No Baby Yet, So Let's Talk Going Green!

Still a mamma in waiting, so I thought I'd offer up a few simple tips on going "Green" to all of the UBP-goers and others stopping by!

Mind you, I am no expert, but I'm always on the look out for some easy changes I can make to help the environment and teach my kids the importance of doing our part to preserve the resources we have. Although buying organic groceries and some products tends to be a bit more pricey overall, there are some definite changes that all of us can make that are both good for the planet AND for the wallet! Here are a few of my favs:

1. Take stock of your beauty products and try to eliminate 3 of them...see what current items you have that can serve multiple purposes (eg. using lipstick for lips, eyes, and cheeks). You'll save money and have less packaging to throw away.

2. Use old kitchen towels or rags instead of paper towels...they squeeze in easily with other laundry loads and eliminate a HUGE source of waste.

3. Decrease your meat intake...try making a vegetarian meal once a week and/or decrease your portion sizes of meat on other nights. Most Americans consume portions significantly larger than the "palm size serving" recommended by the USDA. You'll save money and help decrease agriculture-related pollutants.

4. Get into "Grasscycling"...leave lawn clippings on the ground rather than bagging them. They are a natural fertilizer and there's no need to purchase bags.

5. Reuse wine corks by wrapping them together with wire to create a unique trivet.

6. Use a scratched CD or DVD as a safety reflector for your child's bike.

7. Cut a stained tablecloth into a set of napkins.

**Find these and other great ideas in the April issue of Woman's Day