Our Green House: REUSE

First, I have to say THANK YOU to all the readers who sent me email feedback about my first post in this series. I love hearing from you and please remember, it is ok, and actually encouraged, to leave comments here! I don’t bite- unless you happen to be a dark chocolate covered vanilla Dove bar, then all bets are off!

Now, on to today’s main feature, part two of the Our Green House series: REUSE!

1. I package as much as I can in Snapware or similar storage containers. I do like to freeze things like bread items and fruit/veggies in freezer bags, but I will reuse a bag numerous times before I need a new one. I have about four empty freezer bags in the freezer door waiting to be filled up. I hate spending money on plastic stuff. Remember, I’m cheap.

2. I also pack Vincent’s lunch in reusable containers, including his water in a thermos. He knows to put it back in his lunch box when he is done eating. As an added bonus, I can see how much he ate at lunch because he doesn’t think to throw out what is left- he just wants to play. Environmental friendliness and remote helicopter mommy all wrapped in one Toy Story lunch box.

3. I bring my own reusable grocery bags when I shop. I don’t let them put the meat or dairy in the bags because I am freaky like that, and I wash the bags after a few trips. I figure this is still better than having my groceries packed in disposables every time.

4. As a family, we have stopped using disposable plastic water bottles. I have to admit; the paranoia about what exactly is in those water bottles has gotten to me a bit. Scientists claim that they are safe for the initial amount of water sold in the bottle, but recommend you not refill them at home. As much as it disappoints Vincent, I’m no scientist (nor do I play one on TV) but I am a little leery of the first use too, if the second one is bad enough to warrant a warning. We all have reusable water bottles. The kids still use their sippy cups as well. We filter the water in the fridge door. I use tap water for cooking so the kids get their city-sponsored fluoride. This works for us, and again, I’m not buying water at the store. Cheap.

5. I am a big lover of hand-me-downs! I have a few friends who have given me great stuff for the children. I appreciate this so much. I get as much use out of them as I can and then pass them on to someone I know could use them, or I donate. If you are looking for a good place to make your donations try AmVets. I know they are in SoCal, and probably other places too. They are very reliable, very kind, and they are helping our veterans!

If you missed part one of this series, REDUCE, go back and check it out as some of the things we do could also be counted towards the reuse category. I love two-for-one deals, don’t you!

Next in the series is RECYCLE. I promise not to just copy and paste this post! Get it?

Thanks for reading!