:Living:Think Green

We’re all faced with a changing global environment, but here at Flossie we’d rather be eco warriors than eco worriers! In this regular feature we bring you thought leaders and the easy changes they incorporate into their lives to improve their quality of life - and that of the environment.

After all, it’s not about doing without, it’s about doing it differently! This month we talked to Shannon Lush and Jennifer Fleming, co-authors of the great book SAVE: Your money, your time, your planet (ABC Books, $24.99, out now) about the things they’re doing different.

 Why we think it’s important to do things differently, not do without:
If we all make small changes to the way we do things, it can have bigger consequences. If we all use half the amount of dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent or toothpaste, it can make a significant difference in consumption.

We’ve got into a mindset that more is better. In fact, the opposite is often the case. And using less doesn’t impact on your lifestyle. It’s about thinking differently and creatively.

You don’t need expensive cleaners. bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar are great cleaners and don’t harm the environment. They’re also better for your health. You’re the one in control.
 
Five things we’re doing differently and why:
 
1: Re-Use Common Household Items
We’re so used to just throwing things in the bin. We’d like you to stop and ask yourself, does this item have another use? For example, the plastic punnets which hold strawberries are perfect holders for string. There’s even a hole in the top already (if not, make one with a hole punch). Rather than throwing a broken plate away, make it into tiny pieces and use it to create a mosaic. Decorate a fruit bowl using tile glue, broken plate and grout. Old wine bottles can become vases. Glass cutters are cheap to buy at the hardware store. Or use the bottle to make herb infused oils. Get the whole family to come up with ways to reuse common household items! You’ll save money because you won’t have to buy something new and you’ll help the planet by minimising landfill.
 
2: Use Less, Not More
The next time you’re rinsing shampoo from your hair, take a look at the plug hole. See all those suds? We can almost guarantee you’ve created more than you need to so those suds are money down the drain. More is not necessarily better. You don’t need centimetres of toothpaste on your toothbrush or a bubbly lathering of soap. Think about cutting back just a little and see the difference it makes. Use one-third less laundry detergent. It’s actually better for your clothes because they won’t have residue which attracts dirt. Again, you’ll save money and help the planet - all without changing your lifestyle!
 
3: Grow It and Compost It Yourself
No matter what kind of home you have, you can grow so much food. If you have a backyard, set up a veggie patch. For apartment dwellers, grow herbs on the balcony or even along the kitchen windowsill. It’s fun, cheap and the food tastes great. And you don’t have to spend time and petrol heading to the shops. We recommend using non-irradiated seeds. While you’re at it, set up a compost for old food scraps. This saves on landfill and you can use the organic matter over the garden.
 
4: Don’t Use the Dryer (unless you’re desperate)
Yes, it’s easy to transfer wet clothes from the washing machine and place them in the dryer. But it’s not great for your clothes because it places more stress on the fibres. And you miss out of one of the best antibacterial cleaners there is: sunshine. If you don’t have a clothesline, use a clothes rack. They’re cheap and easy to put up and put down. And you’ll save all that money on electricity. Think of the dryer as the last resort.
 
5: Cut Back on the Phantom Load
Our homes are filled with electronic devices, most of which are left on stand-by mode. Being on stand-by uses electricity and is often referred to as the ‘phantom load’. One study found if you have a desktop computer, LCD monitor, wireless router, plasma TV and DVD player on continuous active standby it could add $450 per year to your electricity bill. Turn electrical items off at the power point rather than leave them on stand-by.

SAVE: Your money, your time, your planet (ABC Books, $24.99) by Shannon Lush and Jennifer Fleming is packed full of clever tips to get the most out of your household items. In the process you’ll learn how to save money and time - not to mention doing the planet a favour. Get your copy from Whitcoulls…

What are you doing differently? 
Are you conscious of the effect you have on the environment?

Let us know in the comments section below.

Last updated: Tuesday, November 18th, 2008