July 18, 2008
The biggest reason people give for not doing more to convert to a greener lifestyle is that they are afraid it will cost a lot of money. In fact, most green changes end up saving you money, if not right away than most certainly in the long run.
Here are just some ways going green can save you green:
On Your Food Bill:
Buying local and seasonal fruits and veggies will not only reduce the energy used to ship produce but will also result in a lower grocery bill. You can find out which foods are in season in your area here.
Growing animals for meat takes much more energy than growing vegetables and fruits. Plus if you reduce the amount of meat you buy, you’ll greatly lower your food bill. Bonus: It’s better for your health too.
Some grocery stores give a credit for each reusable bag that you use. More and more states are passing bills to force supermarkets to give this incentive as well.
On The Road:
Keeping your tires inflated to the proper tire pressure reduces your gas usage…which is a monetary lifesaver at the pumps.
Slowing down on the highway can prevent up to 1500 lbs of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Driving the 65 mile/hour speed limit instead of ten miles faster will save you 75 gallons of gas (or about $300 at current prices) a year.
Have a no-car day once a week. You can reduce your emissions of carbon dioxide up to 800 pounds by taking a day off from driving. Either plan your errands for only one day on the weekend or use an alternative form of transportation. As for saving money, this will lower your gas bill by 130 gallons or more than $500 a year.
In The General Household
Changing your light bulbs to compact fluorescent (CFLs) using 70 percent less energy and lasts 10 times longer! Over a year you can save about $250 between your electricity bill and light bulb purchases.
Lowering the temperature on your water heater can save you approximately 5% in energy costs for every ten degrees you go down. Optimal temperature is 120 degrees.
Additionally, if you lower your thermostat in the winter to 69 degrees and raise it in the summer (for central air) to 72 degrees you’ll use substantially less energy and still be comfortable. Adjust your clothing instead of your thermostat. Savings in dollars? roughly $180
As you can see, going green is not only a great way to help the planet and your family but also your pocketbook.
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July 15, 2008
Many Moms (and Dads) already turn to Dr. Seuss for bedtime reading for their little tykes. Somewhat ahead of his time when it comes to childhood entertainment, Dr. Seuss really teaches a valuable lesson with his story of the Lorax. Set in a beautiful landscape where each living thing is dependent upon the other living things for survival, the Lorax stands guard. Once the Once-ler comes along and discovered the profitability in cutting down the wonderful Truffula trees, the true tragedy begins. The lessons learned are of conservation, respecting nature and the fragile ecosystems we live in.
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May 19, 2008
Hi! I’m Green Mom and welcome to my “going green” blog created with Moms in mind. As a mother myself, I’m always looking for ways to keep my family and my environment healthy. By making green choices I am reducing the amounts of toxins that my family is exposed to by avoiding chemicals in their food and my cleaning supplies, saving money by not paying for over-packaged items, reducing the amount of garbage my family and I throw away be practicing the “4 Rs” (Recycle, Reduce, Reuse and Repurpose) as much as possible, and supporting the local economy by purchasing local produce and manufactured goods whenever possible.
I started this blog so I can share with other mothers my tips for making green choices and living a more earth-friendly life. Follows are some of the basic things that you can start doing right away without spending a large amount of cash - in fact some of these could save you money.
- Walk to the store if you only need a couple of things or bike if you can. While it’s true that the Internet has made the world smaller, we as a society drive as if it’s gotten bigger. In the past people wouldn’t have thought twice about walking 15-20 mins to get to the local store but now we drive even if it’s only the conveniencestore at the top of the road! If it’s possible for you, walk to the store (or other close-by places that you normally drive). You’ll also get your daily exercise in at the same time. Also, consider letting your children walk to school if the weather is nice and the route is a safe one.
- Reuse bags. If you don’t want to spend the money on reuseable canvas bags, just reuse the plastic bags you’ve already gotten from the store. Many people drop off plastic bags to be recycled in the stores and then go and get new bags for their purchases. Cut out the middle man and just reuse the bags you have.
- Clean from the pantry. You might be surprised by the woderful cleaning products you have hiding in your pantry. Vinegar and baking soda are both effective and eco-friendly, not to mention incredibly cheap, cleaning agents.
- Clean as you go…walking. When you head out the door to walk somewhere, grab a bag to pick up trash as you go along. Not only are you cleaning the planet, you’re also beautifying your community.
That’s a sample of the type of tips you can expect from Go Green Tips For Mom.
Keep It Green 
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