One of the components of my blog title Running Leaner and Greener is the greener aspect. I would like to think of myself as a pretty green person – I don’t drink bottled water, I recycle everything, print double sided (or try not to print at all), use reusable bags (even gave them away as our Welcome Bag at our wedding), and use cloth napkins at home.
But I don’t feel like I am challenging myself enough to become Greener. I have been trying new, healthy recipes. I have 3 running races in my near and kinda far future (half marathon in January), so I have the Running and Leaner covered but seem to be lacking in the greener.
So yesterday I decided to embark on Simple Changes September. Inspired by the book Sleeping Naked Is Green: How an Eco-Cynic Unplugged Her Fridge, Sold Her Car, and Found Love in 366 Days, I am committing to make small changes every day for one month, to make myself and my lifestyle more green.
According to this website, one step to changing a habit is to Start Simple – Don’t try to completely change your life in one day. It is easy to get over-motivated and take on too much. If you wanted to study two hours a day, first make the habit to go for thirty minutes and build on that.
I know embarking on a journey taken in Sleeping Naked is Green would be unfortunately too much for me. For one thing, I don’t have the access to public transportation like Farquharson does living in a city. Second, some of the things Farquharson did, I think would drive Matt (who is EXTREMELY supportive) over the deep end. I know I can make small changes for myself (and for us after discussing with him) that can make an impact.
One other thing the website mentions is to find a buddy – find someone who will go along with you and keep you motivated if you feel like quitting. I’m hoping all you readers out there will be my buddy and help me get through Simple Changes September with the energy to continue this challenge without it feeling like a challenge. Who’s up for it – I am!
Day 1 was technically yesterday – I’m sorry – I’ve been kinda crazy at work.
September 1st: Kick Off! Spend 10 minutes a day becoming more informed.
I am committing myself to spending 10 minutes a day to become more informed about environmental issues. Surfing the internet, or reading a book or magazine articles are great ways to learn something more about our environment. I hope furthering my knowledge will help me educate others about our Earth’s fragile ecosystem.
Yesterday I read this article about farmers in one are of India who have a high suicide rate because of drought and debt (from purchasing fertilizer, irrigation equipment and high-tech seeds). Very similar to some of the points that were made in the movie Food Inc. Why are farmers, who provide our FOOD, making so little money. Without food we couldn’t survive. However, some business execs are making more money then they know what to do with…why does this make sense?!?!?!
Today I read up on water usage in the shower which leads me to….
September 2nd: Take Shorter Showers
According to the Consumer Energy Commission website, the average shower uses five gallons of water per minute. I have no idea if Matt and I have a low flow shower head or not, so I am going with 5 gallons of water per minute. Now I take LONG showers. I have a shower clock/timer in the shower I bought a few months ago but I have stopped using the timer function. Don’t be shocked, but I estimate I spend at least 15 minutes in the shower a day. Fifteen minutes x 5 gallons of water per minute = bad.
We won’t even talk about how much energy I waste heating the water for my ridiculously long shower….
Tomorrow morning I am going to set my turtle timer to 20 minutes and see how long my shower typically is. Then, I will try to reduce this a minute or two every day until I get to a reasonable shower time.
TURTLE POWER.
I have a calendar I am keeping track of my goals; this way I can look at it every day and make sure I am making progress.
Does anyone else have ideas for me or do you want to participate? Let me know – I would love to have a prize for making changes. I smell a giveaway!
Wish me luck!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Heather,
This sounds like a great idea! I take such long showers too. It’s bad. Anyway, just wanted to offer a tip. I have to admit that I don’t actually do this but my mom does and so does my husbands mom. You can collect the water you “waste” warming up the water in a bucket. Then you can use that water to water house plants, garden, etc. If you really wanted to, you can even use that water to flush the toilet! Sounds weird, but there are a lot of ways to reuse “wasted” running water. Good luck shortening your showers!
I want to participate!
I am soooo guilty of letting the shower run forever to “warm up” while I brush my teeth, make tea, pick out clothes…. but today, after reading this – I hopped in after 30 seconds.
Thanks for the reminder. Can’t waitto see what else you have in store!!
Great tips! Something I started doing recently is cutting up old gift bags I had that have a pretty pattern on them, framing them and hanging them in my apartment. Not only is it a great way to reuse a bag, but you save money on home decorating!
Would you be interested in writing a guest post on going green for my blog? I’m going on vacation next week and am looking for guest bloggers. Thanks!
I LOVE the turtle timer!! where did you get that?
Where did you get that turtle timer?? I love it!
Hi Susan and Maribeth,
I can’t remember where exactly I bought it from (bought it last spring) but I found it here http://www.greenlivingeveryday.com/Water-Conservation-s/54.htm?gclid=CJXI9vnm1ZwCFRqdnAod6hPHLA
Heather
Hi Melissa – I love that idea! Matt and I just took an old picture frame, developed some pictures of our favorite food, and hung them in the wall in our dining room. I try to re-use gift bags but I will keep this in mind.
I would love to write a guest post for you – when do you need it by?
Heather
Elizabeth – I’m glad you want to participate! I’m glad you only let the water run for 30 seconds today – you raise a great point – I should probably include my run the shower to get it warm time into my overall shower time.
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