Going Green...

There is so much talk about Global Warming, it's a hot topic nowadays. As well it should be. I'm a factual person, where I need actual proof before I jump on the bandwagon; but what this has done for me is made me realize we really should be treating our planet better - whether the planet is heating up or not; and if so, is it because of our landfills, fossil fuels, hairspray cans, etc?

So, here's what I've done (so far) to make my life a little bit 'greener':

• Planted more trees and shrubs. I now have 10 trees and over 65 plants in my yard.
• Ordered the composting service through my waste management company; I use for all yard waste, vegetable trimmings and shredded paper (most recycling programs won't take shredded paper) - this way I'm sending less to the landfill.
• Ordered kitchen waste 'Bio Bags' so I can send more of my food scraps/waste to the composting can instead of the garbage can.
• Use less paper plates, but the ones I do use are compostable (since most recycling programs won't accept paper plates).
• Use less paper towels, but when I do use them they go to the compost can.
• Keep my thermostat a bit lower and wear warmer clothes in the house or use a blanket.
• Both my husband and I drive more fuel efficient vehicles - both of us got rid of our SUV's.
• Reuse my plastic grocery bags before throwing them away.
• Use more organic food products (with a higher demand for organics, hopefully we can lessen the demand for foods with pesticides thereby reducing the use of these products).
• I re-use and then recycle all of my plastic water bottles.
• Changed a majority of my lighting to CFL (Compact Flourescent Lighting)

Here are my future plans for even 'greener' living:

• Switch all plastic bags to compostable. Even though the garbage itself cannot be composted, these bags will break down naturally in the landfills and will not add additional plastic.
• Switch all plastic silverware to compostable - sending less plastic to the landfill.
• Purchase re-usable grocery bags.
• Continue to add new trees and shrubs each season.

For information on purchasing environmentally friendly products and Bio Bags, go to BuyGreen.com

For information on CFL bulbs, go to the Energy Star web site

Want a unique gift idea for the holidays? Try these handbags made from re-purposed movie billboards and candy wrappers.

Have you 'gone green' at home or work? Please share the ways you've made changes with your comments below.

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Tina Faust, GRI
RE/MAX Champions
425-374-2728
http://www.tinafaust.com/
Tina@TinaFaust.com