we are green

Our mission is to make families aware of the little things that we do every day that can have a damaging effect on the environment. Throughout the event and on this website, we will have posted tips on “going green”, most of which will save you money as well!

“Going Green” doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Small steps can be taken that can create a dramatic effect.

Check out some of the simple things you can implement into your life to become greener:

• An ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) will save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about 6 months. It uses 75 percent less energy and lasts about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb
• Using cold water can save up to 80 percent of the energy required to wash clothes.
• White distilled vinegar is a popular household cleanser, effective for killing most mold, bacteria, and germs, due to its level of acidity. Cleaning with white distilled vinegar is a smart way to avoid using harsh chemicals. You’ll also be glad to know that it is environmentally friendly and very economical.
• Install a programmable thermostat that lets you automatically lower the temperature when no one is home or when the family is asleep.
• Choose low-toxic paints that also are low in volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which convert to gas at room temperatures.
• Energy efficient choices can save families about a third on their energy bill with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features, style or comfort. ENERGY STAR helps you make the energy efficient choice.
• Buy foods locally. This keeps money in your local economy and reduces the need for harmful preservatives.
• Buy organic whenever possible. This supports local farmers who practice organic farming, which reduces the runoff of harmful pesticides in our streams and rivers.
• Unplug electronics from the wall when not in use. An easy way to do this is to plug everything into a power strip and turn that power strip off when not in use.
• Get off junk mail lists. Visit www.greendimes.com for further information on how to take this important step.
• Go paperless. Consider reading your newspaper and magazine subscriptions online as well as opting for e-statements and bill pay.
• Use reuseable shopping bags instead of opting for paper or plastic.
• Stop using styrofoam. That styrofoam cup in the trash will still be in the landfill 500 years from now!
• Carry a reusable mug for your coffee. The paper cup you get at the coffee shop will not biodegrade because it is lined in plastic.
• Consign and purchase your toddler or preschooler’s clothes from your local pinstripes & polka dots consignment event!

Here are some cool sites we have found to help you on your way to a greener lifestyle:

Household
www.earth911.com
www.ecomall.com
www.greendimes.com
www.nrc-recycle.org
www.freecycle.com
www.greenerchoices.org
www.greenliving.com
www.planetgreen.com
www.recyclebank.com

Local (VA)
www.varecycles.org
www.virginia.org/pressroom/virginia_green.asp
www.aercrecycling.com
www.vanaturally.com

Food
www.organicfacts.net
www.eatlocal.net
www.localharvest.org

Just for FUN!
www.greenkarat.com
www.lauraseydel.com
www.uncommongoods.com
www.epa.gov/recyclecity/
www.kids.niehs.nih.gov