Creative Green Living

We have heard and even preached these common and popular ways of going green – use energy saving bulbs, turn off lights, appliances and equipment when not in use , recycle, reuse, buy local, take bus number 11 (walk!) where possible. And we are most probably doing some of these eco-friendly things as a second nature by now.

How about trying something unusual, just to spice up your life while doing your bit for mother earth.

 Here are some simple yet creative ways of going green at home.

1. Hug a Tree

Be a tree hugger. If you have  a tree in your garden or one nearby, give it a hug on a daily basis. Spread your love. Not only will the tree appreciate your love and blossom, you will find yourself being more attuned to Mother Nature and be more environmentally aware. Furthermore, studies have shown that trees can improve our mental and physical well being. The reason is that everything on this planet vibrates and a tree with its vibrational pattern will affect the biological behaviours in our body, bringing it into a healing alignment.

2. Put an end to your Junk Mail

You will not only save more trees, but also water, fuel, energy and other resources used in producing and printing the copious amount of unwanted mailers and catalogues; not to mention your sanity and frustration.  Whenever you are signing up for any membership (clubs, banks etc.), online shopping portals, always click on the opt out screen clicks or unclick the ‘I’m interesting in your marketing material’.

But what if you have not done so and still are receiving the unsolicited information and bargains? What can you do with your junk mail? Some use for your junk mail includes:

• composting the ones that are non-glossy or use non-toxic materials; shred it first and then use as brown matter for your home composting bin;
• using the shredded junk mail as mulch around your plants, shrubs and trees;
• use it as packaging material to protect fragile things;
• use it as bedding for your hamster or rabbit;
• use it as craft material for your kids e.g. paper mache, collages etc.

   3. Energy Saving Tips - Oil lanterns from vegetable oil waste

Don’t throw away your used vegetable oil. Let it freeze and put a wick halfway through the freezing. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oils before freezing. Instead of lights, use the oil lantern for a relaxing and romantic ambience.
4. Your eco-friendly Curtains
You can open or close them accordingly. Avoid the use of lighting during the day and open the curtains to take advantage of the biggest light bulb on our universe – the sun.  Close the curtains at night and especially during the winter to retain as much heat as possible.

5. ‘Green Showers’

As much as possible take showers during the later part of the day when temperatures are warmer so that you save energy by minimizing hot water. Take shorter showers. Turn off the water when you are soaping yourself.  The luxurious bath – is an environmental luxury indeed! Make it a rare treat.  

6. eKitchen

• Cold eco-friendly Meals

Every meal need not be a hot meal involving using gas or electricity.  Cold food like salads, sandwiches, smoothies can be healthy and easy to prepare meals, saving time too.

• One pot meals

One pot one pan meals are easy, use less energy and take less time to prepare and clean up. Using a slow cooker or crock pot maybe more efficient and cost-effective than using the oven.

• Kitchendiator
  If you do use the oven and cook over the stove, leave the kitchen door open, especially in winter to help heat up your home.

• Instant Water Boiler dispenser

The electric kettle is an energy guzzler as you often heat up more water than you need. The instant water boiler dispenser, boils and dispenses just the amount you want for your cup of tea.

 7. Green Washing Lines

Consider hand washing to save energy and possibly water, and at the same extend the life of your clothes. Instead of using the tumble dryer, dry your clothes on the line in summer and on the radiator in winter. Speaking from experience, the radiators dry the clothes faster than a tumble dryer!

 8. Bundle up the tank

 Insulate your water tank with an old jumper. It won’t have to work so hard to keep the water warm.