When I lived in London, I lived in a neighborhood in East London,where there were no recylcing bins to even put your recycling in.I was pretty disgusted with the apathy of the local people.(It's not to say that all London neighborhoods are like this). I called the local Recyling Center and asked them to deliver the bins to our house. They were delivered within about a week. But, then you also have to encourage your other neighbors to RECYLCE. So, if you aren't recyling in your neighborhood or you live in apartment where the landlord has not called the Recyling Center, be proactive and call them yourself. Your neighbors will thank you.I think a lot more people would recyle if they had the bins and it was easier.
Given the state of the planet, everyone should be doing there share of recycling. But, there are some things that get thrown in the Trash that should have been RECYCLED. For example you can recycle your old sneakers by taking them to Nike Grind. Nike uses this material for playgrounds.
Grow Vegetable Garden
It's so much fun to have your own garden. You can have food all year round. Plus, you have pesiticide free vegetables and fruits. You also don't have to worry about wasting gas or commuting costs, which also contribute to air pollution and environmental destruction. It's best to have an
organic vegetable garden and do your own composting.
Use Eco Friendly Cleaning Products
David Steinman, coauthor of The Safe Shopper's Bible, advises looking at labels for specific, eco-friendly ingredients that also perform effectively. These include grain alcohol instead of toxic butyl cellosolve as a solvent; coconut or other plant oils rather than petroleum in detergents; and plant-oil disinfectants such as eucalyptus, rosemary, or sage, rather than triclosan. You can also mix your own cleaners,a few safe, simple ingredients such as plain soap, water, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), vinegar, washing soda (sodium carbonate), lemon juice, and borax can satisfy most household cleaning needs -- and save you money at the same time.
These products have the best results, and clean just as well as your brand name products.Remember, this is your home not a hospital.
In future blogs, I will be writing more on how to Make an Eco-Friendly Cleaning Kit and offering other solutions on how to clean your house, and your clothes,without damaging the environment.
Famers Markets
Going to Farmers Markets in your area where you live or if you are travelling is the best way to save on produce and also a great way to help the local farmers. Sometimes if you go late they will even give you a few deals. Going green shouldn't be all work and no play, and the best green cities celebrate their eco-friendly lifestyles with farmers' markets full of tasty (and unusual) treats, bars and restaurants serving the best organic fare, intriguing exhibits by ecologically minded artists, and music festivals that offer bike valet parking and solar-powered stages.
Santa Monica photo by clarity flickr
Borough Market London
L.A.'s Original Farmers Market Cookbook: Meet Me at 3rd and Fairfax
Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades: The Complete Guide to Organic Gardening
More Eco Friendly Lifestyle tips in Green Bohemian Living!
