Super Eco

Photo credit: rediaj, flickr

You'd like to be a better steward of the planet. You know you could be a better steward of the planet. If only it weren't so hard. If only it weren't so confusing. If only we didn't wind up feeling so inadequate, so imperfect, whenever we hop on board the hybrid-fueled wagon and try.

Here's the deal: being green isn't all that hard, and it’s not only about recycling; do-overs are allowed (encouraged even!). The key is easing into it. Doing the best you can—and that means not beating yourself up when you backslide, when you’re not perfect.

Going green is like diet and exercise: change too much too soon and you're right back to your lazy old high-calorie/high-carbon ways. But make small, doable changes—a little at a time—you barely notice. Once it's a habit, you change it up some more. Pretty soon, your bills are lower, your eco-consciousness higher and you might even wind up a little skinnier! (See #7 and #8). 

Try these 10 gentle suggestions, which (we promise) won't give you an ulcer and might actually make you (and your planet) feel better:

1. Unplug (like, everything!)

Unbelievably, up to 40 percent of a household's energy usage may come from unused, but plugged in, appliances. So quick, unplug as much as you can: the toaster oven, your coffee maker, the printer, the Wii. Put groups of items—your computer stuff, or the TV/Tivo/PS3 collection—on a power strip. Click it all on when you need it, off when you're done.

Ulcer level: Intermediate. May entail reorganizing to get same-time use electronics on the same power strip.

2. Let your appliances do the work

First, suck up the little extra cost and purchase appliances with the best Energy Star rating (don't forget to check with your utility company for any possible rebates!). Even better, buy used Energy Star-rated appliances from Craigslist, yard sales, or your fancy neighbors.

Next, set cycles on the lowest energy options you can get away with. Try the dishwasher's miser setting—see how everything gets just as clean? And who cares about spotty glasses? Let dishes air dry overnight. Save hot water washing for only the dirtiest laundry—your usual stuff will do fine in warm or cold. And no matter how dirty your favorite jeans are and how much you want to wear them, wait until there's a full load before washing.

Advanced green laundry challenge: commit to hang-drying one load of laundry per week. If you don't totally hate it, push yourself to do two.

Ulcer level: Low—just do a little trial and error with different low-energy/low-water settings. Intermediate—you’ll want to research appliances before you buy (that’s what your computer is for!).

3. Let yourself go

While we're saving on hot water, give this a shot: skip your daily shower once a week. No, no, not on a day you're going into the office. But on a day where a little extra deodorant, a pony tail and a quick face-washing will get you through.

Ulcer level: What could be easier than doing nothing?

4. Cut back on cleaning the kids

Bathe kids together or reuse the (not too dirty) water from one bather to the next. Try using less water and fill the tub with even more bath toys—they'll never notice the difference. If you're feeling generous, add a bit of extra hot water for the kid who's next in line.

Advanced tub challenge: bathe the dog in the kids' used bathwater. Seriously, he is NOT going to complain (just passive-aggressively shake himself all over you when he's done, but that happens anyway, right?)

Ulcer level: Not only low, but your kids will thank you too! (The dog? He’s still going to complain.)

5. Shop locally

This is an eco-option not available to everyone. But if at all possible, do check out your local farmer's market, join a CSA or consider replacing some of your conventional processed food purchases with the supermarket's organic offerings. Also, see #7.

Ulcer level: High. In this economy, the higher prices might get you. Also, CSAs with their appointed pick up times can test your commitment. You may also have to make other veggie plans in the winter months.

6. Give it up (just a little)

Go meatless once a week. Already doing that? Then go meatless twice a week. Can't stand the idea of feeding your family (or yourself!) tofu? Guess what? You don't have to. Plan your meals around beans. There are dozens of types and they're crazy cheap. Remember, too, the smaller the beans, the quicker they cook. Also, use lots of aromatics (onions, garlic) and salt generously. We know about their bad reputation, but they really are good for your heart (and planet).

Ulcer level: Intermediate. If you’re a meat-and-two-sides kind of chef, this will be an adjustment. Lucky for you, there are plenty of veg cookbooks (browse the library before you buy) and web sites galore!

7. Two words: three degrees

Come on: adjust the thermostat. We know, we know! It's too cooooold! It's too hooooot! But just three degrees, it's all we're asking. Three down in winter—you have our permission to buy silk long underwear—and three up in summer—you have our permission to walk around the house scantily clad.

Ulcer level: Low to High. It’s easy to physically crank the thermostat up or down. The willpower to leave it so—on cold, cold mornings or hot, hot afternoons—is the real challenge here. You can do it!

8. Move it.

Actually, move you. For so many of us, getting away from the car is the most difficult and eco-challenging of all since suburbs and exurbs weren't built for the do-good green way of life. Still, work with what you have. Stop wasting gas on circling for a closer parking spot. Give up the drive-thru (and that includes the morning mocha, which we'd like you to consider making at home anyway!). Plan your shopping trips around other necessary outings (soccer games, dance class, the gym). Eat out at restaurants that are closest to home.

Advanced car challenge: designate one day a week to go car-free.

Advanced family challenge: spend time more time at home and less in activities.

Ulcer level: High—cutting down on our outings takes some scheduling. Don’t freak out. Just track your movements for a couple of weeks, then sit down with a calendar and see what you can do. Remember, one fewer trip in the car is … one fewer trip in the car!

9. The fourth 'R' plus the famous three

You know about reduce, reuse, recycle. But it's also a great green habit to "rethink." Before picking a checkout line, take one more look in the basket. Do you really need all that? Is there an item that you could wait to buy or pick up used online? Maybe something that you could borrow from the neighbor or share with your mother or improvise with something you already have at home? Challenge yourself to pick out one thing to put back on the shelf every time you shop. Remember, what you buy came from something, from somewhere, had an irreversible environmental impact. If you buy it, they'll make more. Is that what you really want?

Ulcer level: Depends. If you rarely tell yourself “no,” this might shock the system at first. However, rethinking is habit forming and clearing impulse buys out of the cart quickly becomes the easy part.

10. Change the light bulbs

We know, we know, enough already with the compact fluorescent light bulbs! How could switching to CFLs really matter?? It's too easy. It's not painful enough. What is it really doing?

Turns out, a lot. These bulbs use 75 percent less energy than your regular incandescents and they last 10 times longer (though, come on, it's STILL a good habit to turn off the lights when you leave the room). Once your CFL bulbs are in, they're in. Impact on your lifestyle is barely noticeable, so it's a great way to get in the mood.

Ulcer level: Low, low, low.