Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Our World

There should be big things happening over here very soon thanks to a lovely Texan girl who I am privileged to have met on this here internet. I am bursting at the seams and I can't wait, stay tuned!

But today's post is in honour of Earth day. I think a Mother Earth update is long over due. I went on a big green kick about this time last year I listened to a talk by David Suzuki and I decided that we would take the Earth Challenge. Don’t know who David Sukuki is? He’s Canadian eh! And he rocks.

I made a few changes around here and every few months I try to add a little more green.

Lately the new additions have been using reusable shopping bags for everything. I used to just use them for groceries but now I have one with me no matter what store I go into. And if it’s full, I am DONE shopping. A little reminder that excess is not the way to happiness…now I know my shopping of late may seem a bit hypocritical. However, the white shoes, returned. The brown ones, returned. I am being much, much more discerning about what I buy and what I keep. I used to keep everything only to get rid of it 4 months later having never even worn the thing. I am a work in progress.

I also never spluge on a Starbucks without using my own reusable mug. I just can’t justify the treat for myself by using the disposable cup. I even cart it along with me when I go out of town for work. It’s my handy travel companion and Starbucks, well, it’s also a big part of my trips. I mean Vancouver has one on every corner after all.

And the latest ingenious thing we have started doing is to use our grocery store receipts that are 8 miles long by the way, for lists. I turn them over, fold them up and put them in the drawer in the kitchen where we keep our grocery lists. Voila! A nice long piece of paper for all that we need for the next trip to StupidStore.

And lastly, all paper that is only printed on one side goes back into the printer tray for another use. I only print things for my own use so I don’t mind that the other side has something else on it.

It’s about baby steps and we at the Khlopchyk house are trying but often I feel like we aren’t doing near enough. Going green is a journey, not a destination to use an old cliché.

Happy Earth day!

19 comments:

Michelle said...

I didn't even know it was Earth Day until I looked at a few blogs today. I love the things you do, great ideas! We collect our grocery bags and newspapers and recycle them. Every little bit helps!

mamatucci said...

Sounds like you all are going in the right direction to being green!
I like your new pictures, but Matteo is gonna be so upset. Whenever I read your blog he always had to come sit on me knee. All because he noticed your sons hat with Cars on it! lol

Anonymous said...

Wow! I love the new look over here and you got me all curious as to what you have up your sleeve with your Texan friend!

I love that saying that, "Going green is a journey, not a destination." I think it makes more people feel they can do their part and that every little bit they can do is worth it.

Laski said...

Wow! You look fabulous. Love the new look! We "celebrated" Earth Day yesterday! And, now, every day. I'm with you on the bags. They are now a staple. I also avoid using cleaning supplies--I've taken to making my own and/or using eco-friendly ones. We are considering using reusable diapers during the day . . . I just haven't gotten hubby to sign on. Oh, and gone are the 20 min. showers.

~*This Mama*~ said...

I was going to plant something yesterday to "celebrate" but it was one of those days..let's just say that. =)

Love the new blog look. It rocks!

p.s I also use cloth shopping bags, cloth dipes, alot of 7th generation products and other more "green" products around the house.

Kellan said...

I need to get me 30 or so of those grocery bags - I need to do that!!!

I love your new look - it looks FABULOUS!!!!

Have a good day - Kellan

Anonymous said...

Love the new template!!

Since shopping with you in Vancouver, I bought a black PC bag and use it for all of my non-IGA shopping :)

Debbie said...

Good for you!

We too have embraced reusable grocery bags! When our first was born I really started to look at our impact (the diapers was the kick-off). It's amazing how easy it is to make small changes that add up.

Misty said...

I planted flowers this weekend and Olivia used the bucket they came is at a hat....

Does that count?

(wink)

Laura B. said...

Kami! I love the new look on your site. It's awesome! I just recently started using the reusable grocery bags too. I ordered a pack of five kitschy EnviroSax bags from eBay and use them for everything! Every little thing we do adds up!

Good Things I Find said...

I think using reusable bags is one of the easiest things we can do to help our Mother Earth. I was thinking we should all make fridge magnets, and little reminders to hang from our rearview mirrors(if we our drivers) so we don't forget our bags. I think part of the problem is people are busy and are not in the habit of bringing their bags along.

Alex Elliot said...

That's a great idea about the receipts! I use them to take messages, but I always have more receipts than I can reuse. I'm impressed with all you're doing1

Don Mills Diva said...

You are definitely taking steps in the right direction - I know there are so many more things I should be doing...

Kristin said...

Love the new look! Very cool!

We print all our stuff on already used paper too. We currently have a LOT Ian kept all the copies of his thesis.
I also use it to make envelopes when sending cards, I just print the address on the good side fold them so I have a flap at the top, and then use double sided tape to put them together. Then to make them a little more fun I take scrap booking scissors and cut the sides.

Unknown said...

Great post and great ideas! I already do the reusable bags for everything, but I love the grocery receipt idea - that's awesome.

P.S. I think I know which Texan you are talking about... ; ) and the new look is awesome!

Cecily R said...

You are so good!! I only realized it was Earth Day at about 4:30 yesterday...but I did recycle my Pepsi can!! Oh I am pathetic...

Anonymous said...

Yay, good for you! I posted my own Earth day triumphs (well they are for me because making a change is always hard). I also forgot that I switched to all natural earth friendly cleaners and that was big around here :).

Shari said...

I use the plastic bags from the stores to line the wastebaskets in the bathroom and bedrooms. I also use it as a doggie bag when I walk the dog to scoop up the you know what. I just put my hand in the bag inside out and grab the pile and pull it inside-in. :)

My daughter was the one who told me about Earth Day. Didn't really know what it was. I thought she was talking about Earth Hour. :)

R Royal Family said...

I love the new look Kami! You inspire me to be more green. I do my part but watching you shows me how much more my part can be.