by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

Need a starter kit for going green at home? Take it one room at a time. Beginning with the most important and most-used space in the house - the kitchen. Here’s your list:

Cleaning supplies - Start with one good green soap and you’re set. Most specialty products aren’t necessary unless you believe the television commercials. Try an all-purpose cleaner like Dr. Bronner’s magic soap or Bio-Pac that is so safe that you can pour your used dishwater on outdoor plants.

If you need some scouring power, skip the chlorine and chemicals - Mrs. Meyers makes a surface scrub with natural silica, Oxygen Bleach and essential oils for extra cleaning action and scent. Bon Ami also makes a back-to-basics, unscented version at a lower price.

My favorite dish soap is made by Seventh Generation, maker of many high quality and natural cleaning and paper products. Did you know that most popular cleaners are made with petroleum (and tested on lab animals!)? Yuk! Green and clean alternatives use only naturally derived cleaning agents that are safe for our bodies and our environment. Save the automatic washer for party clean-ups and save water and energy. Hand washing is my favorite Zen activity, done with two large bowls, one for washing, one for rinsing (and the water off).

For bigger jobs like walls, refrigerators and floors, citrus-based concentrates like Citra-Solv are killer (as in grease, odor and germs). They can be used at different strengths for many jobs, even for window-washing or as a laundry booster.

Drain de-cloggers are pure evil on the environment - if you have a major clog, call a plumber BEFORE dumping a bottle of Draino down your pipes Can we disco that stuff yet??). Use Earth Enzymes by Earth Friendly Products to maintenance or to dissolve a clog in progress. It is non-caustic, non-acid, non-toxic, phosphate -free and biodegradable. Good ol’ enzymes and bacterias save the day in a natural way.

Most of us have a garbage disposals, but did you know that it is illegal to put food down any drain in some cities? Makes sense to me. Instead, scrape food scraps into your compost container before washing.

What’s that? You’re not composting yet? It’s easier (and less smelly) than you think. You don’t even have to purchase a special container - though you can. If you keep your scraps in the refrigerator in a bowl short-term or sealed container long-term, you’ll never know they’re there. Apartment dwellers can worm their way into composting - see how.

Break the paper towel habit - the sooner the better. Dishtowels are tried and true. If you gotta have a roll of tree pulp - I mean, paper - around for occasional emergencies, make sure to buy recycled and unbleached.

Natural cellulose sponges beat the heck out of those made with chemicals. Keep your sponge dry between uses to decrease bacteria build-up and increase their durability. I like to use old-fashioned cotton dishrags that I launder frequently.

I was thrilled when the first biodegradable and compostable trash bags appeared on the market and now they are widely available from several companies. I stocked up on these awhile ago, but when I discovered that these bags are mostly made from GMO (genetically modified) corn, I decided to switch. Seventh Generation makes bags out of 65% recycled plastic and puts it like this on their (very informative) web site:

If every household in the U.S. replaced just one package of 20 count drawstring tall kitchen bags made from virgin plastic with 65% recycled ones, we could save:

* 45,100 barrels of oil, enough to heat and cool 2,500 U.S. homes for a year
* 824,800 cubic feet of landfill space, equal to 1,200 full garbage trucks
* and avoid 16,800 tons of pollution!

Re-do and Re-live.

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

Our co-housing community received a shipment of rain barrels a couple weeks ago. I bought 2 for now and will probably add a couple more. They are made from recycled barrels by a local manufacturer, Mark Ray (919-636-1690). They are screened to keep out insects and have a hose hook up and overflow spout. Rain Barrels make a lot of sense and they are easy to install under a gutter spout. Even a brief rain shower can send gallons of water off of a roof and into your barrel in just a few minutes. They each hold 55 gallons of water (larger barrels are readily available).

That sounds like a lot these days considering our daily usage during this unprecedented, 6-month drought that has left trees dead and water reservoirs at or below 50% capacity. We’ve learned to live boat-wise and I have to say, it’s not all that bad, once you get used to it. We each get one flush a day (ask me how!), take super-short Navy-style showers with the faucet turned to half force and wash dishes camping style. I might even say it’s been fun in a challenging way. We’ll get some rain today and hopefully pull out of the extreme dryness sooner than later. Still, my family will always stick to our water-saving ways since climate change and growing populations will continue to stress fresh water supplies. In other words, Evolve or Die.

Harvesting rain water is not a new idea. There are many low and high-tech systems now available for homeowners, farmers and commercial businesses. And once you’ve filled your tank, the experts can show you how to reuse and recycle your water for indoor or outdoor use and even as an alternative to conventional septic systems. For more information, visit Integrated Water Strategies at www.waterrecycling.com

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

Reduce - everything you think you need or want, but really don’t.

Restore - everything you might throw out and replace.

Reuse - everything you think is disposable.

Rebuild - everything old can become new.

Recycle - everything that can’t be applied to the above.

Rethink - everything you use, buy, say or eat.

Reveal - everything that is true.

Re-establish - everything that made life more simple.

Reinvent - everything we thought we did right the first time.

Reject - everything anyone tells you that denies your instincts.

Rejoice - in everything that can be healed - by doing the above - in your life and on the planet!

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

I’ve been eating, drinking, sleeping, sharing, reading, thinking and celebrating sustainability (throw in a little fretting, too) for so long that sometimes I take things for granted - like the information that I’ve collected over a decade that keeps me in the green groove. Each time I’ve learned something new that I can do or change to make a difference in my health and my world, it’s a bigger and better rush than a king-sized espresso - and I can’t wait to tell others. If some of these ideas are old news to you, indulge me by simply passing it on to someone who may not have yet heard.

Did you know? Paraffin candles are a non-renewable waste-product of the petroleum industry. That’s why they are toxic and that’s why they are cheap. The petroleum in the wax releases toxins and most of the wicks are made with lead, which also leaches into the air when burned. This petrol-toxic soot stains walls and contaminates our lungs and tissues. Don’t buy them, don’t burn them. Nature provides a beautiful and better alternative in Beeswax. (How do the bees do it? Find out here.)

It’s not hard to understand that beeswax candles are “natural” but the good news only starts there. Beeswax candles and their lead-free cotton wicks give off the same bright light spectrum as the sun, rather than the “disorganized” light from paraffin that can cause eye strain. Beeswax is naturally and subtly scented by the honey and flower nectar that the bees eat. Beeswax not only burns longer but emits healthy negative ions which actually clean the air and potentially energize the body.

You’ll find a wealth of sources for natural beeswax candles both online and in health stores. Remember to buy local when available and support your small farmers. Bee Well!

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

I have a confession - I left out one item that I wanted to order from Real Goods on yesterday’s list. I’ve been struggling with the indulgence of it, since it serves no purpose besides being merry and bright. In the end, I happily bought one of my first “new” items of the year - one long, colorful string of LED holiday lights.

I escaped the nonsense of consumer “Holidayism” awhile ago, forgoing the traditional living tree, shopping for anything non-consumable, overeating, mailing cards and using gift wrap (not necessarily in that order). The result? I’ve since experienced many calm, meaningful and creative holiday seasons - filled with the actual “peace and goodwill” that disappeared with the invention of the mega mall.

It’s been especially fun giving different green gifts each year. Thrift stores are always an option - they are full of surprises and treasures this time of year. I’ve made dream pillows and boxes of original poems. I’ve given edibles like Fair Trade and Organic coffee, chocolate and tea. I’ve donated to Heifer International. I given pet sitting services and lunch dates. In fact, I’m no longer stumped about what to give - when I keep “Peace on Earth” in mind, the ideas just keep coming.

It’s also been fun ’sprucing’ up the house with sustainability in mind. One year, I collected a trunk load of pine boughs that had fallen to the ground in a December ice storm, enough to fill every corner of the house and decorate my yoga studio. It smelled great for a long while and I did my part in cleaning up on my block. Another year, I hung pine cones covered with peanut butter and bird seeds outside my windows. Another time, I made a huge wreath out of coat hangers and dried branches, decorated it with vintage silver and gold ball ornaments and hung it on a rope from my ceiling, where it moved and glittered in the sunlight. At night, it’s beeswax candles - besides being sustainable and lead-free, they clean the air and smell great.

I admit that I’ve missed a few good, old-fashioned colored lights - the problem being that they suck up energy and you end up throwing them out and buying more. Bah, Humbug. But, I’ve found my LEDs and I’m pretty jolly now. I will still be certain to light them only when I’m there to enjoy it so they will last for years to come.

Oops. Even a Pagan like me got suckered into thinking about the holidays REAL early after looking through the REAL GOODS catalog. Oh well - It’s a Wonderful Life!

REAL GOODS has been a resource and provider of all things sustainable and green - from garden supplies to household cleaners and from bamboo socks to educational toys to light bulbs and all the way to water filter systems, solar gadgets, composting toilets - and more since 1978. They’ve been saying it for a long time and it looks like we’re finally catching on. This from President and Founder, John Schaeffer:

“I’m struck by the acceleration of change in the last 12 months. All of a sudden the environmental message has caught on and everyone and everything seeks to be “green.” What a refreshing change! Our species is finally peeking beyond the veil of denial to see that we can’t put off reducing our carbon foot-print any longer - not for a year or a decade. [It is contended that] we must reduce our CO2 emmissions 90 percent by 2030 if we are to stabilize our climate at a tolerable 2 degree C temperature rise. The good news is this is not only possible, it’s easy to tackle your own direct footprint” [with the information, resources and products now widely available.]

I don’t know about you, but I’m inspired and challenged. Most of what I write about on this blog describes ways to CHANGE - our thinking, our habits, our attitudes, our perspective, what and how much we buy. The REAL GOODS catalog was like watching a good movie with a happy ending. Sure, we don’t need all of the latest and greatest green items out there - buying less stuff in general is part of the environmental equation. But, we most of them are eye-opening alternatives to things we do need and use regularly and will keep overall consumption more mindful and minimal.

I”m looking forward to the day when I can utilize the solar system and water pumps they offer, but for now, this is my order:

Bee Condo, made from reclaimed fir posts - I’ve welcomed the orchard mason bees each year, and now they have a safe residence besides the wood on my house.

Wildflower Seedballz - a simple way to spread beautiful wildflowers and promote local bee pollination. In fact, I’m ordering several of these for gifts.

Bamboo Socks - as you know, I love and depend on Maggies Organics cotton socks, but these moisture wicking bamboo socks will be great for hiking.

CFL Dimmer Bulbs - I haven’t used my overhead lights much because I couldn’t find a CFL that works in a dimmer. Well, here they are!

Plastic Bag Dryer - actually, I have this same one and I love it. I don’t collect many plastic bags anymore, but it allows me to conveniently rinse and reuse plastic wrap many times over. (I’ve made one box of wrap last a whole year!) So, I ordered another as a gift for a friend.

Laundry Soap - I’ve been using various biodegradable laundry soaps for a decade, but this Laundry soda is super concentrated - one tablespoon per load - that’s efficient packaging!

I don’t get out much (shopping, that is), but I have to admit, but this makes me giddy!

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

Although I’m not a full-blown feminist, I do believe that Patriarchy has kept the world from finding balance. This is a big topic that could go many places, but for now, I simply want equal time - specifically, in the bathroom - I want a urinal! Think about it - waterless urinals have been around awhile now, but they are only available to men. I would love to have a sitting version that could accommodate everyone and save tons of water.

I’ve seen just a few of the alternative flow toilets that flush with more or less water, depending on, well, you know. But this barely scratches the surface of the type of conservation practices we need now. I’m the only outhouse lover that I know, but they do make sense in public recreation areas, don’t they? I can’t stand to see traditional toilet facilities in these places since they are usually malfunctioning and filthy.

During my time living el fresco, I took easily to respectfully utilizing the great outdoors for my bathroom needs, camping style. Going back to peeing in perfectly clean drinking water suddenly felt foolish and I still avoid it at all costs (sawdust magic). A waterless urinal in homes and public places makes a lot of sense as we continue to needlessly suck our rivers and reservoirs dry. I hope that eventually composting toilets will become commonplace, but this waterless urinal could be an quick fix for now since you can use the existing plumbing system.

Entrepreneurs, pay attention! This is an opportunity waiting to be claimed! We’re only steps away and The Change would love to help you market and strategize this idea, so please contact us as soon as possible!

By Mary Wible Brennan, Durham, NC

I’m astounded that my neighboring city of Raleigh had record water usage this month IN THE MIDST OF A RECORD BREAKING DROUGHT! The main water supply in Falls Lake will run ‘dry’ in January without a significant rainfall yet people still want to water their lawns and wash their cars.

My grass is brown and it crunches underfoot, our car a dusty green, rain barrels are empty, but even in this drought, my tomatoes and young dogwood and magnolia trees are not too stressed. Our family secret: gray water.

Gray water is the term for all the water that exits your house except from the toilets (wasting water from toilets is another story for later). In a formal gray water system, the water from your sinks, showers, dishwasher and clothes washer is diverted into a cistern and stored for later usage. We are not prepared to invest in the infrastructure right now, but are using our own primitive system of recycling our used water.

Our entire family has permanently and seriously decreased time in the shower, but because our poorly designed plumbing system makes it hard to turn water off and back on to soap up (read about Navy Showers), so we’re not saving as much as we could. My children still take baths occasionally (in non-drought times) and after one “accidentally” filled up tub (how else would an 8-year old practice playing shark?) instead of the usual few inches of “splash and clean”, we had gallons of literally gray water. Alright, I decided, bucket brigade. My son and I scooped up water in buckets, tromped outside and watered plants. Since we use primarily Dr. Bronner’s Magic (organic and biodegradable) soap, I knew it would be fine for the plants, and according to a friend, the natural essential oil would probably keep voles from gnawing at the roots.

Several sloshy trips later, the tomatoes were watered and a galvanized tub on our deck filled with a backup supply. The inevitable splashes of water through the house even helped clean the floors and the heavy buckets added a bit of exercise to our evening - double duty!

Since then, we have been working on incorporating the bucket brigade into the evening routine. Showers, except on rare occasions, have replaced baths, but the kids plug the tub to catch the extra water. It does not always work when everyone is tired or when siblings don’t want to stand in the others dirty water, but overall, we’ve got it down. And, during this exceedingly dry time, my tomatoes are happier, my young dogwood is no longer wilting, the rhododendron is saved and most importantly, my children are much more conscious of the water they use and feel empowered by it rather than stressed out by the situation.

Little things we’ve always done to conserve feel even more purposeful now. We’ve made a formal policy of ‘if it’s yellow let it mellow, brown flush it down’ mantra instead of just occasional. When clearing glasses from the table, the leftover water goes into the pet’s bowls or on the house plants. Showers are even shorter and sometimes skipped altogether. No one runs a load of laundry (in our front loading washing machine) without it being stuffed full of clothes.

We will most likely keep these habits post-drought since it has been fairly easy and feels right. I hope that we can inspire friends and family to take on the conservation challenge and discover the same thing. They say it takes 30 days to change a habit, maybe times like this can serve as opportunities to rethink our use of this precious resource.