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Am I the only one a bit confused by the notion that the green movement is a relatively new concept?  Wasn’t I learning to “be green” 30+ years ago in my little rural school when I was taught to avoid being wasteful with certain things?

As a child, I was taught:

a) we shouldn’t waste electricity—turn the light off when you leave a room;

b) we shouldn’t drive somewhere if we could easily get there on our bike or by walking—admittedly a little tough when your home is miles from the nearest town, but a logical thought when moving from one part of the farm yard to another;

c) recycle—collect your pop cans and newspapers in a container and take to a recycling center; and

d) don’t waste water—turn the sink or faucet off when not in use.  Don’t keep the water running while you’re brushing your teeth.

As an adult, how am I applying these to my life?  Well, this week in light of Southern Power District’s request, I’ve actually turned up the thermostat so the AC isn’t running as much.  Pretty big accomplishment for us because we do like to keep the house cool in the summer.  I’ve learned we can survive bumping it up 3-5 degrees.

The issue of driving is still a problem. As an adult, I live out in the country.  I do watch my trips into town.  I try to plan ahead so that I don’t have to make any special or unplanned trips.  I will admit we own an SUV.  We also own a smaller vehicle which is my “runaround” car which gets better gas mileage and is used regularly for those back and forth trips to town.

I’ve collected those cans and newspapers since I was a child.  As an adult, I’ve been amazed at how much plastic we go through after I started recycling milk jugs and such.  In the past few years, I also started recycling tin cans.   I’m glad Kenesaw has a drop area and it is obviously used by many because it doesn’t take long to be filled.

Right now water conserving water is on my mind.  As a farmer’s wife, it’s a constant thought.  As a parent and homeowner, it’s put into practice daily.  I am frequently reminding the kids to get their hands washed without playing in it.  I’m running the washing machine and dishwasher only certain times of the day.  I’ve decided to give up on watering my lawn for the year.

I realize there is more to the green movement than just these simple notions, but it takes little steps like these to contribute to the overall picture.  And we are always looking for new ways to improve what we’re doing.

If you can, take the time to ask yourself, “What can I do to take that old concept and become a little more green?”

 

About the author: Jill Kimle

Jill is a farm wife from the Kenesaw area with two BUSY children under the age of 5. She will admit to being in her upper 30's, and if you ask her specific age, she won't shy away from telling it. ("My kids will look at me in ten years and think I'm pretty old!")