list twenty-one: GreenSpot commitments

I posted on the Hello Magpie facebook page last week some exciting news... Our home (and thus, Hello Magpie) have been approved as a Columbus GreenSpot! As a local "green" initiative established by our Mayor Coleman, GreenSpot allows Columbus homes and businesses to commit to changes which will create a more ecologically responsible environment. Once approved, GreenSpot encourages each of us to share our lists -- to reconfirm our intentions and educate others on our actions to be eco-aware.

This is my GreenSpot pledge. Many of these, we already do; others will be gradually introduced.

Here's how I will conserve energy

• I will replace my regular incandescent light bulbs with high-efficiency compact fluorescent ones.
  
• I will drive 10 fewer miles per week.
  
• I will purchase foods, goods, and services that are grown or produced close to home.
  
• I will turn my thermostat up in the summer, and down in the winter, or I will install a programmable thermostat.
  
• Other ways we will conserve energy. Please tell us what you will be doing in the space at the end of the form.
• We will line dry our laundry the majority of the time, rather than using a clothes dryer.

Here's how I will conserve & protect water

• I will water my yard only once a week, keeping in mind that 1 inch of rain/water is enough to keep most lawns healthy.
  
• I will install a rain barrel in my yard to collect rainwater, and use it to water my plants.
  
• I will install a low-flush toilet, or put a bottle of water or a displacement bag in my tank so I use less water with each flush.
  
• I will plant a tree on my property.
  
• Other ways we will conserve & protect water. Please tell us what you will be doing in the space at the end of the form.
• We no longer use our dishwasher. Instead, we use eco-friendly cleaning products and hand-wash our dishes, controlling the amount of water used.
• We no longer take excessively long showers.
• We no longer let the water run when brushing our teeth.

Here's how I will reduce, recycle and reuse

• I will carry reusable bags when I shop.
  
• I will choose products that use less packaging and less harmful material.
  
• I will request to be taken off junk mailing lists, stop catalog orders, and pay my bills online.
  
• I will avoid one-use items such as paper plates.
  
• I will buy small amounts of items that have a short shelf life and bulk amounts of items that do not go bad quickly.
  
• I will donate unused or unwanted items instead of throwing them away-and explore thrift stores instead of always buying something new.
  
• I will recycle paper, steel, glass, and plastic by using my local curbside subscription program.
  
• I will separate my yard waste (like grass clippings and leaves) from other trash, and leave it by the curb on my assigned day or I will compost it.
  
• We avoid buying petro-based plastics as often as possible.
• We are mending older clothes, making new clothes from vintage/thrift store fabrics, supporting handmade artisans, and committing to giving handmade gifts.
• My home business philosophy is that of eco-awareness and conscious consumerism, providing eco-friendly goods, functional, long-lasting products, and vintage items -- all of which support reducing waste by extending product lifecycle, reducing waste, and encouraging reusable items. All of my shipping materials are 100% recycled, repurposed, or reused.

Want to be a GreenSpot, too? If you're in Central Ohio, visit the Green Spot website to apply. If you're elsewhere, check out the application for great ideas on how to go beyond recycling!