies have high quality fares that improve the sustainability of our communities. Buy organic when possible.
• Be aware of your footprint. Knowlege is the first step in accountability. God has given this place to us to live and flourish in, not rot and destroy. Own it.