Go Green in the New Year (and Save Money!)
By Kerrie McLoughlin
578 words
Please contact me at mommykerrie@yahoo.com if you'd like to see this piece in full to consider purchasing it for your parenting magazine, either online or in print!
Going green isn’t always easy, but if you choose even just one
area of your life to change, your household will save money while also saving
the planet. Every little bit helps when you’re going green! It is important,
though, to realize that you don’t have to go all-out when you’re just starting.
For instance, I used cloth diapers exclusively for five years before I switched
to using disposables at night, and I’ve always used disposables when on
vacation. Do I feel guilty about not using cloth diapers every day of my kids’
lives? Heck, no! Going green can be a lot of fun … and think of the lessons
you’re teaching the next generation! Below are five ways you can start going
green in the new year.
Clothing. If your
first thought is to head to the mall when it’s time for clothes or shoes,
reprogram your thinking! Thrift stores, consignment stores and garage sales are
great places to find a whole new (recycled!) wardrobe. As far as getting rid of
clothing you no longer want, the Natural Resources Defense Council says that
“the average American now discards 68 pounds of clothing a year, wasting
energy, water and landfill space.” If your clothing is not in good enough shape
to resell, swap or donate, just Google “[your city] textile recycling”. I’m
personally setting aside some worn-out, outgrown kid clothing so I can make a
crazy quilt someday.
Kerrie McLoughlin
learned how to be green from her mom way back in the 1970s. Check her out at
TheKerrieShow.com.
