I have seen this meme around and I feel very inspired to write down what we are doing for the green (reduce, reuse, recycle) movement.
We are very fortunate to have one of the most comprehensive recycling programs in our province (since we moved here 11 years ago) which has been excellent for us.
Living in the country has also been an excellent experience and education with respect to the natural cycles of life and how important green space really is.
1.We compost all veggie, fruit, yarn, etc. scraps.
2.We have digestors for meat, bones, and other non-compostable food items. I couldn't find an appropriate link but it is this large cone shaped container that is dug into the ground where non-compostable scraps, pet feces and the like can be put to digest/compost more slowly.
3.We use only all natural bio-degradable hygiene, washing and cleaning products. Ed only uses cold water when doing the laundry and he uses this great product line called Bio-Vert. He swears by it (and he is one picky laundry man), it is very economical and it is great for the environment!
4.We use ceiling fans throughout the house and have one room air conditioner in our bedroom which is only used on really hot, humid nights.
5.We use energy efficient lightbulbs and have energy efficient appliances. We turn off lights (I totally hate the hydro bill so there is additional incentive!) and have lowered the temperature of our water heater (which is new and well-insulated). Even though we live off a well and a septic system we work from a water conservation point of view.
6.On the advice of Carole I went and checked out Green Dimes....and joined (the Canadian version of course)! It is only $36.00/Cdn a year and it is totally worth the two or three skeins of sock yarn I am not going to be able to buy...they stop junk mail and plant a tree each month as well - that is pretty good value for your money and not a huge sacrifice. Thank you Carole!
7.Warkworth has a huge garage sale every year in June (called the Donnybrook) where people are encouraged to bring in their unloved 'junk' which is sold and the proceeds are used by the Warkworth Community Service Club for local children. It is an amazing event and the volunteer brigrade is phenomenal.
8.We really don't eat junk food but we limit our use of drive thru's (i.e., Tim Horton's) and their bevy of disposable containers.
9.We have cloth bags and bins for shopping.
10. We try to buy (and grow) organic as much as possible. Not only is it better for your health but organic means sustainable farming, less stress on the earth from pesticides and chemicals and a healthier environment.
Our biggest sin is probably the use of our cars. Because we live in the country everything is a distance so we try to multi-task projects and errands and we are looking into Carbon Credit programs to offset our vehicle use.
We are also looking into having Geothermal heating installed in our house.
I never feel that I can pat myself on the back for what I really should be doing anyway...living consciously, respecting the earth I walk on and knowing that the incredible gift we have been given shouldn't be taken for granted.
Every little bit helps and we strive every day to do what we can for those who will be here long after us.