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StumbleuponAuthor's book helps parents learn that even small changes can make a difference
Friday, September 05, 2008
Jenn Savedge, pictured left, with her family.Small changes can make a big difference, insists Jenn Savedge.
"Whether you are raising an infant or a teenager, the decisions you make each day affect the environment," insists the Virginia mother of two.
Her book, " The Green Parent: A Kid-Friendly Guide to Earth-Friendly Living" (Kedzie Press, $14.95), offers activities and resources designed to help families cut through the confusion and learn to make the little changes that can alter the environment and the world.
Here are a few simple suggestions that Savedge says will make a difference:
Wash your fruits and veggies in a small pot rather than a stream of running water. When you finish, toss the rinse water on a houseplant.
Defrost food in the fridge or use the microwave when time is short. Defrosting your meat or veggies with tap water can waste 100 gallons of water each month.
You will use less water at a car wash than you would at home: commercial car washes use hi-powered hoses and recycle wash water.
To get floors clean without harmful chemicals, add 1 cup of vinegar per pail of hot water. For linoleum floors, combine 1/4 cup washing soda, one tablespoon of liquid soap, 1/4 cup vinegar and two gallons hot water. Do not use on waxed floors.
Choose eco-friendly toys, bedding and grooming products for your pet.
Did you know that more plants die from over-watering than under-watering? Water less. Only water your lawn when it needs it.
Mow less: longer grass grows deeper roots that make it stronger, healthier and less susceptible to weed and pest infiltration.
Keep food scraps, yard waste and newspapers out of the garbage by turning them into usable compost.
If your child brings her lunch to school, make it waste-free by using reusable containers to hold the meal. Skip juice boxes, use a thermos instead.
Encourage your school's teachers and officials to go paperless when possible at school. Announcements and meeting minutes can be distributed via e-mail.
Want to learn more? You'll also be interested in Savedge's blog: www.thegreenparent.com.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or mmoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Top 10 items to recycle
Aluminum
PET plastic #1 ( plastic bottles for items such as soft drinks, water, cleaning products)
Newspaper
Corrugated cardboard
Steel cans
HDPE Plastics #2 (these hold milk, laundry detergent)
Glass containers
Magazines
Mixed paper (telephone books, envelopes, etc)
Computers
