stuff we were already doing

I realized that we already do some things that qualify me for environmental geek status, so thought I'd throw a quick list here, since they don't really fit on the list of changes.

Stuff we were already doing:
Walk to the grocery store with our wagon and a bunch of cloth bags. We got this wagon for $7 at a yard sale. The trailer definitely makes grocery shopping more doable.

• Use cloth napkins instead of paper, and washcloths instead of paper towels.
• Buy lots of stuff at thrift stores and rummage sales instead of buying it new.
• Program our thermostat so we're not heating an empty house (and it goes down to 55 degrees at night, while we cuddle up under blankets.)
• Turn off lights when we leave a room.
• Buy as much organic food as possible.
• Buy in bulk to reduce packaging.
• Reuse and recycle.
• Leave produce loose when buying it, instead of putting it in a plastic bag.
• I'm sure there's more...I'll add to the list as I think of stuff.

Stuff we used to do but don't need to anymore:

• Cloth diapers -- did this for both kids from the time they were about 2 weeks old. I was so committed that I used cloth even when we didn't have a washer and I had to haul the dirty diapers to the laundromat. I'm convinced that cloth also made potty training much easier and earlier than if we had used what my mom calls artificial diapers.
• Breastfeed. I didn't do it for the environmental benefit, but that was a nice side effect!

Stuff we used to do and somehow got out of the habit that I really need to start again:

• Hang wet clothes on the line.
• Use non-disposable menstrual products.
• More home cooking, less eating out or eating convenience food.