10 Small Ways to Live Green in New Orleans
Today, you can barely take two steps without getting a “green” impression of one sort or another. We believe that’s a GOOD THING, and have compiled a list of 10 small ways that you can also contribute to the green movement here in New Orleans. These ideas are so simple, you could virtually start one right now: check out our new video feature created and hosted by Morgan Molthrop ~ on the right side of this article.
10 small things you can do right now to live green in New Orleans:
1. Use only refillable water bottles. If you’re in the habit of buying cases of 16 oz. bottled water, STOP. Consider buying a Sigg bottle, and filling it from a 3-5 gallon water jug instead. Not only will you save money, you will also be doing good for the earth.
2. Recycle your cardboard boxes and large letter envelopes for your next shipment. Live Green Orleans re-uses old cardboard boxes and envelopes, as well as recycled junk mail paper products. Try this at home, or in the office right now and see how much waste you save!
3. Walk, bike, or carpool whenever possible. If you must use your car solo, then plan your trip with utmost efficiency and lower your carbon footprint!
4. AVOID buying items with excessive packaging. It seems like the farther away a product is made, the more packaging it has. Look for products that are made locally, or from recycled materials, right here in the USA.
5. Take a tote bag with you when you shop ~ whether it’s a trip to make groceries, or back-to-school shopping for clothes, make sure you BYOB (bring your own BAG). Try one of Live Green Orleans Burlap Totes! They can accommodate just about anything and are handmade in New Orleans from Community Coffee’s burlap coffee sacks.
6. Use linen napkins at home instead of paper towels or napkins. Your meals will feel more elegant, and so will the planet!
7. TEACH your children well…Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young sang that decades ago and it still rings true. If our children form sustainable habits, the world will become a better place for them.
8. CONSERVE water waste and run-off with a bucket in the shower to catch the excess while you wait for it to warm, then use it to water plants or put it in your toilet tank!
9. RECYCLE your waste no matter where you are. Just because you’re at an event doesn’t mean you should throw that cup or bottle down on our city streets. Often times a recycle bin or trash bin is within ten yards, so please LOOK for one ~ Phoenix Recycling will be collecting your plastic and cans at White Linen Night on Julia Street this weekend.
10. WATCH our new video feature (on the right side of the page) created by Morgan Molthrop, with an emphasis on the green movement here in New Orleans. We love the KK Project, and think you will, too!
July 29th, 2009Topic: Green House, Live Green Picks Tags: Green, rainwater harvesting, recycling
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