Here's My Great Green Idea!

We often hear about how the habitat for various animals is disappearing thereby generating an endangered species list. Just as often, it seems to be an insurmountable problem that one family could not possibly help to alleviate. However, this is one family that believes that every little bit helps.

Our "green" program includes the recycling of paper, plastic, glass, metals, yard waste, computer equipment, cardboard, magazines, junk mail, ink cartridges and phone books. If our community does not support the recycling of these items, we search out where they can be recycled.

In order not to have to recycle as much, we try to limit the amount that comes into our household. For example, we take reusable bags to the grocery store and I have requested to have our name removed from most catalogs. We look for products that are actually made from recycled products. We donate gently used clothing and household goods to charity.

Inside, we try to turn things off when not in use - like lights and water. We are swapping out all of the incandescent bulbs to the compact fluorescent light bulbs. When washing clothing or dishes, we wait until we have a full load.

On the outside, we try to create a welcome environment for wildlife through the planting of trees, shrubs and flowers. I am always happy to share my plant material with others. We also plant a small vegetable garden for ourselves. We limit chemical usage in the garden and lawn and mulch when mowing. I hope to add a composter to my garden equipment this spring.

Although all of this takes a little bit of extra time, we feel that it is well worth it to save our habitat and the habitat of others. We spread the word at our schools, church and work and always offer to help if that is what is necessary to get others as motivated as we are to go green.