5 Reasons to Shop the Farmer’s Market

A visit to the farmer’s market is truly a weekend treat. From Seattle’s Pike Street Market to San Francisco’s Ferry Plaza and later the ports of Anchorage, Alaska and Civitavecchia Italy, my senses have been tantalized with the taste of local food and culture.  Read more

Ten Water Saving Tips

Going Green? Start with Blue! 

Water, water everywhere – but hopefully not wasted. 

One of the easiest ways to succeed with a “go green” commitment is by paying attention to the water you use and how you use it. Here are 10 tips you can implement today to not only save precious resources, but also a few bucks! 

1. Look for leaks around the house by turning off all water and checking the meter. It should not move in a 2-hour period or you have a leak somewhere. Repairing leaks can make a big difference. A faucet dripping at one drop per second equals 2,700 gallons per year! 
2. Don’t leave the water running when shaving.  Rinse the razor in a sink or cup filled with some water.
3. Brush your teeth while waiting for the hot water to dispense.  Then wash your face using the hot water.
4. Check the toilet for leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking the color will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes.  For even greater benefits install a water-conserving model.
5. Take shorter showers (under 5 minutes) and make sure there are water efficient heads.
6. Only run automatic dishwashers or clothes washers when they are full. When it comes time to replace the old top load clothes washer, purchase a front load instead as they use less water.
7. Wrap all hot water pipes with insulation and consider installing an instant water heater in the kitchen.  This way you don’t have to let the water run to heat up.
8. Store cold drinking water in your refrigerator (so you don’t have to let the faucet run to get cold water).
9. Don’t over water your lawn. As a general rule, lawns only need to be watered every 6 days in the summer. Be sure to water the lawn in the morning when the evaporation rate is less.
10. Remember to monitor sprinklers and hoses so they do not run unattended. Use a broom to brush off sidewalks rather than cleaning with water. Up to 600 gallons can pour out of a garden hose in as little as an hour.

Start living green one day at a time!

Tracy Z

Note:  Thanks to Jeff Durham for use of this artwork.

 

Recycle Cell Phones

One easy way to start living green is by recycling old cell phones.  Many of the precious metals, copper, and plastic used to make cell phones can be reused saving resources and reducing pollution.

Not only does recycling cell phones help the environment it can also benefit your community.  Cell phones still in working order can be be reused by others in need.

Unfortunately only 10% of unwanted cell phones are recycled each year according to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency of the United States). They further estimate that enough energy to power more than 19,500 US households for a year could be generated if the 100 million cell phones unused annually were recycled. The EPA has partnered with many cell phone providers to increase the nation’s awareness and recycling rate.

So make a quick check of the closets and drawers to see how many old cell phones you have lying around.  Our family of three recently cleaned house and found 5 cell phones no longer in use.  We’ve since donated them to a program for abused women and another for military families.

Start living green one step at a time!

Tracy Z