Frugal Foodie Mama: Summer Blog Challenge, Day 31- Striving to be an Eco-Friendly Family

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Summer Blog Challenge, Day 31- Striving to be an Eco-Friendly Family

What are some eco-friendly things that we already do?  Here is a little rundown...

  • Shop the local farmers market as much as possible.
  • Recycle, Reuse, and Repurpose!  We are so lucky to finally live in an area that has curbside recycling.  It makes recycling so much more easier and convenient.  Of course, before we throw out or recycle anything, I always ask, "Can we use it for something else?". Pinterest has given me so many ideas lately on ways to upcycle items I would probably normally throw away or recycle.  
  • I. love. used. books.  I can't even remember the last time I bought a brand new book.  My favorite used book store is Half Price Books, but unfortunately the closest one to me now is about 2 hours away.  So, I shop the library's used book sales and browse books on half.com.  Buying used books not only lowers the demand & production of new books, but gives someone else's old book a new life. :)  And I have recently started to delve into the world of Kindle books since I downloaded the app to my cell and laptop.  But I still like the feel of an actually book in my hands, the turning of the pages.
  • I am an avid consignment shopper.  The thrift store, consignment shops, yard sales...  I try to find what we need gently used before we buy brand new.  This especially applies to clothes and baby items lately.  ;)
  • I try to buy earth friendly cleaning products as much as possible, and have recently been trying to make my own cleaning products. Not only are they gentler on the environment but also save us money.  My favorite cleaning discovery so far?  White vinegar in a spray bottle and a box of baking soda with holes punched in the top for shaking.  I use this mainly in the bathroom in the tub and the sink.  Just sprinkle on the baking soda and spray with the vinegar.  Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse!
Want to know what my most favorite eco-friendly thing to do is? Click here.

What are some of your eco-friendly habits?