Inexpensive Giving

By Tiana on April 10 2008 at 8:05 PM

Everyone wants to be a better, eco-friendly person, but with our busy
life styles and rising gas prices we don't exactly live in the most
encouraging atmosphere. Don't be discouraged! There are many things
you can do to make a difference in your own little way.

As I walked into my local Borders, I caught a poster at the café
suggesting customers save some paper by filling up a tumbler the next
time they get their caffeine fill. A tumbler may set you back about
$5-$10 dollars but this could definitely make a difference if you need
a pick me up several times a week.

The next time you're picking up a few small items at a store skip the
plastic or paper bags, if you can easily toss them in your purse or
carry it out in your hand (just make sure you have your receipt so
they don't mistake you for shoplifting!). Why waste it if you don't
really need it anyway? Many stores are coming out with cute canvas
bags, which could come in handy when you're out and about shopping.

It doesn't stop there. Are you ever in the middle of doing something
and are reminded of something someone said that really impacted you or
simply made your day? Why not shoot them an email, text, or call to
say hi and remind them of the moment. They might not have thought
anything of it, but knowing that they made a difference in someone's
life—no matter how minute—just might make their day too!

We don't have to match celebrity donations or force ourselves to keep
up with their environmentally friendly lifestyles. Not everyone has
that kind of time or money. It can be as simple as making conscious
adjustments here and there to make this world a better place.

Comments

I was thinking, I buy coffee everyday, Monday--Sunday. And though most of the coffee is now served in recycled cups (at least 50%), its still a paper cup. I really don't have a rational reason or excuse for not using a tumbler. I have them in the flat (yes, I'm using that word cause apartment is lame-o), but I don't use it. I am going to get one, and I'm going to use it and I'm not going to feel ashamed for admitting that I don't on this reply....at least I wont be ashamed in a few months ;-)

Excellent! I know it's something you don't really realize. I sure didn't until I noticed the sign. It's such a small thing but it makes a big difference. If you get one of those decorate-it-yourself tumblers I'll draw you something spiffy. Or silly. Take your pick, haha. =]

I love this post and it is a great idea for reducing the mess that is created due to the large number of paper cups we use. I recently went through a walk at a park and was picking up some garbage and about 50% of it was Tim Horton cups. Thank you for bringin up this topic.

Lately, I've been really good about taking a bag to the grocery store (Whole Foods, right across the street, so dangerous for me, I love it!!). And I use a bottle for my daily 8-10 glasses of agua. But I'm really bad about the coffee tumbler - I almost always just get the paper cups. This post has inspired me to try to change my ways... thank you!!

So, speaking of water bottles... does anyone know where to get a really good one? I just heard about a segment on the Today Show saying that if your bottle has a 3, 5, or 7 on the bottom, it may not be ideal (could be leaching bad chemicals into your water) - mine is a 7 :-(

And thank you for the quick email/txt idea... we all need to show each other a little more love!

Really great article! It's a good reminder on how we can make those small changes and truly make a big impact. With everyone so busy these days, it's important to have a connection with the earth and also to have/maintain a connection with family and friends. Such simple ideas that we tend to forget..., thanks for the reminder Tiana!

@Amanda Kuehl: Aw, you're very welcome! I think it's become so routine in people's day that they forget how wasteful it can be.

@KC: Ah, yes it would be dangerous if Whole Foods was tempting me every time i left the house. =P I'm glad this post helps and I think it's wonderful that you're already using canvas bags and a water bottle! I'll have to let you know if I hear about a good water bottle.

@Judy: Thank you! =]

Awesome suggestions! Thanks so much for these great tips--I could always use some affordable options in trying to be green :).