[Sandy222]

Thought it would be interesting to hear what everyone is doing to save our environment. I am trying not to use any of those Plastic bags at the grocery stores by using reusable bags. This has been a challenge because not only do I have to remember the bags but it feels real wierd walking in a store with an empty bag....just wondering how long it will be before I get accused of shop lifting. LOL Anybody have any tips to make this easier?

[Mikitv]

I have used my own grocery bags for many years and I now have two large bags that accommodate my frozen, meat and dairy products. I have never in over 30 years had any problems bringing my own bags to shop with. Kroger here gives us 5 cents credit on our grocery bill for each bag we bring and use. If I forget my bags I try for paper bags because I recycle my newspapers in them. If I buy something small I always tell them to keep the bag and keep my receipt handy when I leave the store. Since we have two cars and never know which one we will use when shopping I keep a small set of bags in each car for those unexpected trips. Our area does recycle papers, cans and glass which we participate in. I don't think you will have a problem using your own bags because if you notice every store is selling reusable bags with their names on them.

[sschuler1]

We just replaced both of our toilets with low flow versions. It is amazing how little water they use! We have also replaced both shower heads with water saver units. Most of our light bulbs are now florescent, but our reading lamps we had to leave with the incandescent bulbs. Just not enough light with the others. We have curbside recycling for our cardboard, plastic, glass and newspapers. I have been wanting to replace the washer and dryer with more energy efficient models, but can't justify throwing out working machines. But they are 23 years old, how much longer can they last?

[Yoda]

I only fill up my suv when it needs gas.

Yoda

[sschuler1]

Here is something everyone can do tomorrow to be a little more "green". http://green.yahoo.com/blog/greenpic...arth-hour.html

[Muncle]

I kinda figure there is not anything I can do to harm the environment nor anything to "save" it. I recycle newsprint because it seems to make economic sense. Most of the other stuff is feel-good BS akin to school kids running a lemonade stand to pay off the national debt. But if it does make you feel righteous, go on ahead and do your thing.






`

[l2ridehd]

Use my own shopping bags, recycle news print, recycle bottles, cans, plastic. I started refilling plastic water bottles from the indoor water dispenser on the frig. Used to buy a case of water every couple weeks, now maybe one every 3 or 4 months. I use bottled water not because the water tastes bad, it's just more convenient to take with me. In the car, golf cart, town square, or anywhere. Like to have water to drink. So by refilling water bottles, save money and don't add more plastic to the land fills.

[Karen83]

Our new home has the low flow toilets. ( I think that is what they are called)

So, theoretically, I guess you could say we are helping the enviroment. BUT, the masterminds that decided how much we could flush, didn't regulate the number of times one could flush per use. ( I'm sure they would if they could)

Unfortunatly, I think more water is being used due to the number of flushes required to rid the toilet of waste. Another example of our wonderful government at work.

Of course some of you on the other side of the aisle, politically speaking, may say that our toilet problem is due to the fact that our household is full of flushable material!!

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Karen83

Our new home has the low flow toilets. ( I think that is what they are called)

So, theoretically, I guess you could say we are helping the enviroment. BUT, the masterminds that decided how much we could flush, didn't regulate the number of times one could flush per use. ( I'm sure they would if they could)

Unfortunatly, I think more water is being used due to the number of flushes required to rid the toilet of waste. Another example of our wonderful government at work.

Of course some of you on the other side of the aisle, politically speaking, may say that our toilet problem is due to the fact that our household is full of flushable material!!

I know for a fact that that is not correct and that you are right again but I am prejudiced.

[BarryB]

We do most of the things mentioned

[Yoda]

We have those funny light bulbs. They last a long time. On the bad side I don't call the haz-mat team when I break one. Low flow toilets? I have them. They are mandated. We got good ones this time. The cheap ones sometimes require a double flush. No water savings there. I don't recycle tonic cans and bottles (soda for those of you not From the area) Massachusetts needs the un-refunded deposit money to meet the budgit.

I eat a lot of sushi. That saves fule. Our house is very insulated. We do most of the stuff. I don't know if it helps but it saves us a few bucks,

PS We do not worship at the alter of global warming. What we do just makes sense.

[Sandy222]

I just can't get use to those funky lightbulbs. But I'll keep trying. Now I'm trying to go paperless with no paper plates, no paper towels and no paper napkins. Just think of the $$ we save. Just FYI -- NOT eliminating toilet paper. LOL

[conn8757]

I have the cfl light bulbs. We had Progress Energey do their energy check on our home and they paid part to have the all the duct work re-wrapped and had more insulation blown in. During the cold snap we had in Florida in February, my total electric bill was less than half of our son's who has half the square footage so I know it paid off. I try to use the shopping bags. They ride in my car all the time. If I could only remember to bring them in with me. Maybe if I put my coupons in them I will remember. Is that an age thing? We have the low water usuage toliets and no problems with them. I try to bake more than one thing at a time - or cook more than one meal at a time too.

[SteveFromNY]

Originally Posted by Muncle

I kinda figure there is not anything I can do to harm the environment nor anything to "save" it. I recycle newsprint because it seems to make economic sense. Most of the other stuff is feel-good BS akin to school kids running a lemonade stand to pay off the national debt. But if it does make you feel righteous, go on ahead and do your thing.






`

Great analogy and I agree.

[blaZen]

I paid the $1,000 gas guzzle tax on my sports car!