A Greener Me

A few weeks ago, I bought 12 CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs); unfortunately I broke one with a bad outlet.

I also bought 5 Reusable Bags; I love them. A few times I have been too slow in telling the cashier that either I don't need a plastic bag or I have my own bag and I feel bad about having them take the item(s) out. I also think they will throw that bag away. I can at least re-use it. I also call in a food order for pickup every now & again. They always have it waiting in a plastic bag. Next time, I'll tell them "no bag please". And Taco Bell drive thru... well, I really must stop eating that anyway.

Today, I re-arranged my power plugs to my Computer, Printer, Routers, TV, Cable Box with DVR, DVD Players. They were on power strips with no rhyme or reason and therefore on all the time. Now they're organized so that I can turn off the power strips on & off as needed. No more "phantom electricity". I learned today that TVs and VCRs waste $1 Billion in lost electricity in the USA annually.

When I got my Honda Element in 2004, I thought about getting a moped for short trips to bank, library, etc. About a month ago, I thought about getting a Toyota Prius, but could I give up my love of being high up on the road. And what about my kayak... not that I even use it, but what if I decide to. It was so much easier to put it inside my Element instead of strapping it to the roof.

I thought to myself... hey, I can keep my SUV and do other things. Hence, the CFLs & reusable bags. I also switched to "World's Best Cat Litter" so as to eliminate clay litter. As per TreeHugger.com... "Cat owners should avoid clumping clay litter at all costs. Not only is clay strip-mined (bad for the planet), but the clay sediment is also permeated with carcinogenic silica dust that can coat little kitty lungs (bad for the cat). Plus, the sodium bentonite that acts as the clumping agent can poison your cat through chronic ingestion through their fastidious need to groom. Because sodium bentonite acts like expanding cement—it’s also used as a grouting, sealing, and plugging material—it can swell up to 15 to18 times their dry size and clog up your cat’s insides. Eco-friendly cat litters avoid these problems; a happy cat is a cat that doesn’t claw your face off. "

Yesterday, I thought about an electric moped. That would eliminate using gasoline & oil entirely. Hmm... but I would be using electricity in charging the battery. I have no idea how much that would equal and I'm sure it would still be better than driving my car for short trips. I saw one online that was about $700. That was the low end; others $1200 to $2500.

Then I thought... why don't I just get my bicycle fixed up and use that. No gas. No electricity. Plus... exercise ! I'll need to get a tune-up and I probably need new tires. I'd also like to get a basket or two. If it's too much to fix it up, I may just get a new one.

I am also again thinking about getting a Prius. I still have 2.5 years left on my car loan. I'll look into what the payoff amount is. A Prius would be $23,370 without tax Retail. Here's something from Edmunds.com:


According to Toyota, the Prius' Mileage Estimates (mpg city/highway/combined) are 60/51/55. The EPA has new Mileage Ratings that take into account Air Conditioner use, colder weather, faster speed & acceleration. So, 48/45/46. It's about using less gas & emitting less pollutants.

That's it for now. I pledge to do what I can to be more Green. I think I'm moving in the right direction. Won't you join me?