My Small Changes

For those who have not known me for long, let me share that my ecological footprint consists of:

1 bedroom condo
Clothes are washed with washing soda and borax combo (no dyes, perfumes, added chemicals)
Power cords used for electrical appliances including microwave, alarm clock, lights (powered off when not in use)
No washer/dryer (the local laundromat has more efficient appliances while some things can be washed by hand and hung to dry)
No TV
Stopped junk mail (also, No-Call List)
Cold brewed coffee (awesome! and no coffeemaker)
Cook a lot from scratch (including crackers and granola)
Cloth shopping bags and produce bags
Heat kept at 62 - except for this week's fiasco :(
Use canning jar for my travel coffee and KleenKanteen to take water with me
Use glass containers for taking lunch to work
Pick your own berries/fruit to load the freezer
Support the farmers' market and as many local farmers as possible
Buy in bulk at natural foods stores
I found that cheese stores much longer in a glass cheese dome that wrapped in that nasty plastic wrap
I use the shrinkwrap plastic to seal my patio door and made a heavy drapery from a dropcloth to keep my home warmer in winter
I make Christmas gifts for family, friends, and pets (homemade doggie treats!)
Most of my cooking is done in my vintage iron skillets (they are healthier for you!)
Table salt is wonderful for scrubbing any stuck on bits
Table salt mixed with lemon dissolves rust
Baking soda and vinegar are good friends
I have limited beef/meat consumption, opting for grains and legumes
I shop secondhand stores
I refashion clothing
I patch/make do/repurpose
I have made quilts from used (vintage) clothing
I use my local library whenever possible
My mother taught me waterbath canning, which I still do on occasion
I had wonderful gardens, and will again (container growing on my deck has not been productive due to my schedule/travel/life)