I grew up on a farm in southeastern Washington State which is a desert in its natural state. The average rain fall is 8 inches per year. Farmers however use water from the Yakima, Columbia, and Snake Rivers to irrigate the millions of acres of fruits and vegetables.

I learned to be frugal with water usage by taking short showers, not flushing the toilet all the time, and managing to keep everything clean with minimal water. Every year since, I’ve added to my list of “Going Green.”

My question now is, What would be the next best step for me to take to go greener?

Here is my current completed list:

–Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins. I even used cloth diapers, but kids are grown now.

• –Stop unsolicited mail, by writing the junk mail companies and asking them to remove my name from their mailing list.
  –I no longer purchase bottled water, unless I am desperately thirsty in the airport and can’t locate a water fountain.
  –Use both sides of paper, jotting notes on the backside.
  –Don’t pre-heat the oven.
  –Have replaced most of the light bulbs with CFL’s (fluorescent) bulbs.
  –Pack light when traveling, to reduce the weight in the plane which reduces fuel consumption.
  –Unplug appliances I am not using.
  –Ride my motorcycle (even to haul garbage to the dump) to save gas.

 I am open to suggestions because every little effort in the green direction makes for a better journey. You can leave a comment or email me 4CherylWrites (at)gmail.com

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (Romans 14:19 NIV)