The Rubber Spatula

Okay, so I admit that when it comes to conserving energy and living green I don't do all I could. Part of me likes the idea of composting, eliminating plastic from my life, driving a smaller vehicle or a hybrid and composting. The other part likes convenience. Sorry, but it is the truth.

There are a few things that DO in fact bother me though.

I greatly dislike items that are over packaged. For example we like Pepperidge Farm Sour Dough bread from time to time for grilled cheese but the bread is double wrapped in packaging! Also, I like to purchase "cage free" eggs. They are more expensive, but I feel it is much more humane. When I went to the store and brought home my "certified humane cage free" eggs and took a look at the packaging I was shocked! There was a whole extra layer of plastic covering the eggs. It almost makes my effort to be humane futile because of the amount of energy it took to create and will take to un-create all that plastic.

I dislike disposable diapers. I think they are a complete waste of energy and resources. I use *mostly* cloth. Being a full time teacher and mom I am the first to admit that laundry isn't always on my list of favorite things to do. So on particularly busy weeks I admit that I lean on disposable diapers too often. If you look at my master "to do" list you will see I have added a task to make more diapers for Reis so I can increase my overall CD usage.

I try very hard to bring my own bags to the super market. What am I supposed to do with all of those plastic bags I get from the store? I have purchased canvas bags and try to use them every time I go. I not only save some energy but I get a .10 cent credit for every bag I use that is canvas!

One other thing I have been trying to do it a helpful little tip I learned while attending the Ferry Beach Ecology School this past fall with my 6th grade class. Use a rubber spatula to scrape plate and table waste into the trash barrel instead of using running water. The plates get just as "clean" and you save lots of water. Store the spatula near the sink and designate that spatula for clean-up only and you will notice a big difference the amount of water that is *not* wasted each day when it is time to clean up.

While I will always like a long and very hot shower, and until hybrid cars becomce larger and more affordable I may always drive a car that runs on gasoline I do feel that every little bit I can do to recycle and make little changes in the way I live will make a difference in my carbon footprint.

What are you doing to lessen your footprint?