208 replies to this topic

[Adison]

I love that this is a forum topic!  A lot of people stress the importance of going green, but are reluctant to take the necessary steps in their own lives - myself included.  A lot of these ideas are really creative - I've never heard of homemade dishwasher detergent! - but I think even simple things like recycling can go a long way.  I'm a college student, and this year I've really become dependent on plastic water bottles, so I know how hard it is to change your ways.  I always make sure to recycle, something that more people need to be doing, but I've been struggling with making the change to a Brita filter.  I know it's something I should do, seeing as plastic water bottles contribute to a lot of waste, especially when you consider the fact that it takes more water to make the plastic water bottles than the bottles actually hold.  I encourage others who might be in my position to switch to Brita filters as well!

[Shortpoet-GTD]

Adison, on 05 February 2013 - 01:18 PM, said:

I love that this is a forum topic!  A lot of people stress the importance of going green, but are reluctant to take the necessary steps in their own lives - myself included.  A lot of these ideas are really creative - I've never heard of homemade dishwasher detergent! - but I think even simple things like recycling can go a long way.  I'm a college student, and this year I've really become dependent on plastic water bottles, so I know how hard it is to change your ways.  I always make sure to recycle, something that more people need to be doing, but I've been struggling with making the change to a Brita filter.  I know it's something I should do, seeing as plastic water bottles contribute to a lot of waste, especially when you consider the fact that it takes more water to make the plastic water bottles than the bottles actually hold.  I encourage others who might be in my position to switch to Brita filters as well!

Rather than buying filters every few months (more waste) get a stand alone water filter that is easily
connected to any faucet; for renters or homeowners. They last for 1-3 years, depending on usage.

[SednaLED]

Switching to LED lighting in your home would be a great money-saving and environmentally friendly solution.   Energy consumption is 85% less!

[watersurveyEU]

how about drinking tap water instead of bottled water?

[Shortpoet-GTD]

I haven't used harsh chemicals in awhile but I was still buying "eco-friendly" cleaners.
Not any more.
I recently bought a steam cleaner. It has a hand held unit built into the tile floor/carpet cleaner unit.
Because of my cats, I've always been concerned about using chemicals on the floors and carpet, and now
I don't have to; and it's cleaner than ever. (And it adds a bit of moisture to the dry winter air.)
Yay steam.

[LouisseSantos]

Use energy saving lights in stead of ordinary bulbs.
Collect rainwater in a tank on the roof, to water the garden during periods of drought.
Shower with cold water during the hot season.

[jarjap]

By Cleaning the whole house no waste.. water the plants.

[Matthew Malatag]

There are a lot of ways we can go "green" in our own homes. We could stop using disposable bags. Instead, we can order some reusable bags. Moreover, as much as possible, use a pail and dipper for taking a bath rather than using the shower.

We should avoid using harmful chemicals that can harm the environment. We should also conserve our electricity at home by switching off the lights when not in use and other appliances as well.

[kayppin]

I agree with much of the above.  We recycle, use homemade cleaners, resuable bags for shopping, not too much A/C (we live in Florida, so that's a challenge!), turn the heat dry setting off the dishwasher or hand wash, etc.  What I do wish though, is that solar panels were more affordable.  It would be incredible to be able to use them, especially in Florida!  It seems that everything green is more expensive....

[Shortpoet-GTD]

I'll add this slideshow to the tip thread- more new green ideas.

[johnygreen]

I have written this blog post on my blog about the importance and eco friendly benefits of jtue fiber which can help every person to help our environment and for a green lifestyle. Here I have mentioned top seven reasons which will prompt us to include this golden fiber in our lifestyle. I hope you would like this blog post.

[Shortpoet-GTD]

johnygreen, on 22 July 2013 - 10:49 PM, said:

I have written this blog post on my blog about the importance and eco friendly benefits of jtue fiber which can help every person to help our environment and for a green lifestyle. Here I have mentioned top seven reasons which will prompt us to include this golden fiber in our lifestyle. I hope you would like this blog post.

Bangladesh makes good use of these fibers, and sells tons of it. (They need all the help they can get, imo)
http://in.reuters.co...N0FT24220130723

[johnygreen]

Thanks Shortpoet! Thanks for sharing this source. :)

[Shortpoet-GTD]

johnygreen, on 24 July 2013 - 09:16 PM, said:

Thanks Shortpoet! Thanks for sharing this source. :)

You're welcome. Now as long as we can incorporate them into our lives, is the best thing.

(I used that lemon juice and baking soda tip from the eco tip thread the other day on an old, beat up looking
lawn chair and it shines like new!)

[earthstar]

Hello, I live in a federal apartment building but I've been finding ways to be green here. I use store bags instead of trash bags for trash, that's if I don't get brown paper ones to save up for making more back-to-eden style permaculture gardens. I grow alot of vegetables on my back porch, fed by compost and water from my fish tank. Horticulture may seem unrelated to energy, but energy transportation and production and storage costs for the existing food system are monstrous!

Also I plan on developing a homestead in the near future for all-out energy production. We will also be converting 2 of our vehicles to electric for local deliveries. Proceeds from production credits will go to a grant fund to help others start up their own projects. I'm crowdfunding my project on indiegogo. They won't let me post the link anywhere so please let me know if you're interested in contributing information or capital to this project.

[Shortpoet-GTD]

earthstar, on 02 September 2013 - 01:49 PM, said:

Hello, I live in a federal apartment building but I've been finding ways to be green here. I use store bags instead of trash bags for trash, that's if I don't get brown paper ones to save up for making more back-to-eden style permaculture gardens. I grow alot of vegetables on my back porch, fed by compost and water from my fish tank. Horticulture may seem unrelated to energy, but energy transportation and production and storage costs for the existing food system are monstrous!

Also I plan on developing a homestead in the near future for all-out energy production. We will also be converting 2 of our vehicles to electric for local deliveries. Proceeds from production credits will go to a grant fund to help others start up their own projects. I'm crowdfunding my project on indiegogo. They won't let me post the link anywhere so please let me know if you're interested in contributing information or capital to this project.

I looked up the site, and it may be legit, but later when you can post links, that link still won't be allowed.
It's considered spam.
And with so many other organizations that have been around for decades, people would be leery of contributing
funds to an unknown source.

But we also wish you well, glad you joined us here, and hope you will post more idea's and thoughts.

[Tyler85]

One tip for going green literally: I have some vines on my terrace, they grow and grow in front of my windows and now there's a green glimmer in the rooms inside when the sun is shining :)

[Besoeker]

Tyler85, on 05 September 2013 - 05:16 AM, said:

One tip for going green literally: I have some vines on my terrace, they grow and grow in front of my windows and now there's a green glimmer in the rooms inside when the sun is shining :)

I like that...:)
We have a huge rubber tree plant in our conservatory (sun room for you?).
About 9ft tall, and that's after we trimmed it. And 6ft around.
A conversation piece to say the least.
And it does cast a nice green shadow.

[Lebenskuenstler]

I just came across a really cool way to go green - there is a new natural plastic that is made from just plant fibre and water! Check out zeo form. ceom

[Shortpoet-GTD]

Lebenskuenstler, on 20 October 2013 - 07:51 AM, said:

I just came across a really cool way to go green - there is a new natural plastic that is made from just plant fibre and water! Check out zeo form. ceom

Thanks for the head's up. They are crowdfunding, and launched in October at the Green festival.
http://www.zeoform.com/
http://www.greenfestivals.org/
http://www.huffingto..._b_3986133.html

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