10 Very Creative Ways to Go Green

By now you are probably already doing the basics for saving our precious planet. We think that’s fabulous! Here are 10 very creative ways to go green just to keep you on your toes:

1. Instead of buying gift bags for presents (for friends and family) buy recycled grocery tote bags. You can find them at a variety of grocery stores and as they are becoming more popular, you’ll see them with trendy designs and in a variety of colors. These bags vary in price (usually between $.79 – $3.00 depending on style), and in many cases they are way cheaper than a gift bag or roll of wrapping paper. By purchasing a recycled grocery tote to act as a gift bag, you are practically guaranteeing that the bag will be reused by the receiver.

2. In your home office set aside a bin or a tray for scrap paper (this includes paper with one sided printing). When the bin gets full take the paper and cut the sheets down into a quarter of their original size. Then, use a binder clip to fasten the top corners together and you’ve just created a notepad for yourself. These pads are great for jotting down notes, phone messages, to do lists, or just doodling. If you work in a corporate setting and have extra pads, pass them along to work colleagues.

3. Start growing a house plant that can be easily separated (aloe, jade, etc). When the plant has matured, separate it into smaller pots. These will make great gifts for friends and family. Plants improve the quality of air in any home so they are truly the gift that keeps on giving, plus it is fun to watch them grow.

4. At some point during our busy day we tend to remember that we need to make a run to the grocery store (whether it be for more orange juice or the missing ingredients needed to make tomorrow’s lunch). Keep an extra canvas tote bag (or recycled content grocery tote) in your car. Or for ladies, you can fold one up and place it in your purse. This way you’ll always be prepared for the impromptu grocery store run and never be thrown upon the mercy of a plastic bag again.

5. Save water when washing your dishes. Many of us only use our dishwashers when they are full, but if you are an ol’ fashion guy or gal you are probably into hand-washing. Here’s what you can do to use less water when hand-washing your dishes: Organize your dirty dishes from easily cleaned (forks, knives and other utensils) to items that will take some elbow grease (pots, pans, bake-ware). Then fill your sink or bin with sudsy water. Wash your utensils and other easy items first because they will leave behind less residue and particles in your sudsy water. Then wash your harder to clean items last, leaving less change for having to do a water change. Rinse your dishes all at once (use a sprayer if you have one) to conserve water. Then let them air dry (or you can hand dry them with a reusable cloth if you prefer).

6. Do a clothing swap party amongst your friends. Everybody has clothes that they are tired of or have stopped wearing for whatever reason. One person’s discarded clothes is another’s treasure. This is a great way to score some good finds without putting a strain on your wallet. Invite your friends over and maybe serve some light snacks, put on some fun background music, and let the clothing swap begin!

7. Make your gifts! Over-consumption is becoming a thing of the past as many of us find ourselves not really wanting a lot of material possessions. Why not make gifts for birthdays and holidays instead of always running out to buy the latest thing? The gifts that you make are sure to be one of a kind. Consider investing in some glass jars and then making sweet treats as gifts (place your treats into the jar, and then maybe tie a nice ribbon or bow around the top for presentation). The treats will be enjoyed, and the jar can be reused several times over.

8. Are you washing your clothes after each time you wear them? Why? This is different for each person, but let’s take a moment to reevaluate what needs washing and when. Obviously, undergarments and gym clothes (or any clothing where you sweat profusely) should be washed after each use. But towels, jeans, and your everyday t-shirt, you can probably wear those a couple more times before tossing them into the wash.

9. Support your local businesses. When you walk down the main streets of your community, take note of the little family owned shops that are there. Those are the nice businesses that you want to keep in your neighborhood, the ones you want to see thrive. So if you are going out for a cup of tea or to grab a bite to eat, or if you are in search of a nifty knick-knack or a cozy book, why not shop locally first and do your part to help grow your local economy.

10. Donate. Donate. Donate. This doesn’t always mean your money! Donate your time (by volunteering in your community, like to clean up a local park or participate in an after school program). Donate your unwanted possessions (everything from clothes, furniture, to a used car can be put to good use). Start where you are, remind yourself that every little bit helps. Investing commercials always tell us to make our money work for us by investing it in stocks and mutual funds, and while we have nothing against this, we think you should also make your money work for your community and for mother earth too. Remember you have the power to make change, and the little things make the biggest difference.

If you would like additional tips on going green, join our rawsome twitterverse, where we tweet green tips daily!

By rawfoodnation Tags: canvas bags, clothing swap, donate money, donate possessions, donate time, go green, groceries, laundry, local businesses, make gifts, plants, recycled tote bags, save water, scrap paper, wash dishes
Posted in Lifestyle Tips | 2 Comments »

2 Responses to “10 Very Creative Ways to Go Green”

1. Endangered Species Chocolate says:

   July 24, 2009 at 9:41 am

   Thank you so much for this fantastic post! Always remember the 3 R’s when going green: Recycle, Reuse, Reduce. Although recycling is a great thing, we should always try to reduce and reuse first. I love how more people are using reusable tote bags when they go grocery shopping! It’s better for the environment because plastic bags can’t decompose!

   Again, wonderful post!

   Amanda Chau
   Endangered Species Chocolate

   [Reply]
2. Jessica says:

   August 5, 2009 at 6:40 am

   Thanks for this great post! If everyone just adopted some small changes in their life it all would add up to a big difference. I love making gifts whenever possible. It always seems to mean more to the recipient. When I do purchase a gift I try to shop with companies that practice “green” business concepts and offer eco-friendly products. Recently I found some great gifts at Sustainable Sourcing https://secure.sustainablesourcing.com/ and felt good with the purchase because they really do care about the world around us.

   [Reply]