Our Low Impact Activities

In addition to our commitment toward a lifestyle that includes Christian service, healthy eating and homeschool (among many other things), we also believe it is important to live in a way that has less impact on the environment whenever possible.

Here are some things we've implemented so far and some things that we are working toward. I will continually update this list as we change or add new things throughout the year.

Reduce Energy Consumption
~ Set A/C to 80 or higher in Summer; heat 60-65 in Winter - ongoing
~ Unplug appliances when not in use that still draw energy when off - ongoing
~ Turn off TV unless actually watching something - ongoing
~ Use air dry on dishwasher instead of heat dry - ongoing
~ Use only cold water in the washing machine - ongoing
~ Line dry clothes in Summer- Pending a clothesline - I do use a chothes horse inside when possible.

Reduce Water Usage
~ Take shorter showers - purchase water saving shower head - ongoing
~ Turn off water when brushing teeth - ongoing
~ Pay more attention to water usage at the kitchen sink - turn off between tasks - ongoing
~ Save in a bucket the water used while waiting for the shower to warm and use to water our garden plants in Summer- Pending

Change Food Habits
~ Grow our own food as possible - ongoing in season
~ Buy more locally grown food - go to the Farmer's Market - ongoing in season
~ Preserve and store food grown and purchased in season - ongoing
~ Continue to minimize pre-packaged foods by continuing to cook from scratch - ongoing
~ Use cloth grocery bags instead of paper or plastic - ongoing

Reduce Dependence on Paper Products
~ Print out only what is necessary - ongoing
~ Reduce use of paper towels by using primarily cloth towels - ongoing
~ Reduce use of toilet paper by switching to cloth toilet wipes - ongoing
~ Reduce use of tissues by using cloth hankies - ongoing

Reduce Garbage Output
~ Recycle paper, plastic, newspaper, glass, etc. - ongoing
~ Continue to reduce and donate items to charity - ongoing
~ Composte food waste - ongoing

Do Something That Lasts More Than A Week
~ Take name off junk mail and mailing lists - Pending