Happy Belated Earth Day

Happy Belated Earth Day. I know I recently said that it irked me that "being green" is now trendy, but I've been thinking about this post and how I've been making changes to help.

Things that I've implemented this past year:
I recycle every piece of mail I'm going to discard. Most of it goes from the mailbox, to my hand, to the recycling bin. Things that are more confidential and can't just be thrown in, I shred and then still recycle.

Even though I'm known to make a trip to Dunkin Donuts every now and again, I've been trying to limit going. Most days I bring my own coffee to work. I feel guilty throwing away the cup, bag and whatever other waste is made by stopping there. If I DO go, I try and get iced coffee so that I can recycle the plastic cup rather than throw away the Styrofoam cup that comes with the hot coffee.

I use a canvas tote for the grocery store. I keep it in my car so it is always there when I stop by the store.

I use my Nalgene everyday and try not to buy water bottles. If I do, I try to bring the bottle home to recycle it. (Although now they're saying my Nalgene could kill me, you just can't win these days!)

Things that I hope to do this year:
I want to stop using my Brita filter. The plastic filter is such a waste and in this day and age, I'm sure the water in Boston isn't going to kill me. (People who've been to my house, this has nothing to do with the fact that I have the most annoying Brita ever!)

I want to start using more "Earth Friendly" cleaners. I have tried a few of the method products, but they don't really cut through the soap scum in the shower! I'm hoping to try Clorox's new brand and also use water and vinegar as a basic cleaner. My dad washes windows and uses water and ammonia: that does the work just fine!

Hopefully I will remember to unplug my ipod and phone from the wall when they're not being charged. I'm not sure if I'm ready to unplug by TV everyday, but I might give that a whirl as well!

I'm a paper-towel-aholic! I need to cut down on using them so much!

This post isn't meant to be preachy, just letting you know what I do to try and help.