As we begin our descent like Persephone into the underworld from autumn into dark days of winter, gardeners will have hopefully already done their necessary chores. Cut back stalks, clean up debris, put away tools, and harvest herbs. I made the mistake of trying to eke out just one more day for some of my potted herbs last week and ended up loosing my thick, healthy basil to frost. Alas, my pesto will come in glass jars this winter.
Nevertheless, being 'green' doesn't simply mean sowing and harvesting. During the cold months we can still manage to do our bits. Since it seems everyone is handing out tips for living greener, I figured I'd pipe up with my own.
Here then are my suggestions, culled from years of living on a budget and trying to be responsible:
· Continue to compost, if possible. For those with garages it shouldn't be difficult. For those of us who live in small spaces, try a compost pail under the sink or on a bench out the back door. Just as in the summer, dump the composted material in your bins or piles. Come spring, you may find some frozen banana peels but you'll be off to a good start for the season.
· Consider using cloth napkins at meals and tea towels for drying and cleanup. Unless you're a total slob, these won't need washing every day and will save all the tossed paper towels. If you must use paper towels, Seventh Generation makes very good biodegradable ones.
· Want to save money at the dentist and doctor? Don't feed your family processed food and sweets. Organic eggs, milk, meat and veggies are worth the few extra pennies you'll save by not buying paper towels. All of these are better for you and your family since they are devoid of potentially harmful hormones and pesticides. Also, it takes more fossil fuels to produce red meat than fish, eggs and poultry. By switching to these foods, you can significantly cut your carbon-dioxide emissions.
· Make healthful meals. Get kids drinking water rather than sodas. It truly helps the budget-conscious. Think of it as paying forward. Fast food and sodas can be harmful in many ways, including to one's bank account.
· Speaking of saving money and being green at the same time, purchase compact-florescent light bulbs. Swapping just five 75-watt incandescent bulbs with 19-watt CFLs can cut 275 pounds of carbon dioxide. On top of that bonus, I haven't changed the bulbs in my house, indoors or out in a few years. Be conscious of leaving lights and televisions on. Electric bills add up, especially in the winter when the days are shorter and we're inside more.
· Quit smoking. It's better for everyone and, again, you can save a lot of money. Don't buy Styrofoam anything.
· Instead of buying cosmetic products in over-packaged materials, consider using simple produce-based items. Lots of different oils, even olive, make great moisturizers. Baking soda and water will clean anything, as will white vinegar. Try combining lemon juice, filtered or distilled water and witch hazel for an effective toner. Mix honey and eggs for a facial mask.
· Check out www.ecos.com for over-the-counter alternatives for household products.
· Finally, don't throw things out. Recycle, reuse or donate. Even parts from broken items may be reused.
Think before you toss, shop, eat and play. A sensible life is a green life.
