Low Impact Week

Low Impact Week starts tomorrow and here are the things we are planning on doing or already do.

1. Reduce energy consumption -

don't turn the heat above 65 during the day and 60 at night (put on a sweater and dig out those blankies!); for our southern friends, set the A/C to above 90 - we haven't turned our AC on yet and don't plan to for at least 2 more weeks. It got pretty hot last week (88) and wasn't pleasant in the house but we survived.

turn off the TV unless you are actually watching something - we already do this

use the air dry on your dishwasher instead of heat dry - we already do this

use only cold water in your washing machine - We will start doing this

line dry your clothes instead of using the dryer* - I will do this this week

2. Reduce water usage -

turn off the water when you're brushing your teeth - already do this

be aware of water usage when at the kitchen sink - turn it off in between tasks - already do this

save the water in a bucket that is discharged while warming up the shower and use it to water plants or for other things* - will start doing this

3. Change your food habits -

try to buy organic and/or locally grown food - already do this some will look for a local, organic you pick farm and visit the farmer's market more

minimize pre-packaged foods and make more of your own from scratch - doing this more and more every week

use cloth bags at the grocery store instead of getting paper or plastic* - I started doing this a few weeks ago

don't get take-out if it means non-recyclable packaging* - we never get take out

4. Reduce your dependence on paper products -

print out only what is necessary - our printer is rarely used already, I will print nothing this week

try out a a 100% recycled TP and tissue brand - will try this this week


5. Reduce your garbage output -

recycle everything you can (for your area) - already do this

donate used items to a charity (many have pick ups and drop off locations) instead of throwing them out or taking them to the dump - I have boxes of stuff ready to donate, I'll drop it off this week

compost your food waste and soiled paper products* - just started doing this a few weeks ago

6. Reduce Single Occupancy Vehicle usage - I'm afraid I'm not going to do any of these things, but I am really focusing on driving less and will have 2 days next week when I drive nowhere

carpool when taking trips or going out to eat with friends
take the bus or other public transportation to work and on errands*

7. Do something that lasts more than a week -

replace one bulb per day with a Compact Fluorescent light bulb - will do

take your name off of junk mail and mailing lists for catalogs you don't want - will do

set up a compost bin for your food scraps* - already do

set up a rain barrel to capture water for watering your yard* -already do

To see all the suggestions go here: http://crunchychicken.blogspot.com/2007/05/low-impact-week-update.html

If anyone else if participating I'd love to hear what you are planning on doing.