Low Impact Week update!

Ok, folks. Here are the guidelines for Low Impact Week. There are seven areas of impact listed below, each one with several action items for you to choose.

I chose these action items as I wanted them to be relatively easy to integrate into your lifestyle for a week. In other words, you don't have to prepare anything too much or invest in anything too special (unless it's part of a replacement project).

I hope you find that these are things that are are easy to do. You can do one or all of the suggestions for each area listed and if you want to go all out, make sure you add in the action items marked with a * for an über-low impact.

1. Reduce energy consumption -

don't turn the heat above 65 during the day and 60 at night (put on a sweater and dig out those blankies!); for our southern friends, set the A/C to above 90

unplug appliances when not in use that still draw energy when off (like your cell phone charger)

turn off the TV unless you are actually watching something

use the air dry on your dishwasher instead of heat dry

use only cold water in your washing machine

line dry your clothes instead of using the dryer*

turn off the TV for the week and do something else instead (read a book, visit with friends/family)*

2. Reduce water usage -

take shorter showers and/or use a water saving showerhead

turn off the water when you're brushing your teeth

be aware of water usage when at the kitchen sink - turn it off in between tasks

save the water in a bucket that is discharged while warming up the shower and use it to water plants or for other things*

3. Change your food habits -

try to buy organic and/or locally grown food

minimize pre-packaged foods and make more of your own from scratch

use cloth bags at the grocery store instead of getting paper or plastic*

don't get take-out if it means non-recyclable packaging*

try eating vegetarian or vegan for the week (choose your level from egg/dairy acceptable to no animals products at all)*

4. Reduce your dependence on paper products -

print out only what is necessary

try out a a 100% recycled TP and tissue brand

don't use paper towels; when you can, use cloth napkins or towels instead (e.g. public restrooms)*

5. Reduce your garbage output -

recycle everything you can (for your area)

donate used items to a charity (many have pick ups and drop off locations) instead of throwing them out or taking them to the dump

compost your food waste and soiled paper products*

6. Reduce Single Occupancy Vehicle usage -

carpool when taking trips or going out to eat with friends

take the bus or other public transportation to work and on errands*

7. Do something that lasts more than a week -

replace one bulb per day with a Compact Fluorescent light bulb

take your name off of junk mail and mailing lists for catalogs you don't want

sign up for an alternative energy plan if available in your area

set up a compost bin for your food scraps*

set up a rain barrel to capture water for watering your yard*

In the next week, I'll help you get set up with calculating what kind of impact your Low Impact Week made on your electricity/gas/water and garbage by setting a baseline to compare it to. Some things you won't see a result for yet (such as items in area #7).

If you have any suggestions of items to add to the above, let me know. Stay tuned!

And thanks to Sally Mills for some of her suggestions.