How You Can Live Green:
(borrowed from David Lurey at Find Balance)

In the Bathroom:
~Conserve Water~
~brush your teeth and shave with the water off, only turning it on when you need to rinse
~place a brick or something else bulky and heavy in the back basin of your toilet, it will displace water requiring less for flushing. You will also notice a little less water in the bowl with this method
~if it's yellow … let it mellow (i.e. you don't always have to flush)
~Take shorter showers, or shower with someone else! Or better yet, get a 4-5 gallon solar shower bag and shower outside in good weather. It is so much better than being cooped up indoors.
~Many shower heads are now able to save you water without jeopardizing pressure...ask the local hardware store for help
~get some nice Organic towels and bathmat (Gaiam, Rawganique.)
~find out what´s in your soap and shampoo...and use organic and natural cleaning products
~Buy toilet paper made from recycled paper (7th Gen, Eco, etc...)
~replace just the head of your toothbrush instead of the whole brush!


In the Kitchen
~Recycle glass, plastic, and paper goods
~Compost your food scraps. Many cities now take composting, or if that´s not available to you, ask your neighbor with a garden if they do, or even if you don't use it, create a compost pile of your own.
~Buy Organic whenever possible
~Support local farmers markets
~Grow your own herbs and greens!
~Re-use
.... Jars and containers...they make great travel accessories as well as closet organizers
.... Food Bags...a little rinse and dry and they make great...bags again!
.... Grocery Bags...or even better yet, get several canvas bags for your shopping. Keep one in your car, one at home, one at the office and remember it when you go the store - make yourself walk back out to the car if you've left it there instead of getting more bags from the grocer.

In the Bedroom:
~Organic cotton sheets are super cozy


In the Laundry Room:
~non-toxic soap and detergent
~stop using the dryer so much! Get a clothes line and let the sun and wind naturally dry your laundry without using extra resources

In the Office:
~Use recycled paper products
~Put your computer on Hibernate when not in use to save on electricity
~Free yourself from Junk Mail. When a catalog comes in that you don’t want. Take the 4 minutes to call the 800 number on the back and tell them to take you off their mailing list. If they ask you why, tell them you are minimizing your impact on forests!

General Conservation:
~TURN OFF ALL LIGHTS WHEN NOT IN USE
~Get your OWN WATER BOTTLE and stop using so many throw away cups!!
~Take your own forks, knives, and spoons instead of using plastic all the time.
~Gather rainwater and use it later for your plants
~Check out low energy bulbs (talk to Russell at True Value on Pike Street in Marietta or other smaller hardware stores - they usually make you a deal if you buy lots)
~Get a timer or motion detector for outdoor lights
~Pick one day a week to NOT USE YOUR CAR

Pass it on! Tell your friends these simple things they can do to make a difference. The more we talk about our green values, the more others start to listen. So, don't be afraid to be different. Use your voice, live your truth and help others along the way! ......................back to top

Local Resources for Green Living:
(if you want yours included or know of others,
let me know and I am happy to add it here)

Inhale Yoga Studio
Local voice, guidance and assistance in almost all things green. If you want to know where to go or how to get something, just get in touch with Michelle. Also, check out The Natural Link page for great vegetarian/vegan recipes, herbalist tips with Rebecca Wood, pose of the month and more.

The Farmacy, Stimson Avenue, Athens, Ohio. They also have organic body care, home care and food products. If you are in the Athens Area, it is worth stopping in to this great shop. Though I have never eaten there, I hear they have an excellent restaurant as well.

Athens Farmers Market, Mall parking Lot on East State Street, Athens, Ohio. This is a great Farmers Market that is growing by leaps and bounds. You can get quality produce and much more here for reasonable prices. The best part is that you are supporting local growers and helping them keep their farms running. This market is open on Saturdays from about 10ish to 1:00pm ish. In the summer months, they add a Wednesday schedule as well from 10ish to 1ish.

Marietta Farmers Market, Marietta, Ohio. This goes on under the bridge near the river at Third Street. I am not sure of the complete hours, but I know that it takes place on Saturdays (possibly Sundays) at least until 12:00 Noon. There is usually a wonderful selection of locally grown produce and other goodies. If you've never been, you should really put this on your weekly shopping list if you are in the Marietta area.

Nelsonville Square. For some of the best locally made art, fabrics and entertainment, you cannot go wrong with the Square. The last Friday of every month they host a Final Fridays event. The stores stay open late, the merchants are available to chat about their products, street vendors and performers are about, and their is usually an art show going on in one or more of the galleries. Stop in on Final Fridays, or any day of the week to get great gifts for your loved ones that are locally made and support local economy.