I've been reading through posts and giving the green issue quite a bit thought lately. I've seen discussions (here and elsewhere) about "baby steps" or "whole hog" and don't really think that it matters - just do what you can.

I am gradually getting green...one step at a time. So far:

- recycle paper, plastic, metal, etc.

- compost kitchen scraps, paper, garden waste, etc.

- 3/4 of light bulbs have been replaced with CFL's

- installed rain barrel for watering garden

- growing my own veggies this summer (Green? Saves green!)

- replaced gas guzzler with 4 cylinder car

- plan errands instead of running out several times (trying to limit myself to a $40/week gas budget-doing better than I thought)

- using cloth bags at the grocery store

- give away things I no longer need on Freecycle - love it!

The compost bin has been quite eye opening for me in several ways. In a typical week we would put out 2 trash bins - now we're down to 1. The compost process itself is actually quite interesting and contrary to what I thought it is NOT smelly - it has a very earthy odor. (I also thought that I would be all squeamish (and girly) about turning it but it isn't gross at all. The first time I went out in full combat gear! LOL - not necessary!) The coolest thing of all is that one neighbor has started a compost bin and another is depositing her kitchen scraps in my "holding bin" 2-3 times a week. She plans on starting one too! I built the bin (recycled materials - 4'x 4'x 3 1/2') about 5 weeks ago and at this rate I will have to build another very soon. Think about that.....just 2 familys' kitchen waste (+ leaves, etc.)can accumulate that much in such a short time. Obviously it's not feasible for everyone but if just 25% of the population did it..... By telling my neighbors, they are a little more conscious of their habits. It was not my intention to recruit anyone (glad I did though). I wasn't pushy - simply mentioned it because I was excited about it. No guilt - no pressure. Just do what you can.

Ok...one last ramble. Hopefully, since they are a "public" habit, cloth bags will do their part to raise awareness as well. I bought the bags because I saw others with them. Even if the effect is minimal, customers and workers/ cashiers notice the trend (many of whom are young-the next generation) and follow suit. Plastic bags are such a nuisance.

Thanks for listening!

Maureen

P.S. Last week my husband laughed and rolled his eyes when he saw me come home with a pitch fork for my compost..."So now you're the suburban farmer?". lol