Q: Doesnt it use more electricity to turn the lights off and on than to leave them on? A: This is one of those urban myths that seems to persist, despite evidence proving the opposite…Bottom line: No. Turn off the lights whenever you leave the room. Often we get up to go to the bathroom… Continue reading Light Switch Dilemma
Category: Green Living
Hands and Feet
James 2:16b (English Standard Version): One of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? My son does not like to have his arms constrained. When he was born, somehow the nurses were able to swaddle him and keep… Continue reading Hands and Feet
How to Eco-Entertain Guests
Q. How Can I go green while entertaining? A. It’s really easy, and can be much less expensive, to entertain in an eco-friendly way. Here’s just a few green entertaining ideas for your next get together: Use your own dishes and glasses instead of buying disposable products. Mix and match your patterns to create an… Continue reading How to Eco-Entertain Guests
New Year’s Tips that Care for Creation
Q: What are some green ways to celebrate the New Year? A: When you welcome in the New Year this year, it’s the perfect time to make a commitment to start living green. Here are just a few ways to have a more eco-friendly celebration: Instead of buying confetti, make your own. Shred leftover gift… Continue reading New Year’s Tips that Care for Creation
Basics about Composting
Q: What do I need to know about composting? A: Composting doesn’t need to be complicated. Place a pitcher or covered container by the kitchen sink to collect your food scraps. Then start a compost pile outside. Turn it over every now and then. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it turns into free fertilizer,… Continue reading Basics about Composting
Going Green with Holiday Meals
Q: How can I go green with my holiday meals this year? A: If you strive to eat local and eat organic (or at least as chemical free as possible), you’ll be well on your way to going green for special meals this holiday season. And the good news is, it’s easy to continue the… Continue reading Going Green with Holiday Meals
Shopping Consignment
I love consignments. I began shopping at a consignment store a few years ago when needing some clothes for a fancy wedding rehearsal and ceremony. I began doing the majority of my shopping there. Later, I shopped there for environmental reasons–reusing existing clothes consumes far less resources than the production, shipping, and marketing of new… Continue reading Shopping Consignment
Warming up your car
Q: It’s getting very cold outside. Do I need to warm up my car before driving it? A: On very rare occasions, like when your car is encased in ice, your car needs to be warmed up. Even when we lived in northern New England, we almost never needed to warm our car. If… Continue reading Warming up your car
Can I leave on outdoor lights at night?
Q: I feel safer when I have outside lights on at night. Do you have any suggestions? A: Consider lighting with motion sensors, so the light is only on when you need it. If you do need to leave a light on all the time, be sure to invest in an LED bulb. Try… Continue reading Can I leave on outdoor lights at night?
Green Gift Giving Ideas
Q: What are some green gift giving ideas? A: Green gift giving is a great idea to spread the word of how easy and fun it is to go green. Keep in mind, though, that not all of your recipients might be as “green” as you are and as receptive to eco-friendly products and ideas.… Continue reading Green Gift Giving Ideas
What type of Christmas tree is greener?
Q: Which kind of Christmas tree is more eco-friendly, a real one or an artificial tree? A: Many people go “green” during the holidays by adding a Christmas tree to their decor. The most eco-friendly option, however, depends on your personal situation. Real Christmas trees grow for several years before being cut down, helping to reduce… Continue reading What type of Christmas tree is greener?
Cloth vs. Disposable Diapers
Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed – 1 Corinthians 15:51 (New International Version) A friend of mine sent this scripture to my husband on Facebook late one night while he was up with our son. She was right; he didn’t sleep and did a lot… Continue reading Cloth vs. Disposable Diapers
What temperature is best for my water heater?
Q: At what temperature should I set my water heater? A: We keep our water heater set at around 120 degrees. In summer, we turn the heat down, since the water coming into the house is already a warmer temperature. Here’s the bottom line: adjust the temperature seasonally to the place where For more information… Continue reading What temperature is best for my water heater?
How should I wash my clothes?
Q: I cant afford to buy a new washing machine. What are some ways to use less energy while using a standard, top loading machine? A: First of all, only run full loads. Secondly, because 80-85% of the energy used goes to heating the water, it is best to wash all clothes in cold water.… Continue reading How should I wash my clothes?
Getting a new heating and cooling system?
Q: When should I consider replacing the heating and cooling system in my home? A: If your furnace is over 20 years old, it would be a good investment to replace it with a high-efficiency model. New models can be over 90% efficient. Replace your filter every three months.
Showers vs. Baths
Q: Which uses less water and energy: showering or taking a bath? A: In general, baths use three-times more water than showers. If you do take a bath, consider re-using the bath water in your garden or on indoor plants. If you have little kids, have them bathe together or use the same water… Continue reading Showers vs. Baths
Setting Up a Green Nursery
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. – Acts 4:32 My husband and I met through church (and my parents!) more than a decade ago. Ryan was serving as a youth pastor at my parents church,… Continue reading Setting Up a Green Nursery
Knowing Where to Place Our Trust
“Thanks be unto God for his amazing gift, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.” John 6:36 At the very heart of Christianity is faith. Faith that the Lord our God is an awesome God, faith that God is… Continue reading Knowing Where to Place Our Trust
Which type of water bottle is best?
Q: Which kind of reusable water bottle is better – stainless steel or plastic? A: It’s great that you want to make the eco-friendly change to a reusable water bottle! Disposable plastic water bottles are clogging up the landfills at an unbelieveable rate. Even if all of the plastic water bottles used were recycled (and… Continue reading Which type of water bottle is best?
Quick Fixes for Your Energy Budget
Q: We are on a tight budget. My husband wants to invest in energy savings that have a quick payback. What are some easy, low-cost home improvements I can make? A: I tell people to go after the low-hanging fruit first, and then use those savings to pay for some of the bigger investments. Here… Continue reading Quick Fixes for Your Energy Budget