Today has been such a beautiful day! Nice and warm with a cool breeze! Dimaya spent some time in Eureka Springs with one of her grandmothers and we had a great time outside watering the plants in our garden. She has a beach play set with a rake, shovel, etc. that she used on the garden. Such cute photos! I started thinking about how nice Fayetteville really is...despite all of the things that are missing. I love our garden in the backyard, even though it's small right now (we're eventually expanding). I like going out and picking fresh basil for my famous spaghetti sauce, and even the flavorful tomatoes that come out of our garden. I also started thinking about how the decisions that Steve and I make now actually influence the way Dimaya views the things.
Considering that I have degrees in Anthropology and Geography, I care a lot about the environment and the way we use it. Especially, since there are small things that each of us can do to help out. It's all about doing your part! So, I ran across this website EarthLab that allows you to check your carbon footprint and evaluate your current (and future) earth-friendly practices. It has great tips for reducing your carbon footprint and saving money at the same time!! I'm seriously encouraging everyone reading this post to consider taking this quick assessment. The results range from 150-900 with the lower the score, the better. So far Steve and I are at 336! There are still plenty of things we can do to get that score even lower. Below is a list of things that I pledge to do this year in order to decrease our carbon footprint and save some money:
- I am going to start composting.
- I will use "green" cosmetics and facial products.
- I will buy and refurbish second hand items.
- I will utilize the Community Garden at Walker Park more often.
- I will use natural lighting during the day instead of turning on the lights.
- I will replace light bulbs with energy saving ones.
- I will purchase my next vehicle responsibly and consider a hybrid or smart car.
- I will unplug my cell phone charger when not in use.
- I will get an extra recycling bin. (We never have enough room)
- I will continue to buy locally produced products.
I think this is a good start! I will let you know how things pan out! I'm very excited to start showing Dimaya ways to take care of our earth. It makes me happy to think that, for her, she won't have to change her habits...it'll be a lifestyle she'll know from the beginning!
Other links you may be interested in:
Fayetteville Gardens (Community gardens in the Fayetteville, AR)
Ozark Natural Foods (Become an owner for $25 a year and when a profit is made by ONF you get a refund based on your annual spending)!
The Daily Green (Great resource for anything green and sustainable)
