Share and Voice: Tips for Going Green on a Budget

http://www.filterforgood.com/tips_from_josh.php?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=go+green&utm_campaign=SEM-NonBrand

This website gives great tips on how to "Go Green" on a tight budget.  He gives seven great ideas on how to safe money while perserving the environment at the same time.

1.) Shut down and unplug electronics
2.) Wash your clothes in cold water
3.) Fill your waterbottle with filtered tap water
4.) Update your wardrobe for less-you can trade your current styles for newer styles for free at swapstyle.com
5.) Exchange CDs, DVDs, and books instead of buying
6.) Use refurbished electronics
7.) Use kitchen utensils made of recylced materials

The website goes in more detail on how to go about these changes, but I just wanted to give you the gist of things.  One thing I need to work on is remembering to bring my waterbottle to class.  I always seem to forget it at my house or in my car, so somedays I end up purchasing water at the coffee shop.  I thought it was kinda neat that there is a website where you can actually trade in your clothes for new clothes for free (besides paying shipping and handling in some cases).  Just some ideas on how to live a greener life.

Near the upper top of the page on this website there is a tap that says "Facts" and list why certain things are harmful to our environment.  I read through the list and found out some pretty interesting stuff, such as in 2006 the average American used 167 disposable water bottles and only recycled 38.  That is crazy, that is over 45% of the year that people use a disposable water bottle!  Anyways, I would suggest reading through the fact part as well.  Have a good one everyone.

Reflection: Weeks 5 & 6

Last Monday we watched "The Future of Food" which was a great documentary about critical factors of the production of food.  One example they brought attention to is how large farming companies are trying to wipe out the family owned farms by sueing them for having some of their pattened crop in their field.  I thought this was outrageous!! And personally, I feel that something pertaining to nature should not be pattened, rather it is there for the world to use.  It made me feel so bad for those farmers because by destroying their land and crops is basically destroying their family's many generations of hard work.  During week five we also had our second eco-chic lifestyle update post.  So far I have been getting outside about 3 times a week.  Although, it has been so rainy out lately that I usually am not out for too long, because it gets chilly quick.  To overcome this weather conflict, I have been bundling up and trying to get outside when it is not raining.  I am looking forward to the snow however, because I feel there will be more outdoor activity options, instead of just walking or hiking in the icky rain.  We also had our first reed 'n' seed due, so I gave an update of my 100 Mile Diet book, you can check it out on my other blog post labled reed 'n' seed if you have not.

The Monday of week six we watched a video called Diet for New America.  This movie was led my John Robbins who went into discussion about how many farms are ran and how their livestock is treated.  I found it so saddening, but also interesting, that meat that is known to be tender and lighter in color is really from animals who are treated with very little care and that have barely any walking space in their barns.  It made me aware that when I buy that type of meat I am basically supporting this treatment of the animals.  It really opened my eyes to look into what kind of meats I am purchasing, and to be sure that the meat that I do eat is from healthy, well treated cattle.  We also had to figure out how to make a header and add it to our blog.  I finally got it figured out and decided to put up a picture of a sunset on a lake in Minnesota.  Happy Friday everyone!!

Raw Milk Truth

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 3: Weekly Update

Hey guys, my SMART goal has been going pretty good.  I have been getting outside at least twice a week, but most times three times a week.  In the last two weeks I have gone on a couple walks with my boyfriend, played ultimate football with some cousins at a family get together, went for a run at the boardwalk down in canal, and when I was in the cities I played tennis with my sister a couple times. 

For the past two weeks my lifestyle change has not been too hard because my homework load has not been too heavy and my work hours have been little.  Even though walking is not an intense activity, I have come to realize that I really enjoy it.  It kind of works as a stress reliever for me.  I should probably start running more, but honestly I'd rather not (hehe).  The weather is getting cooler now, so I have been wearing a hat and mittens when my boyfriend and I go wandering around his neighborhood, since it's usually after dark.  I also realize it is much easier for me to get outside when I have someone to go with.  It gives me much more motivation and makes it a lot more fun. 

A picture I took on a walk in Duluth

Since it is almost midterm I can tell that my classes are going to become much more time consuming and rigorous, so this may become a conflict.  To overcome this I see that it is still important to get outside, but maybe lessen the amount of time I am outside for.  This does not mean I am not accountable for my lifestyle change, but it is important to adjust the change in order to avoid stress.  Also weather may become a obstacle to overcome.  If weather does not permit for outdoor activity, I will just have to go to a gym or do an areobics video instead...at least I still get to exercise someway.  For next week I am planning to actually run outside at least once, instead of just walking...hopefully I can stick to this goal!!  Have a good week everyone.