ways to reduce your impact

Most modern synthetic cleaning products are based on age old formulas using natural ingredients that were passed down through the generations because the chemistry was right. Going back to the original naturally derived ingredients is a way to make cleaning products that work, don t pollute and save you money. Most are found in your kitchen cupboards. Mix and match with well chosen and environmentally friendly green cleaning products found in health food stores, and you can easily and simply transform your home into a non toxic and healthy haven. Non toxic cleaning can give you a deep feeling of gratification in knowing that your family s health is protected, and that your home is a place for your bodies to rest and recuperate rather than promote harm.

Use washcloths instead of paper towels to clean up spills and other messes. They are reusable and can easily be washed over and over again. Paper towels are a use once and throw out product.

Instead of wasting all the tissues that are at school, bring a handkerchief to school. You just throw away the tissues, and they are often wasted. So, instead of tissues, move to handkerchiefs.

Rebuying is when you buy items that have already been used, but are still useful. What is the need in purchasing something brand new, when you can get it for a cheaper price, and it does not have to go to a landfill. Also, through buying heavily packaged foods, you reduce in the waste the comes from them. The wrappers are not recyclable, and they are not good for the environment. Plus, the foods not wrapped heavily, are sometimes more healthy for your body.

Contact your energy provider, and inquire about rebates for being energy efficient. PECO is selling CFLs to their customers for a half off price. Just inquire, and you never know. Pass this on to your friends. One person cannot make a big change, we need thousands. And to do this, we need to raise the awareness of being energy efficient, and the astounding effects it can have on a community. Thank you so much for reading about how to become more energy efficient.

Instead of purchasing items that will sit in closets after the holidays, donate to different organizations in your receiver s name. Or, Make your own gift! This year, my mom donated money to Heifer International, which donates female cows, chickens, and other livestock to developing nations. They are female that have already been impregnated. That way they can share the animal s offspring with others.

Purchase E books if you can, or attend a Used Book Sale to find books that are well...used. If you see a book that is in print that is used, buy it. You will read it once, and sometimes throw it away. Buy ebooks to reduce the printing of the books. Well, you can t actually reduce the printing, but the shipping of the books will be reduced, as well as price.

You can use this to find out what appliances are actually worth keeping plugged in. Simply connect these appliances to the Kill A Watt and it will assess how efficient they really are. Large LCD display will count consumption by the Killowatt hour, same as your local utility. You can calculate your electrical expenses by the day, week, month, even an entire year. Also check the quality of your power by monitoring Voltage, Line Frequency, and Power Factor. Now you ll know if it is time for a new refrigerator or if that old air conditioner is still saving you money. With the amazing Kill A Watt you ll know

Purchase a Rain Barrel to collect rain water in substantial amounts. A good amount of water does not reach your wellsreservoirspublic water lines, so harvest some of the extra rain water with a rain barrel.

Make gifts for your family and friends that are homemade. Lord nows that you have unwanted supplies lurking in your drawers. Use them! Think of something creative